Lauren Gaskill has curated each chapter around a topic. She then lends her own story and experiences, along with scripture and prayers to round out the topic. Her authenticity shines through and you will be able to relate no matter where you are in your journey. It's relatable and a resource for when life is not all sunshine and rainbows. It digs into the deep and the darkness that we sometimes have to go through. This is a book I would recommend to friends and family!

I had a really hard time getting into this one and ended up abandoning it the first time around. I plan to pick it up again later this year to try again as I think it has a very good message. I just wasn't the target audience or wasn't in the place to hear and understand the message the first time. The writing is decent, and her voice is compassionate and conversational. I really want to like this book as I like the author, so I will pick it up again later this year. For now I would recommend it to friends because I'd love to hear their thoughts and takeaways.

Into the Deep
Diving into a Life of Courageous Faith
by Lauren Gaskill
Abingdon Press
Christian , Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 06 Nov 2018



I am reviewing a copy of Into the Deep Through Abingdon Press and Netgalley:



In this book we are reminded that serving Jesus does not mean we are going to have sunny skies and smooth sailing that in fact we will often be caught in the midst of life’s storms. We are reminded that at times we will feel like we are drowning in a sea of confusion, division, frustration and complacency. It is pointed out too that we will need something more than shallow faith to make it through the deep waters.



Into the Deep is our invitation to dive headfirst into a life of Courageous Faith, with endearing warmth and authenticity, Lauren Gaskill shows us how she and others have learned to swim in the deep waters of life, as we face such challenges as anxiety, depression, Chronic Illness just to name a few.


I give Into the Deep five out of five star!


Happy Reading!

Author Lauren Gaskill delivers an authentic book that reveals her personal struggles and how living out her faith took great courage. She shares how she overcame obstacles and offers tips, suggestions, Scripture, and advice for how readers can find the courage too.

I appreciated the authenticity shared by the author as she opens up about her own struggles. Each chapter has a selection of Scripture she suggests as well as a prayer that ends the chapter. The progression of the book finds readers where they're at in their struggle and by the last page Ms. Gaskill concludes with how readers can share their faith to friends, family, or anyone who might be facing challenges of their own.

***I received a copy of this book from the publisher. My review expresses my honest opinion of the book.

I loved reading Into the Deep. Gaskill writes as though she sits across from you at a coffee shop — very approachable and friendly, yet with authority. She knows of what she speaks. Her road has not been easy, by any stretch.

The book reads like a more approachable Brene Brown; I love what I’ve read of Brown’s works, but get lost in the weeds on occasion. Not so with Into the Deep. Refreshing, encouraging, honest, forthright, Gaskill doesn’t shy away from the hard things, but presses into them in search of — and finding — the good Creator and Physician.

I look forward to following Gaskill’s podcast and journey beyond the book. Her story doesn’t end here — nor do ours. Her perspective and diagnosis response encourage me to respond similarly in my own life.

I never learned to swim and as I read the beginning of this book , I thought oh no I may be in trouble. The author asks which group you fall in comparing faith to swimming. I may be the one who hesitantly exercises faith. Whenever we go through a difficult time, that is the perfect time to lean on our faith. Sometimes we don't and then wonder what happened. For me it was hitting the bottom of the barrel in my life before I truly understood about faith. The anger that had built up inside of me was too much and I was on the brink of walking away from God. I can't pinpoint the moment but I know that at some time, I surrendered and said "God, I have little faith but I need you." It was a turning point in my life.

i really enjoyed this book and how it is set up. Each chapter is about a topic which the author gives great examples that help you apply it to your life.. At the end of each chapter is a Going Deeper section, followed by a prayer. I loved how the author used biblical and real life stories in the book. There are a few chapters I want to touch on. The first is learning to trust. That is a big one for me. I am guilty of wanting to be in control. That does make it hard on God, if I take the reins and leave Him out. When I began to really trust Him, I felt this big weight lifted off me. Now God is in control and I can feel confidant that He has my back.

The other chapter that really caught my attention was about overcoming fear. I have lived with fear all my life and have PTSD. My day is filled will anxiety, depression and fear of everything. It is a hard journey but after reading this chapter, I feel more confidant and assured that my faith will see me through.I enjoyed the example of Job. He really went through so much, yet he showed no fear. His faith was so strong he overcame what the enemy tried to do. God doesn't want to see us suffer. "He may allow it and use it to purify our faith and draw us deeper into relationship with Him."

I hope you will grab a copy of this book and let the words soak in has you go deeper into His presence. He is always there waiting with open arms. "He who is strong to save us once is strong to save us for the rest of our lives."

I received a copy of this book from Read with Audra Blogger Program. The review is my own opinion.

You can fight for faith and keep hope alive

Lauren Gaskill is a speaker and the founder of "She found Joy" podcast and tour. In her book "Into the Deep: Diving into a Life of Courageous Faith" she shares how she experienced God's faithfulness in her life while battling anxiety, dealing with the diagnosis of the incurable genetic Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and starting a women's ministry. The goal of her book is to encourage the reader to fight for faith and to keep hope alive in providing examples from her own life to which the reader can relate, often linked to her experiences as a swimmer. She underlines that the truth of the bible never changes and bases her statements on this truth of the Bible.
Gaskill introduces the chapters with quotes that underline the importance of the discussed topic, she presents resources for further study (Questions for going deeper) and ends the chapters with prayers that can be used as they are or adapted to the reader's personal situation.
I highly recommend the book for today's Christian women who need encouragement for the struggles that they are facing. It will help them to see that they are not alone, that they need to strengthen their own faith, and that they can apply Gaskill's practical tips on deepening their relationship with God in their own lives. I appreciate Gaskill's honesty about her struggles and her wisdom from a life that is not only "sunny skies and smooth sailing."
A quote that is important to me: "God is stronger than the enemy beneath our feet, and he has a divine check on the chaos that the enemy's movement creates. Even if our worst nightmare comes to life, God is not surprised; and if we can just hold on, we will see deliverance once again."
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#IntoTheDeep #IntoTheDeepBook #NetGalley

This is a fabulously well-written book that you can read on your own or use as a group study. If you want to know how to discover a deeper, more authentic faith in God, this is the book for you. The author uses stories from her own life, as well as the lives of men and women in the Bible to show how deep, courageous unshakable faith is possible. I highly recommend this to everyone!

I loved this book, so SO much. The author wrote in such a way that immediately put me at ease, and I ended the book feeling as though we were friends who'd just bared our souls over coffee. Following the Lord is an adventure, to be sure, and sometimes...heck, most times...the adventure takes you on a journey that requires hardcore faith. And, confession: I am not the best at hardcore faith. I want to know the outcome before I arrive at my destination. This book was a balm to my weary soul, and one that I need a physical copy of asap. It will go with me everywhere.

I am so thankful that I had this book to read during this time of my life. I read this book during the first few weeks of my postpartum season. My faith has been strained and pulled during this after-birth healing time and “Into the Deep” helped me to turn over to God my weaknesses and cling to Him. Throughout her book, Lauren encourages us to trust God in those “deep” waters and allow those test and trials to strengthen our faith instead of drowning. At the end of each chapter Lauren poses “Going Deeper” questions that helped me to evaluate my faith and trust in Christ and showed me that I can have more than a shallow relationship, even when the waves seem high. Fear wants us to pull away and push back, especially when we don’t feel in control. Lauren reminds us that our faith is what helps us to keep moving forward and hold onto God in those “deep” water times where God desires us to lean into Him. Lauren shares her own story with such transparency and honesty. She has and is living out the message that she has shared through this book!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher.

Gaskill gives an inspiring personal account of her struggles and the lessons she has learned. About the first third of the book is her personal story. The rest of the book is encouragement to move out in faith, not letting fear have its way. She wants readers to live the life God intended, diving deep and swimming with Jesus.

I was impressed with Gaskill's personal account and her honesty about her struggles. She had stopped believing God's Word for her life. She reminds readers that there is a difference between knowing God and believing Him. Believing changes everything, she says. God did not take her problems away. Instead, He met her while she was a mess and began to change her inside.

I really appreciate the wisdom in this book. The teaching is great and very practical. The insights are wonderful. The questions at the end of each chapter are great for personal reflection or group discussion. I highly recommend this book.

Food for thought: “...when we choose to seek God more than we seek to have things go our way, something pretty amazing happens. (1221/2336)

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Read With Audra. My comments are an independent and honest review.

I’m no deep diver in a swimming pool. Heights are my enemy. I’m satisfied to do the breaststroke or simply doggy-paddle.

My friend Lauren has been a competitive swimmer. She’s a pro at jumping off the diving board. I’m sure the heights don’t faze her.

But we’ve both had to dive deep in our faith from ridiculous heights of suffering. Lauren has serious health struggles, and I’ve had significant emotional struggles.

What binds us together is our willingness to dive deep into our faith when the hardest times hit us. Her words have inspired me for years on her blog, and now, her first book Into the Deep is splashing into the world.

Lauren is a gifted writer, woman of deep faith, and a personal friend. She hosts a thriving national women’s gathering called She Found Joy and a vibrant podcast. We got to meet one another at She Speaks 2018, which was one of my highlights from a wonderful conference of godly women like Lauren. I have enjoyed reading her book Into the Deep, and you will too if you are looking to deepen your faith this year.

Practical Takeaways from Into the Deep

Lauren talks about deep spiritual truths, but she also offers down-to-earth advice for growing your faith. Here are a few of my favorite ideas from the book:

1. Meditate on the names of God. She provides a helpful chart with many biblical references.

2. Make an SOS file to use when facing spiritual battles–it will help you retain hope and positive feelings in the hardest fights.

3. Read stories of how other women conquered their fears with faith. Lauren graciously shares several inspiring, real-life stories at the end of the book, which you will find uplifting.

Favorite Quotes from Into the Deep

"I don’t want to fight the waves on my own; I want to let Jesus take over as He clears my lungs and floods my heart with His love, joy, grace, power and perfect peace."

"When we say yes to Him, He spurs us on to keep believing. Our choice, then, is whether or not we will yield and receive faith in the first place."

"We need faith if we are going to survive this life, and that means we simply cannot afford to lose it or settle for something less than what God wants to give us."

"I, for one, would trade every pair of fashionable boots and heels I own if that was necessary for me to wear the shoes of peace for the rest of my life. But because of Christ, I can wear these shoes every day."

"Do you try to spend time in the Bible daily–not just so you can check it off your to-do list but so you can be equipped for righteous, victorious living? I promise you, you will never regret making the choice to get more familiar with God’s Word and fill your mind with its truths."

"Even if our worst nightmare comes to life, God is not surprised; and if we can just hold on, we will see deliverance once again."

"Living by faith isn’t living blindly at all; in fact, engaging our faith in the decision-making process gives us the clearest vision we will ever have."

Thanks goes out to Netgalley and Abingdon Press for providing me a review copy of this excellent book.

Thank you to Abingdon Press for the free review copy. All opinions are my own. 

Gaskill, in this novel, walks alongside her readers to help them deal with fear. She challenges and pushes the reader to dig deeper into their faith when they feel overwhelmed and are drowning in life. 

Her honesty and vulnerability made this book easy to read. I wanted to listen and take advice from her because of how much she shared about her own struggles with faith. This book was truly written from the heart, and I think that will help it be successful.

Lauren Gaskill writes about faith as the antidote to anxiety. When worries threaten to pull us into deep places, she shows us how taking a leap of faith into a deeper relationship with Jesus can be just the life ring we need.

Lauren learned as a young adult that she couldn’t rely on the faith of her parents to get her through life’s challenges. When anxiety and pain threatened to overwhelm her, she discovered her own faith. Through her experiences, she wants to encourage other people who struggle.

When trials come our way (and they WILL come), Lauren offers six important things to remember—the most important reminder? God is not punishing us (I heard several variations of this one when Pedro had cancer). We live in a sinful world and the consequences of sin affect all of us. God wants us to understand that he’ll walk with us through the pain and the consequences of sin.

If you’re looking for a life ring, Lauren offers practical tips on deepening your relationship with God, prayers that guide us closer to him, and resources for further study. Her honest sharing of how Jesus both rescued her from the waves and helped her learn to swim in the deep with faith will encourage and uplift you.

This was a wonderful book to help build faith in a loving God and a reminder that we weren’t promised an easy life but a supported and empowered life. The Father is with us on the good days and the bad days, no matter our circumstance He is faithful to work all things for our good!

I needed this book. The reminder that God doesn't promise us smooth sailing, but that He is there through the good times and bad. We have had some rough patches this past year, so this book really spoke to me.

Into the Deep is an invitation to increase your faith by wading into the deep. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? But as Lauren gently reminds us, we don’t have to be afraid of the deep because Jesus will be right there with us. Each chapter ends with a set of questions inviting us to go deeper into the topics discussed. Our introspection is requested to lead us into a deeper faith walk with Jesus.

Know God – Lauren encourages her readers to have a relationship with God. Jesus is the one who goes into the deep waters with us and so we have to cultivate and maintain a connection with Him. We not only have to know Him, but we also have to believe Him.

Know yourself – Throughout the book, Lauren tells part of her story. She walks us through her history and her walk with God. When we know who we are, we understand how much we need a connection with Christ. We learn to pray with boldness for the things we need.

Run your race – Each of us is on a journey which we approach in a unique way. We are not alone in this life, but everyone is on a different journey. Our stories matter and should be shared. As we run our race and share our experiences, we encourage others and ourselves.

Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee sunny skies and smooth sailing. In fact, the waters of life are often tumultuous, crashing over us. Sometimes we can feel that we’re drowning in a sea of confusion, division, frustration, complacency, or disillusionment. We need more than a shallow faith to survive these deep waters.

Into the Deep is an invitation to dive headfirst into a life of courageous faith. With endearing warmth and authenticity, Lauren Gaskill shares how she and others have learned to swim with Jesus in the deep waters of life—facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, and chronic illness—only to discover a more authentic, enduring faith that cannot be shaken by circumstances.

In addition to examining the character of God and the lives of women and men of the Bible who chose to dive deeper with God, she provides practical examples and tools that help us take our faith to the next level by learning to make decisions by faith alone, control our reactions to overwhelming situations, and live a life rooted in love.
I loved this book.

The first chapter sucked me in. This is a very different Christian book, something very different than what is currently on the market. There is more here than the standard, flowery book.

Chapter one opens on “Help Me I’m Drowning” and gets us going with the discussion about anxiety. Lauren admits her struggles with anxiety, which is all too relatable.

This is more than another one of those Christian books encouraging better faith. This is a movement. Dive deep. This is a must read for anyone.

This was not a very deep book, nor was it particularly well written. It was not clear who this book was targeted to nor who it would really help. There were not enough Biblical references in my opinion.

I was so blessed to accidentally stumble onto Lauren Gaskill’s Facebook page, and discovered that she was having a Launch Team for her book “Into the Deep”. I eagerly applied, and I was thrilled to be accepted onto the team. The cover of her book looked so invited, and the topic sounded like it was exactly what I needed at this time in my life. I was not disappointed!

Oftentimes, it feels as if we are drowning in the deep waters of life. Problems and hardships surround us, pulling us down. However, we have the ultimate lifeline in Jesus. We can choose to live out a life of courageous faith despite the circumstances that are thrown at us in this life. This is the message of Lauren’s book. The book contains 12 chapters of encouragement and practical advice. I especially loved how Lauren included personal stories, scripture, and ended each chapter with discussion questions and a heartfelt prayer.

Some quotes that really touched my heart were:

“Faith is not the absence of fear but the presence of courage.”

“God’s love and Jesus’s sacrifice have already set us free, providing a rescue for our weary souls. We just have to be willing to die to our doubt and cling to the faith and freedom we received when we first believed in Christ.”

“Joy is not the absence of problems but rather the presence of a Savior.”

“When we feel unsure of everything around us, faith in God’s Word and the hope of swimming through the deep waters of life with Jesus is what sustains us.”

“If we want to trust God, we must let go of control and spend quality time discovering who He really is.”

“If Jesus promises to always be with us, we can trust and believe that He’s here even when we can’t feel Him.”

“As we swim through the deep waters of life, we need to arm ourselves with God’s truth – the only thing that can truly hold us together and cut through the enemy’s deception and schemes.”

“Faith is our compass in the deep.”

I highly recommend this book to anyone at any stage of life. If nothing else, grab a copy and read chapter 8, which contains the faithful swimmer’s battle plan, and the personal stories in chapter 12. You will not regret picking up a copy of this uplifting book!