In the Middle of the Mess: Strength for This Beautiful, Broken Life

Walsh (Five Minutes with Jesus), cohost of the TV show Life Today, opens her poignant text with a letter to her father, who committed suicide when she was five years old. In her letter, Walsh engages with her late father’s battle with depression, sharing that she, too, has had thoughts about taking her own life: “I’ve been tormented by thoughts of suicide for most of my life—first of my father’s, then of my own. Is this a shocking confession? It is to most people, and it should be.” Walsh delves into practical ways she has learned to arm herself against depression, recommending journaling and confession as helpful in overcoming dark thoughts. Weaving together memoir and tips for happier living, Walsh aims to help readers find “a place to show up in our brokenness and still be loved, a safe place where we can come as we are.” Each chapter focuses on a theme (“No More Bumper Sticker Faith,” “You Are Braver Than You Know,” “Rejecting the Lies We Believe”) that is explored first through Walsh’s own experiences and then through passages from scripture that impart a lesson, concluding with a brief reflection. Readers will appreciate Walsh’s courage and candor as she challenges other Christ followers to be honest about their struggles and to help out fellow sufferers with kindness and compassion. [em](Nov.) [/em]