Why I Decided to Write a Book about Chaos [3 weeks left!]

Anticipating the launch of Rhythms of Resilience

In 2020, I found myself in a precarious state.

I found myself often combatting anger, depression, and angst about the state of the world. Then one day, I lost it.

I was in a beautiful, peaceful garden. At the time, masks were required. However, no one was around me for like 20 feet. So I had mine off. Some stranger comes out of nowhere and corrects me, “Put your mask back on!”

I feel like it would have been a simple ask, and I should’ve complied. But instead, something rose within me. It was anger, and angst of the last year, and I instead shouted back, “I’m not even close to you, dude. Chill out.” We got into a verbal altercation. And we parted ways. 

I walked back to my car, fuming. But in the back of my head, I knew I had done wrong. What’s wrong with me?” I thought to myself. I’m supposed to be a Christian and supposed to be loving and kind. Yet I found that I wasn’t thriving spiritually. Hence my outburst. 

The strangest thing was that, like a “good Christian,” I was doing everything we were supposed to be doing. I was reading my Bible, going to church, and praying. But something was not right within me. I realized that my faith practices were built for times of peace; they were not built for times of chaos.

This led me on a search and pursuit of answering the question:

What are the faith practices Christians do when things are crazy?

This search led me through much reading, research from my time in seminary, and my experimentation and practice. After some time, I started figuring out patterns and practices that our Christian forefathers practiced when the stakes were highest. I started practicing them myself, and the experience was amazing. 

I found myself trying to explain it to my friends. But never had enough time to do so over dinner or coffee. So instead, I decided to write a book. I did it primarily for my friends to understand the power and impact of these practices. 

Me finishing a major draft

But somewhere along the line of writing, I realized that this was a message not just for my friends. But the world needed to hear this message. Then God opened a door that I never thought would have opened.

I got in touch with a publisher. It was a Godsend! I was looking for someone like them, and they were looking for someone like me. We agreed to a deal, and next thing you know–I’m writing and publishing my first book.

It took me a long time to write. After much trial, error, and considerable growth as a writer, we are finally at the last stages of writing. And I’m extremely excited to share the book with you guys today.

Coming in December 2022, Rhythms of Resilience: Faith Practices to Thrive in Chaos will be released on Amazon.

For those of you guys new to the newsletter, this is a crown jewel accomplishment. For anyone that has, like me, struggled with understanding what we need to do when times are crazy, this is a book for you.

In it are 15 spiritual practices that I have found practiced throughout Christian history that are specifically tuned to help us combat the forces of chaos on our lives. Whether it is confusion, anger, or feeling overwhelmed, these are the biblical habits that our heroes of the faith have committed themselves to. They did it when times were crazy and it helped them see God amid chaos.

I have zero desire to be famous. I just want to see the church empowered with the habits and practices they need to thrive in chaos. 

I hope that you will join me on this journey of the imminent book launch!

You were made for greatness,

Phil