The title did pique my interest right away . I appreciate the definition of tenacity given by the author which is “standing strong in the whirlwind of life and holding firmly to our convictions because the root system we’ve established in our lives.”

It is important to stay true to our faith even when we face trails. I really liked when the author said, “nobody chooses to have mental health problems.” I appreciate the author’s openness about his mental health. We see many struggling with mental health and it has definitely affected our children. The Bible is key to helping with mental health. It shows how God is there, never wavering and always protecting us.

The book focuses on Psalm 139 and breaks down every verse. The author shares his insight to each scripture and uses Illustrations to help readers understand the scriptures better. The book is geared toward helping children with mental health but it can also be applied to adults as well. Children need to know that no matter what they tell their parents they will still be loved unconditionally. I have heard of parents turning their back on their child when they confess struggles they are having that the parents don’t believe in. Remind them that, “ God doesn’t think any less of them because of their struggle and neither do I.”

There are questions provided at the end of each chapter that are helpful as you go through this book. The scriptures are good to reread and helps us get more intimate with God. My favorite scripture is Romans 8:31. The author uses this scripture to show that God is for us. He is there always. It is a great promise from God that will help all of us know we are not alone.

One thing I think is important to point out is the author says “not everyone will agree with me,” is good to take note of. Some points in the book may not be something you agree with. I did find many helpful tools in the book. This past Sunday in church the pastor used the name ,” God El Roi.” That was very unfamiliar to me . Now as I read this book that same name is used. The meaning is “ the God who sees me.” What a great name to remember. He does see us in everything we do.

The book is written with insight into how we can help our children during difficult times. We should always turn to God for everything and trust in Him. “The core path to being tenacious is being connected to the source of God’s love in our lives.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Morris has struggled from depression and writes from his experiences. He share his own thoughts on mental illness. He has a strong concern for children. “Depression and anxiety are at epidemic levels in adolescents,” he writes. (1235/2385) The strength of this book is Morris' ideas on how to talk with kids about mental issues. He provides age related activities and discussion suggestions that are valuable.

Morris is not a theologian but his book does contain what I consider some troubling theological statements. He says God does not know the future and does not know how people will act. (1719-1748/2385) This theological position is known as open theology and is problematic in my view. It calls into question the whole idea of prophecy.

This book has a limited audience. It will best be appreciated by parents who want to help their children think about and perhaps deal with mental issues like depression. Just be aware that Morris does not adhere to the difficult concept that God is sovereign yet man has free will.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Trekking Toward Tenacity: Your Family's Roadmap to Stronger Mental Health by Chris Morris goes into detail of Psalm 139. It is broken down into thirteen chapters. Each chapter includes a verse from Psalm 139 followed by commentary and ends with some questions for the reader to answer, and other verses from the Bible to read and / or memorize. I thought it was a good book that had some good insightful tips that I could use in my own life and parenting.

I am going to give Trekking Toward Tenacity: Your Family's Roadmap to Stronger Mental Health four stars. I would recommend it for readers who are looking for different perspectives on faith based parenting and mental health.


I received a paperback copy of Chris Morris’ Trekking Toward Tenacity: Your Family's Roadmap to Stronger Mental Health from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

I wanted to like this one. But there was not enough actual biblical points to make me be able to recommend this one. It had the potential to be good, but then it was just one personal anecdote after another with a verse or two thrown in for looks.

I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.