Walking on Water When You Feel Like You're Drowning

By: Tommy Nelson & Steve Leavitt

 

 

This book was written by two men who have experienced depression, anxiety, panic attacks and stress.  Tommy Nelson is a well-known author and pastor.  Many may know him from his teachings about the Song of Solomon.  Tommy explains how he loved teaching the Song of Solomon but along the way he began experiencing anxiety and panic attacks.  He realized that although he loved what he was doing he was overworked and stressed.  He wisely noted that he did not think it was possible to burn out from doing something that he loved but he was wrong.      

 Steve Leavitt is a counselor and has a ministry called Hope for Life.  Steve understands depression and anxiety as his life was turned upside down when his wife was pregnant with their second child and was diagnosed with cancer.  He talks about his pain as the Lord took his wife home four months after delivering their second child.  He was left to grieve the passing of his wife and be a father to two young children. 

In this book Tommy and Steve not only tell their stories but provide a biblical prospective to healing.  The book contains three parts: The Dark Descent, Questions from the Depths of Despair and Keys to Recovery.  The book was written in an alternating fashion meaning that in one chapter Tommy would tell part of his story and then Steve would tell his.  There are also some chapters that are just written by Steve.  I did not particularly care for the format of the book as it could be a little confusing at times but I did like the content.  I think both of these men have amazing testimonies and they could have written individual books.

 I would recommend this book to anyone experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress, obsessiveness and perfectionism.  This book would also be good for spouses or family members who would like to help or better understand what their loved ones are experiencing.    

 *I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.