| God cares deeply about you and your mental health. Author and mental health advocate Chris Morris has battled depression and suicidality his entire adult life. Even coming to Christ didn’t change this, which is something many fellow Christians don’t seem to understand. He still had to face the grief of unrelenting illness, the shame of struggling, and the pain of poor guidance. In this compassionate and engaging book, Chris shares how he overcame these challenges and invites you to do the same–no matter your diagnosis. Weaving biblical truth and personal stories with thoughtful strategies and hard-earned wisdom, he helps you move past fear and shame to combat the specters of depression and suicidality. God is still there, even in the darkest of places. May this book be a step in the process of healing and help you find hope in your battle. Includes reflection questions, Scripture meditations, and a bonus video course. Genre: Christian Living / Mental Health Release date: June 11, 2024 Click here to get your copy! |  |
Interview with Chris
#1. What was the inspiration behind this book?
Resilient and Redeemed is sourced in my own life. I have struggled with depression and suicidality my entire adult life, even though I’ve been a Christian this entire time. My journey has had its ups and downs, and frankly, a lot of the downs were based on bad information or coaching that I came across in the church. I heard things like this: “Only immature people struggle with their mental health” and “If you need to take psychotherapeutic medications, it’s because you lack faith.” These mistaken beliefs held me back for years because I wanted to honor the leaders God placed in my life.
I don’t want anyone else to be burdened with the shame and guilt that I carried for literally over a decade because of this poor teaching. I wanted to center this book both in my story and in the truths we find in the Bible as a way to show people that both my story and God support the ideas we’re talking about here.
Resilient and Redeemed is sourced in my own life. I have struggled with depression and suicidality my entire adult life, even though I’ve been a Christian this entire time. My journey has had its ups and downs, and frankly, a lot of the downs were based on bad information or coaching that I came across in the church. I heard things like this: “Only immature people struggle with their mental health” and “If you need to take psychotherapeutic medications, it’s because you lack faith.” These mistaken beliefs held me back for years because I wanted to honor the leaders God placed in my life.
I don’t want anyone else to be burdened with the shame and guilt that I carried for literally over a decade because of this poor teaching. I wanted to center this book both in my story and in the truths we find in the Bible as a way to show people that both my story and God support the ideas we’re talking about here.
#2. How long did it take to finish writing this book?
I wrote this book mostly at night over the course of about 5 months. I was able to write for about 30-45 minutes most nights during this time. Some days, I would fly through the manuscript and draft a full chapter during that time. Over days, I would barely get 25 words out. Writing at night isn’t always the ideal for me, which is why it was such a touch-and-go process for me. In a perfect world, I would be able to focus on my writing between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm—those are my best hours to get anything done. I just couldn’t fit that into my schedule at that time.
I wrote this book mostly at night over the course of about 5 months. I was able to write for about 30-45 minutes most nights during this time. Some days, I would fly through the manuscript and draft a full chapter during that time. Over days, I would barely get 25 words out. Writing at night isn’t always the ideal for me, which is why it was such a touch-and-go process for me. In a perfect world, I would be able to focus on my writing between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm—those are my best hours to get anything done. I just couldn’t fit that into my schedule at that time.
#3. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
This isn’t really funny or sad, but it was definitely empowering for me. My very first chapter talks about how God met me at the end of a suicidal moment and introduced me to Christ. I made a powerful connection to how specifically God engaged with me as I remembered this story and began writing it for the book. I had forgotten some of the details of the story, and it’s the details that are so powerful. You see, I didn’t even believe in God at the time, but I prayed an ultimatum type of prayer to him anyway. I prayed something like this: “God, you have seven days to show yourself real and relevant in my life, or I’m going to kill myself.” Here's the amazing thing that I forgot until I began writing it for Resilient and Redeemed. God showed up with the good news of the Gospel on day seven. We literally serve a just-in-time God, don’t we?
This isn’t really funny or sad, but it was definitely empowering for me. My very first chapter talks about how God met me at the end of a suicidal moment and introduced me to Christ. I made a powerful connection to how specifically God engaged with me as I remembered this story and began writing it for the book. I had forgotten some of the details of the story, and it’s the details that are so powerful. You see, I didn’t even believe in God at the time, but I prayed an ultimatum type of prayer to him anyway. I prayed something like this: “God, you have seven days to show yourself real and relevant in my life, or I’m going to kill myself.” Here's the amazing thing that I forgot until I began writing it for Resilient and Redeemed. God showed up with the good news of the Gospel on day seven. We literally serve a just-in-time God, don’t we?
#4. Did you have a specific demographic in mind while writing this book?
This book pretty naturally aligns with its target audience, to be honest. It is written for people of faith who struggle with this mental health, their loved ones, and church leaders who want to better understand the mental health struggles their people are going through. And frankly, the nature of the stories in the book lend themselves quite naturally to those three audiences.
I do worry that someone who isn’t in my target audience might pick up this book and expect something very different than what the book actually gives them. For example, if they are looking for a quick answer to solve a mental health dilemma, this book won’t provide that. I will say that the reason that won’t be provided is because I don’t believe there are quick answers to mental health challenges. But that’s one example of how someone might be disappointed with Resilient and Redeemed.
This book pretty naturally aligns with its target audience, to be honest. It is written for people of faith who struggle with this mental health, their loved ones, and church leaders who want to better understand the mental health struggles their people are going through. And frankly, the nature of the stories in the book lend themselves quite naturally to those three audiences.
I do worry that someone who isn’t in my target audience might pick up this book and expect something very different than what the book actually gives them. For example, if they are looking for a quick answer to solve a mental health dilemma, this book won’t provide that. I will say that the reason that won’t be provided is because I don’t believe there are quick answers to mental health challenges. But that’s one example of how someone might be disappointed with Resilient and Redeemed.
#5. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Two verses from Romans 8 come to mind as I consider sharing the message of this book, Resilient and Redeemed. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is a cornerstone truth that should act as a counterbalance for every action we take and every word we speak, especially when engaging with those who are hurting. Many with mental health conditions already feel the weight of guilt and shame for not “measuring up” to someone’s standards, and they automatically assume they don’t measure up to God’s standards too. We should try to enter into their circumstances with empathy and caring, rather than judgment or frustration.
Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” There are two related truths here to consider. Firstly, there is the radical truth that God is for us. It’s amazing to consider that God is ultimately and always on our team. Even when we screw up, he is for us. Even when we are overcome by our emotions, God is for us. No matter what, he is for us.
The second aspect of truth from this verse is that God being for us makes everything and everyone else smaller in comparison. This is a silly comparison, but this is the imagery I share with my daughter related to this verse. Imagine God is playing the center position on your basketball team—do you think you’ll win the game? In the same way, we can be assured of “winning” in the game of life because God is on our team.
Two verses from Romans 8 come to mind as I consider sharing the message of this book, Resilient and Redeemed. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is a cornerstone truth that should act as a counterbalance for every action we take and every word we speak, especially when engaging with those who are hurting. Many with mental health conditions already feel the weight of guilt and shame for not “measuring up” to someone’s standards, and they automatically assume they don’t measure up to God’s standards too. We should try to enter into their circumstances with empathy and caring, rather than judgment or frustration.
Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” There are two related truths here to consider. Firstly, there is the radical truth that God is for us. It’s amazing to consider that God is ultimately and always on our team. Even when we screw up, he is for us. Even when we are overcome by our emotions, God is for us. No matter what, he is for us.
The second aspect of truth from this verse is that God being for us makes everything and everyone else smaller in comparison. This is a silly comparison, but this is the imagery I share with my daughter related to this verse. Imagine God is playing the center position on your basketball team—do you think you’ll win the game? In the same way, we can be assured of “winning” in the game of life because God is on our team.
More from Chris
Resilient and Redeemed is a book that the Christian community needs. For too long, those with mental health conditions have been forced to be shamed or to hide their struggles. Especially in a post-COVID world, mental health has to come to the forefront of the conversation. This book details in an unapologetic way my struggles with depression and suicidal ideations. The core message of this book is that God doesn’t write people off because of their struggles with their mental health. No, God is with us and for us no matter what.
Resilient and Redeemed is full of hard-won, battle-tested tools that will help people fight the battle for their mental health. There are no easy answers given, because no two mental illnesses present the same. Ensconced in story, this book gives a full toolbox of practices to support better mental health, ranging from how to find a counselor that will work for you to daily rituals that will ground your days and affirm your agency in your life.
I also put together a video series talking about resilience to accompany this book. As a member of the blog tour, you’ll gain access to over 40 minutes of me talking about resilience. We cover things like where does resilience come from, what does resilience have to do with faith, and so much more. I’m especially proud of the work I did for this video series, and I think you’ll find it incredibly valuable.
Resilient and Redeemed is full of hard-won, battle-tested tools that will help people fight the battle for their mental health. There are no easy answers given, because no two mental illnesses present the same. Ensconced in story, this book gives a full toolbox of practices to support better mental health, ranging from how to find a counselor that will work for you to daily rituals that will ground your days and affirm your agency in your life.
I also put together a video series talking about resilience to accompany this book. As a member of the blog tour, you’ll gain access to over 40 minutes of me talking about resilience. We cover things like where does resilience come from, what does resilience have to do with faith, and so much more. I’m especially proud of the work I did for this video series, and I think you’ll find it incredibly valuable.
 Chris Morris | Chris Morris is a certified mental health coach dedicated to promoting understanding of mental health issues within the church. Because of a lifelong struggle with depression and suicidality, Chris became committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek after holistic health. As a writer and speaker, Chris has shared his personal story and insights with audiences across the country, inspiring many individuals to take control of their own health, break free from poor theological teaching placed upon them, and seek the support they need. He has published several books on mental health, the most recent being Resilient and Redeemed. His work has been featured in a number of media outlets, including CrossWalk, The Mighty, and Fathom Magazine. |
Chris is deeply committed to creating a more compassionate and supportive world and church for individuals living
with mental health issues. Through his writing and speaking, he is a powerful voice for change and a beacon of hope
for those in need.
with mental health issues. Through his writing and speaking, he is a powerful voice for change and a beacon of hope
for those in need.
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate his tour, Chris is giving away the grand prize package of
a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book, and an Audible copy
of Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Illness in the Church!!
a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book, and an Audible copy
of Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Illness in the Church!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!
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Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 27
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 28 (Author Interview)
Simple Harvest Reads, July 29 (Author Interview)
For the Love of Literature, July 30 (Author Interview)
Texas Book-aholic, July 31
Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 1 (Author Interview)
Through the Fire Blogs, August 2 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3
Blossoms and Blessings, August 4 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, August 5
Stories By Gina, August 6 (Author Interview)
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 7 (Author Interview)
A Reader’s Brain, August 8 (Author Interview)
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 9 (Author Interview)
Artistic Nobody, August 9
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