Celebrate More. Regret Less. Stare Down Your Greatest Fears.

Margaret has a gift with words, that paints pictures much like Max Lucado. She can express more feeling and passion in one sentence than some authors do in several paragraphs. I highly recommend the book. This one book made me want to read her other books.

This book is perfect and inspiration,wishing had this book when I was battling cancer.the author Margaret Feinberg is right when she said"sometimes we need to give space for grief in other to make room for joy and no one is immune to sorrow." And when she tells us ,don't be afraid to feel.be afraid when we stop feeling.Is more blessed to give than receive,(I was caregiver to my mother,mother-in-law and my husband,I miss them,was not a burden.) Book's like this returning your faith and hope and make you feel you are not alone,love it Thelma.

From: http://belleslibraryshelf.blogspot.com/2015/01/blog-tour-fight-back-with-joy-by.html

Review:

This book wasn't an easy read. It wasn't the kind of book that I could quickly speed through, as is my favorite types of reads. It was a harrowing journey of a woman descending into her life's darkest depths, and that shouldn't be an easy read.

Margaret begins her year like any other. She decides not to do traditional yearly resolutions, instead picking a word to meditate on for the year. The year that God brings to her is "joy." Little does she know that in a few short months she'll be challenged with such an incredible depth of that often ambiguous Christian-ese.

The book is written well as different chapters acting as different aspects of joy that Margaret learned during her battle with breast cancer. She sets up each point with a personal story from her life as well as that of a biblical character exhibiting this aspect of joy.

This is a touching, intimate look of a dehumanizing sickness faced by people each and every day. I appreciated the gripping look into its difficulty and feel like I have a better compassion for others going through such trials.

Application:
The main points about joy are written in bold or italics, so it is easy for the read to "get" and chew on later. One of the aspects that I found most useful was the additional resources at the end of the book. There were useful tips for what not to say for someone who is going through such a crisis, and ways too help. Margaret understands that more Christians want to help, but often say the wrong things despite genuine intentions.

Favorite quotes:

More than whimsy, joy is a weapon we use to fight life's battles (12).
Practicing defiant joy is the declaration that the darkness does not and will not win (25).
Making medical decisions was like being led to a table and forced to select the revolver, the chainsaw, the meat cleaver, or the bow and arrow--not which one, but which order (90).
Joy is an action, something we can do, regardless of what our emotions may reveal (114).

Overall book rating: I would recommend this book for anyone. I think it would be important for Christians to grow their resilience before the test, as the Bible has promised that we will have trouble in this life. Margaret helps us to endure and thrive our trials by pushing into God and others around us.

January 1st, 2015 finds me sitting on the couch in yoga pants, staring at a screen of sentences that I've deleted and re-written way more times than I care to admit. I'm struggling and stretching through what I'm hoping will be inspirational and motivational New Year's Resolutions, but are sounding more like the reflections of a sad, lonely 26-year-old. I ended up with this post, which is mostly my acknowledgement of discouragement and my commitment to keep pressing on day by day, despite being unclear about what the future will hold. In the midst of avoiding writing that post, I read lots of other blogs and caught up on emails, and came across one from a newly favorite author, Margaret Feinberg, looking for bloggers to read an early-release excerpt of her new book and write about it. I'm always up for great books, especially ones I'm already excited to read, and quickly signed up.

As I began to read the very first page of the except, containing simply the (reviews), I read this:

"When you feel stuck in the rut of discouragement, there’s no greater gift than rediscovering joy. With profound insight and poignant grace, Margaret Feinberg takes you on a journey toward joy that will reawaken your heart to the glee that comes with knowing God. You can’t read this book and stay the same." (Pete Wilson, senior pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN and author of Plan B and Let Hope In)

I thought about what interesting timing to come across a book about joy, as I have just recognized how discouraged and stuck I feel, and how my prayer has been for rescue and help in the midst of that. What a coincidental discovery on this day, and what a welcome interlude on this quiet day those three chapters were.

The book is called "Fight Back With Joy: Celebrate More. Regret Less. Stare Down Your Greatest Fears". The author, Margaret Feinberg has undergone the terrifying experience that so many of us fear - a cancer diagnosis. She shares candidly about the journey and the timing of that dreaded phone call in the midst of her writing project about joy. She looked this nightmare right in the face, and wrote:

"Everyone who wakes to confrontation and crisis—whether you picked the fight or the fight picked you—has an important choice: which weaponry will you choose? Cynicism and spite? Complaint and control? Or perhaps you are prone to deny and withdraw. To let your fleshy heart turn to stone. But there is another arsenal available to the daughters and sons of God. From the day of the diagnosis, I felt compelled to choose a different type of weapon: joy." (18)

There are few words outside of simply inspirational that describe her journey, her story, and the beautiful way that she weaves these things together with words. What conviction she ushers in with her clear and conscious to choose joy in the midst of darkness and pain.

While there is much more to be read in this incredible book, what stuck out the most to me was her description of how the people around us play an integral part in injecting joy into our lives. She writes on the topic of refreshment:

"Often when we think about refreshment, we think about activities that breathe life into our weary bones. That much-needed nap. Those few hours at the spa. The afternoon by the pool. But it’s not just activities that refresh us. People replenish us. That friend who is slow to speak but quick to listen. That person who doesn't want to fix you as much as care for you. The relationship where you can simply be yourself. The companion who has mastered the art of speaking truth in love. People who cheer you up and cheer you on can be like life-saving medicine." (33)

I can't wait to read the rest of the book, those first three chapters were a REAL teaser! It's available for purchases here and here January 6th, and her website has all kinds of great resources and downloads to accompany it! There's even a whole Bible study already created for it. This is just asking to be utilized! I'll be purchasing it and reading the rest alongside a good friend in our book club - how will you Fight Back With Joy?

The first word in the title inspires me. FIGHT. Struggle is real in this life, no matter what. We are imperfect creatures living in a fallen world. Tragedy, disease, terror, and turmoil lurk around every flip of the calendar—or so it seems. The weapons in one's arsenal are crucial when it comes to life's battles. In Fight Back with Joy, Margaret Feinberg walks the reader through a journey riddled with shock, pain, uncertainty and gut-wrenching honesty. Diagnosed with carcinoma in her early thirties, Margaret finds herself drafted into a war she never expected to have to fight. Upon digesting the news, she looks at her husband, Leif, and says, "What if we fight back with joy?"

And so it begins.

In January, I was honored to be a break out speaker at a conference where Margaret headlined. Prior to the conference, I had never read one of her books. But, the compelling talent she has in weaving a story coupled with the intentionality of her words walked me into the line where I stood to receive my autographed copy of Fight Back With Joy.

God's timing is perfect, and it just so happens I picked the book up five months later, during a time when I desperately needed to hear Margaret's heartfelt message. (I downloaded it on Audible too. A bonus is Margaret is the reader and it is simply fantastic to hear the book in her own words.)

Regardless of what fight you are in, this 211 page book is one you want in your arsenal of weaponry. If you are a highlighter, you will want to use an exorbitant amount of self-control. Margaret is a wordsmith, crafting sentences like an artist perfects a masterpiece. Every syllable carries weight and drives a powerful message into the heart of the reader.

This study could not have come at a more imperative time in my life. My children and I come from domestic violence and we have been involved in a 1 1/2 year long custody battle as their abusive father wants 50% custody of them. People think that when a woman leaves an abuser it's smooth sailing and happiness, but that is when the real war begins and the abuse heightens. Especially towards the children, who become a target of retaliation. This court battle is something that I may be dealing with until these children are adults, and maybe even beyond that, and I have often felt so utterly hopeless. When you have a trial in your life that has no end to it, and the months ahead consist of nothing but more of the same, believing that you have a God that is faithful, powerful and will never forsake you is so crucial. And knowing that He is with you and for you, and loves you, is where joy comes from. I used to think joy would come from all of this ending. But I've discovered it's so much more than that. And that I actually can find joy in the midst of this pain. I have. I learned how to do that from this bible study. Event though I finished it a few weeks ago, I pick it up every day and go back over what Margaret teaches because there's not a day I do not need reminding. I cannot tell you how clinging to the promises of our God in His Word has been my strength and joy. This study will show you this as well. I can't recommend it enough. Thank you, Margaret.

“Celebrate more. Regret less. Stare down your greatest fears,” isn’t just a line on a book cover; this book shows how it can be done. Feinberg had more right than most to complain, but chose the higher road of JOY. Through years of caregiving and my own muddy waters, I’d wondered if I’d chosen the right method to fight against depression, feelings of abandonment, and life’s tough battles. Feinberg nailed it. She gave me renewed confidence to go forward with joy. My reasoning was that I could choose joy or wallow. What an encouragement. I’ll choose joy every time. Extremely well written. This book was a gift and I’m so grateful.

“The true power of joy supersedes a chirpy disposition, candy-coated emotion, or saccharin fantasy.”

Margaret Feinberg. God interrupted her “misguided joy experiment” with cancer and took her on an expedition of fighting back with joy. Her new book is not just a must read for those who are facing a cancer crisis but for anyone who finds his or herself bombarded with any life struggle. She challenges her readers to practice “defiant joy,” for it is the very thing that will declare that “the darkness does not and will not win.”

“Fight Back With Joy” written by Feinberg and published by Worthy Publishing is packed full of encouraging advice, personal story, and impacting Scriptures BUT does not sugar coat the pain, fear, emotion, and mourning that comes from life’s battles.

This book helps us fight back with joy by reminding us that . . .

Fighting back with joy includes surrounding ourselves with support.
“They become incarnate reminders of god’s fierce love.”

Mourning is a gift.
“The more we strive to hold everything together, the more we fall apart.”

Fighting back with joy rarely makes sense.
“Rejoicing is not a prescription as much as a gateway to possibility.”

Margaret’s creative writing style abounds with illustrations and great quotes. I was also delighted to find a section in the back of the book written by her husband Leif on the lessons he learned as a caregiver and co-fighter on their expedition of joy. I highly recommend this book to those who are facing some of life’s hardest battles and for those pastors, spouses, and friends who want to encourage them along the way.

“Jesus is not a sorcerer handing out a magical formula whereby we conjure results because of what we do; rather, he issues a call to step out in radical faith, dependent on God’s promises and provision.”

SUMMARY:
Making the hard decision to fight back with joy instead of depression, guilt or anger is anything but easy. With wit, sass and bluntness, Margaret Feinberg shares her own personal story of a cancer diagnosis and how she committed to fight back with joy and determination. Easy to apply to any of life’s greatest battles, Fight Back With Joy will encourage, direct, support and perhaps even put a smile on your face during a difficult time…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
With lots of sound advice, I found this book to be so inspirational. Sharing her own hard breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, Margaret Feinberg explains how she faced it with humor, thankfulness, celebration and ultimately…Joy. Sure at times she must have wanted to take the easy road by expressing anger and accepting defeat, the author actually persevered with joy, faith, boldness and bravery to overcome challenging circumstances. Especially supportive and reassuring for cancer patients (due to her first-hand knowledge and experience), Fight Back With Joy is also inspiring as a life-attitude in the center of demands.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Fight Back With Joy from Worthy Publishing for my honest review*

"Fight Back with Joy" has been a life changing, thought changing book for me. Margaret shares her own story of getting cancer and what it has meant in her life. The ups and downs, but mostly, finding joy where ever she can through her faith in God.

The greatest thing about this book is how real and honest Margaret is. She shares her story honestly and you feel like you're sitting with her over coffee and getting to know her. I highlighted this book on almost every page. As I'm going through my own health issues, I found her book so helpful and encouraging! It really has helped me to have a new attitude about my struggles. One of my most favorite things she said is this:

"The Great Give is parachuting people into your life to remind you that you are not alone. Perhaps you've been distracted by those who have vanished....(then she goes on to say later) Even if you feel alone, God has positioned people waiting in the wings to spring into action. They may not be the faces of those you expect, but if you keep your heart and eyes open you may be surprised by whom God uses."

It was almost as though she was reading my journal and my mind. I had been doing exactly that. Distracted by those who have vanished from my life, however, I started to see I had a core group of people who have circled the wagons around me and have never left.

The whole book was like this for me. Beautiful pearls of wisdom and insight that have helped me to look at my situation in a whole new light and with joy! Whether you're going through a health issues, a family problem, or anything else, this book will show you how to find joy in your life, have greater faith, and understand that there is joy, even in those dark situation. It will also show you how to reach out to others with joy when they are going through those hard times.

In my opinion, this is a must-have book for everyone. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Worthy Publishing

Margaret Feinberg is a beautiful example of what fighting for joy in the middle of hardship looks like. Two years ago, Margaret was putting the finishing touches on a book about joy. And then she got a phone call. A cancer diagnosis changed everything and the book was pushed aside for treatments and time with family and leaning into the God of all hope.

But what emerged was something she never expected. A book about joy … but not the shiny, happy idea we use on throw pillows and wall art. As she says,

I discovered facets of joy that no one ever taught me—more than whimsy, joy is a weapon we can use to fight life’s battles.

The thing is, no one signs up for that discovery project—finding joy in suffering. No one. I’ve never felt so surefooted on my path to a joyful life. I know now that without shadows, joy can feel shallow. But, when we can discover joy while in the fight of our lives—no matter what that is—it is lasting.

Everyone who has faced a challenge, or who knows someone in the midst, needs a to know that suffering doesn’t win. Joy wins.

Joy wins. Not because we’ll always be happy but because true joy is deep and rich and comes from the abiding presence of Jesus in our lives.

Fight Back with Joy is a gift to all of us who wonder what to do with suffering and heartache. Margaret’s vulnerability becomes our own guide to the depths of true joy and the victory we find over the trials of this life when we live in joy.

“Great Joy Waits in Life’s Greatest Battles. Joy is stamped on coffee mugs, sewn onto decorative pillows – even displayed on dish soap. But what if there’s a deeper power and purpose to this mighty virtue? Through vulnerable story telling, a difficult diagnosis, and a good dose of humor, Margaret Feinberg revels how joy is more than whimsy. Its’ the weapon you can use to fight life’s battles.”

This is an extraordinary book that will take you by surprise. When I read the first few pages of the first chapter, I though to myself… here we go, another book that is going to try to teach me the how’s and why’s of being joyful. And then came chapter two.

Wow, was I wrong. Yes this is a book about joy. Intentional, defiant, bold, in-your-face JOY! And not just joy for the sake of being joyful. No, this joy was drawn from somewhere deep inside of this author. It is joy that is drawn from the same place where a horrific cancer diagnosis goes in order to take root and stifle joy.

In this book, Fight Back with Joy by Margaret Feinberg, we are taken on a journey -- Her journey of diagnosis through treatment to recovery to zero. Having taken this journey with my husband (though not with the same outcome), I understand about wanting to grab onto anything that has a glimmer of hope. This woman, and her amazing husband, do more than that; they intentionally choose joy. If you are facing, or have faced a situation that seems beyond horrendous and you don’t know if you’ll ever breathe easy again, this book is for you. I can’t recommend it enough.

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the Worthy Publishing Blogger Review Program, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review

*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
the store, Christian Book, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com

Feinberg found a lump. The medical team found two. The diagnosis was carcinoma.

She and her husband decided to fight back with joy, beating back depression, disappointment, even the disease itself. Joy is our heritage, Feinberg says, our purpose and destiny. We have been promised God's joy – in full.

She shares her experiences of creating a battle plan and determining her medical team. Her journey to joy began with acceptance. Like Paul, she wanted to be content whatever the circumstances. She then learned adaptation, then dependence.

She writes about finding joy when everything unravels, following James, “consider it all joy...” She looks at learning to grieve well, to celebrate while suffering, getting encouragement from Habakkuk. She determined to give joy to others.

This is an excellent book for anyone in a similar situation. Feinberg is honest in sharing her pain, her reactions, as she was one of those who seemed to get all the painful side effects of the chemo treatment. Yet she shares insightful spiritual lessons she learned through it all. Her perseverance is an encouragement.

This is a good book for those who want to know what their friend taking chemo may be experiencing. Feinberg and her husband have done a great job of including information for caregivers and friends. Her “5 Things to Say When You Don't Know What to Say” is excellent. Her husband has wise words for caregivers. They remind us that caregivers need our attention too.

Food for thought:
“The biggest myth about joy is that it only flourishes in good times, or that it is only the byproduct of positive experiences. … Life's thorniest paths can lead to great joy.”
“No matter what adversity we face, we can choose to refocus from what's before us upward toward the God who fills us with joy.”

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

*Fight Back with Joy* is two things at once.

First, it's a deeply personal story of Margaret's battle with cancer. My Grammy just dealt with sarcoma cancer, and the details of hospital and chemo were terrifying to read. It's not comfortable to read about it, and I can't imagine living it. The phrase "in the trenches" doesn't begin to do it justice.

That what makes the second part of this story so incredible. How could a couple dealing with so much pain and devastation possibly decide that JOY was going to be their weapon of choice? When anger, bitterness, resentment, and cynicism could have choked their hearts, how did they embrace joy?

And what is this joy they speak of- that they discovered in the agony of cancer treatments, that they sought to pour out on other patients, that they want to grow ever-more aware of in their lives?

Margaret says: "C. S Lewis described joy as serious business, yet I assumed I could take joy lightly, capturing it in my free time like fireflies in a mason jar. I learned that you need mush more to unleash the power of joy. You need chutzpah, you need backbone, you need intentionality, and sometimes you need a crisis."

Over the course of this book, Margaret unpacks some big ideas. Listen to this bold claim: "Joy is your heritage, identity, and destiny."
How could that not move us, not make us thirst for what she describes?

Then she moves to lessons that she learned-
The journey to Joy begins with acceptance.
The journey to Joy advances through adaptability.
The journey to Joy leads us to greater dependence on Christ.
Joy waits for us in the morning, and comes to us through our mourning.
Joy will rarely make sense, but as Rich Mullins might say, it will make life.

Reading this made me want to claim her motto as my family's own- Joyful Are We!

Thank you Worthy Publishing for my review copy.

What is joy anyway?

This is what Margaret Feinberg reveals in Fight Back With Joy.

And she goes a step further, showing how she chose joy in the midst of a diagnosis of cancer.

In her typical engaging, lay-it-all out there way, Margaret shares how her life-threatening challenge created a compelling platform for discovering and communicating what true joy is and what it meant in her darkest time of need.

Defiant joy that declared darkness would not win.

We are encouraged that joy doesn’t deny hardship. It doesn’t sugar-coat our trials and pretend they are easy. No, “…joy is a weapon we use to fight life’s battles.” Wow.

Margaret goes on to explain all the ways God gives us joy. Such as through embracing his love for us, looking for joy in each good thing, being blessed by people God sends to refresh us (like Philemon for Paul in the Bible) and choosing to create moments and situations of hilarity. Those are only a few of the thought provoking and uplifting discoveries this encouraging author offers.

This is a book I needed. And I have the inkling many others do as well. We need this honest look at how to deal with the trials of our lives. Life, especially these days, is rough. Not everyone is facing cancer, but as Margaret acknowledges, every one of us has dealt with or is going through some difficult situation. And God intends for us, enables us to live in joy.

Even in the darkest, most heart-wrenching of times. Not putting on a fake smile of “Everything’s great!,” but existing with something deeper and stronger in the midst of pain or sorrow.

I highly recommend this book.

Margaret is a skilled story teller. In Fight Back With Joy, she gives a transparent, straightforward, and account of her journey (with a little humor too). She shares her discovery that joy isn't just "whimsy" but a real weapon to use for fighting adversity.

There is much to learn from this book. My highlighter was kept busy marking all the statements of wisdom that I want to remember. Even if you think that her story of cancer will not apply to you, I encourage you to read it, because it is more than that. We all need to practice the defiant joy that is described in her book.

Something else that was helpful to me was the bonus chapter in the back of the book, "5 Things Those Facing Crisis Can't Tell You (But Wish They Could)." This chapter was an experienced guide to follow when a friend or family member is going through a crisis of their own.

Grab this book and a coffee because this book is good. A "can-read-in-one-day" kinda good. It's just good.

Having been an avid Margaret Feinberg reader for several years .... and a three-time breast cancer ... I opened this precious book with eagerness, maybe a touch of fear and wondering how the Lord worked joy in Margaret's heart during what I know could likely have been the challenge of a lifetime. I poured through the pages of Fight Back with Joy with amazement sharing my enthusiasm with anyone I came into contact with including my doctor, physical therapist, friends, family and my coaching clients! My prayer is that the Lord will use this tender and grace-filled book in the lives of countless people to challenge others, as it did me, to Fight Back with Joy and lean hard on the Lord, as He has us in His grip, His love and His sovereignty. Home-run Margaret! I cannot wait to use this book and the DVD study in retreats, in our women's ministry at church, in Bible studies, in my coaching practice and with women battling cancer and other challenges in their lives to give them hope and a re-focus of Joy in the Lord! Thank you Margaret for being willing to share with us such a private look into your battle with and victory over cancer!

How many bible studies have you partaken of in your lifetime? Fluff? Fluff? And more fluff? The vast majority of them hit high on the promises, and fall short on the delivery. Skimming the surface of life, family, emotions, and the Bible.

Margaret Feinberg, puts the rest to shame. She has been through the fire, she maintained throughout, and arrived on the other side, a grand jewel in the crown of our Lord! She digs in there, she helps you to open it up, examine it, play with it, and put it back together properly (whatever it is) so that we can all be jewels for our Lord.

The first week, I was thinking I wouldn't like this study at all, oh my she is way to perky... But that next week after you've started her story... WAY TO GO, Margaret. Teach me to be like you. To harness the Joy that is given me by God's Holy Spirit, to maintain through adversity the reason my joy is there.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to EVERYONE. If your struggling to find the joy, feel as if you've lost the joy, have no clue where to look for the joy... GET this book! The team that has put this together with Margaret, have gone out of their way to support you on your journey, with the additional stuff on the website, the daily encouragement from emails that are not condescending as most are. Truly someone that can help lots and lots of people.

When I started this beautiful book I planned to read it slowly over the holiday season! A way to relax and keep myself centered and to find more to the word "Joy". Well once I started reading I couldn't stop until I was finished, I wrote in the margins, I highlighted, a wiped tears off the pages! I prayed in it, through it and because of it! JOY is my favorite word now?!
I have downloaded a picture of the cover to My iPhone so I see it as a reminder each time I check my calendar, Facebook, order an the store product, answer a phone call!
For every reader it will bring new meaning into their lives - uniquely their JOY. I will keep my eyes open for Red balloons flying and celebrating your joy! I always somehow knew GOD loved red balloons

I just finished reading Fight Back with Joy...and I absolutely loved it. I laughed and I cried. It was much more personal than Margaret's other books that I've read, and I so appreciated learning about her experience with cancer. There are so many things that I gleaned from her story: how everyone's experience with cancer, trauma, disappointment, etc. is unique; how my response to others' difficulties (and my own) can be powerful and life-changing; how the Bible relates to and informs our most devastating experiences. It wouldn't be a book by Margaret without numerous Biblical references, some familiar, others quite unfamiliar. This is a brave, challenging and inspiring read. I highly recommend it.

Margaret, I heard you speak in Dallas at the Heartstrong Faith Conference 2018. You are such an outstanding speaker and beautiful example of Jesus. I so appreciate how you really, really listened with your whole heart as you spoke to people. It was then I knew I had to buy your book. Your book is packed full of wisdom, authenticity, beauty, grace, and passion for Jesus. Your imagery that you share is like poetry. Thank you for such an outstanding, brilliant book. Thank you for representing our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, King of Kings and Lord of Lords with such wisdom, passion, and joy.

Respectfully yours,

Margaret Feinberg is one of our favorite authors/Bible study leaders. Back in 2008 we had never heard of her, then we heard her speak at a Lifeway Women's Conference and we were completely captivated by her wit and wisdom and her ability to capture our hearts and attention in new ways. Fight Back With Joy is another of Margaret's wonderful studies where you will learn to choose Joy, fight for Joy, pursue Joy on a daily basis. She has such a fresh and relational way about her studies. Highly recommend anything by this author!!!

Glad our Moms4Moms group decided to do this study. If you have cancer, or know someone with cancer, they can relate to the author and her struggle with breast cancer. I, having to get called back in after every mammogram, get scared and can't help but be scared. Feinberg talks of how she found joy among all the sickness, stress, unknown, etc. What brings you joy? Last month, I found a lump in my breast and knew something wasn't right! Got to the doctor and we are working to get it taken care of. Not cancerous at this time! Praise the Lord! We are not designed to go it alone. Only through Christ can we find joy in the midst of struggle.

This is an excellent book and the Bible study DVD with participants guide are a must! You will be lifted above your circumstances as you learn of God's love for you and are filled to overflow with the Joy that only comes from Him. Margaret has chosen to fight back with joy and her defiant joy is contagious! I have given this participants guide/book to many who are sitting in dark places with no joy and seen them motivated to arise and use His joy to poke holes in the darkness to let the light shine through! Every church should use this to unearth the joy that the world has buried deep within us.

Each chapter provided a narrative of the author's recovery from cancer and thoughtful, often surprising Biblical discussions. Best part -- the author's decision to experience joy by giving it away: brownies to the health care team, red balloons to her fellow patients. Toughest part -- the author remembering friends who never reached out, or who checked in once, but never again. She responds by thanking the friends who were steadfast, reaching out to the ones who disappointed her and reflecting on the times when she was not as steadfast when her friends were in need.

Joy Joy Joy and more Joy
BY SALTSHAKER · JANUARY 6, 2015

We have just celebrated a season that is known for its joy, and I’m willing to bet (if I was a betting girl), that many of us have determined to greet 2015 with smiles and laughter and dare I say, JOY. For many, the idea of Joy means an easier life, one that blesses us in the manner that we think we should be blessed, not the joy that C.S. Lewis called “serious business” (page 6).

When I settled down to read Margaret Feinberg’s book Fight Back With Joy, I was prepared to read a book all about New Year’s resolutions. I thought she would tell all of us how to be better women, wives, mothers, aunts. employees and Christians. Boy, was I wrong! As I read, I thought that Margaret began her joy journey as many of us tend to choose our New Years resolutions, a little selfishly and a little altruistically. In other words, with mixed motives. It didn’t take long before I saw Margaret’s world turned upside down in her journey for joy. She says:

I learned that you need much more than an experiment to unleash the power of joy. You need chutzpah, you need backbone, you need intentionality – and sometimes you need a crisis.

Margaret met her crisis with a determination to bring joy to the battle. From quirky jokes (hidden in unique places) to gifts for those who suffered along with her she made a choice to think of others and even celebrate during her trials. She even brought joy (or rather a test for joy), when choosing her medical team that would journey with her through the crisis. They say that laughter is the best medicine, well, Margaret proved that laughter whose source is joy, is the best medicine. The joy that Margaret found and shares with the reader is the joy of being loved by God, and she demonstrates and proves this with scriptural evidence from Jesus, Nehemiah, Daniel, a bleeding woman and a grieving father. This book is no “Christian self-help” book, but one that points to Christ and Christ alone.

This book is one that I will share with friends, family and all of those struggling with crisis of any kind, not just health. The extra sections at the end are vital for those who want to reach out to their hurting friends and family. Thank you Margaret for being vulnerable for your readers and for allowing us to journey with you. Thank you for wading through the hype of “Christian Living” to the truths of Christ following.

Thank You Margaret Feinberg for bringing a real, readable invitation to dig deep into joy and pain, mourning and celebration! A eclectic group by age and life experience is doing the DVD series and is connecting, growing and learning together. The community of pain and celebration is a deeply connecting place that levels the playing field of life as a group and has us walking away feeling supported by shared experience regardless of background, history or specifics. The book, workbook(which includes great group interactive activities) and DVD has all been used as a mix and match based on each individuals style of learning and their time but ALL have benefitted from whatever material in this series they are using! Thank you, thank you! This material is a JOY BOMB!