One of Shortest (Yet Most Significant) Books I Have Ever Read
A couple of years ago a friend told me to check out the book Unshakable You. I had no idea what a HUGE IMPACT it would have on me! I hopped on Amazon that evening and ordered it. When it came in I did not know that such a quick read would be so impactful for my emotional health.
There are a few things that make this book so impactful:
First - it is a short read! Only 87 pages long (with large font and small-sized pages) you could finish the book in one or two reading times
It takes time to address emotional health and depression (which is often not talked about in Christian circles) from a faith-based perspective
It gives such clear action points that can help you take the right steps
The author, John Opalewski, shares his own experience of being a pastor but having a season where serious depression enters his life. In the introduction, he shares some of the things that led to this and also ways to spot early on if you are heading towards depression.
After sharing his personal experiences he walks through 5 key areas to be on the lookout for. Truth be told - none of these may seem profound - but if put into action they will have a SIGNIFICANT IMPACT on your emotional health.
I won't detail the whole book for you - but the author gives you 5 CHOICES (Yes - things you have to chose) to work towards in your journey for emotional health:
Love yourself - a fresh perspective on a common verse
Manage your anger - repression (of anger) often leads to depression
Protect yourself from abuse - it's not loving to let someone abuse you
Refuel Emotionally - we need to cool off and refuel
Stay Alert - emotional health takes work
Each chapter is packed full of short yet thought-provoking material. As you read through you can begin to create action steps. Health in any arena of our life takes work - and Unshakable You helps you to the "heart work" and the "head work" for emotional health.
In the epilogue, John unpacks how his depression affected his spiritual life and the journey of maintaining his walk with Christ during those seasons and what spiritual healing looked like in the process as well.
Sincerely this could be one of the most significant things you can do - and at only $10 and with only 87 pages - Unshakeable You a quick read with long-term impact.
Making the journey together,
Pastor Ashton
