It was okay. A paragraph or two stood out, but overall I just couldn't get into this book and felt like the author didn't clearly communicate any take-aways other than 'digging deep to discover the thing beneath the thing.'

This is such a practical but powerful book for understanding why you do what you do! I will definitely be using it as a guide and resource in counseling, my own life, and in personal relationships. I love how this is so practical at inviting God to help us move toward who he wants us to be and who He is. It’s not self-help, but christlikeness.


Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this incredible book!

Wow, I just had the privilege of finishing this book. I highly recommend this refreshing read. The author does a great job through out sharing his own struggles and vulnerabilities, allowing the reader to quickly connect with his anecdotes. He focuses on how our attitudes and actions typically represent more than meets the eye; how triggers develop for us based off our experiences, and can lead to reflexed responses. How God wants us to learn more about ourselves and be comfortable in our on skin, as He created us, to stop wearing masks and pretending to be what we are not

"Sometimes, we have to go through the painful thing in order to get to the other side. In order to live. In order to thrive."

The author continuously shows how our experiences, especially the painful ones, serve a purpose as lessons and experiences to share with others, having peace and enjoying the journey.

I highly recommend all read this, a great blend of describing basics of psychology, with applications to spirituality and Christianity, focusing on who we are and why we do what we do. Truly an inspiring and motivating read!

This can often be a somber and serious too, but the author perfects placing appropriate jokes and bits of his personality throughout to keep the reader interested, and again, to prove the author is human and experienced the same struggles.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Publishing for my free copy. The comments above are mine without influence.

Deeply insightful look into our own personal stumbling blocks in our paths to wholeness in Christ. What triggers us and causes these obstacles in our sanctification? Straightforward and easy to read. Definitely recommend in trying to understand the heart and behavior behind the actions. #thethingbeneaththething #netgalley #stevecarter