"Resilient and Redeemed" by Chris Morris - Author Interview

About the Book

Book: Resilient and Redeemed: Lessons about Suicidality and Depression from the Psych Ward

Author: Chris Morris

Genre: Christian Living / Mental Health

Release date: June 11, 2024

God cares deeply about you and your mental health. Author and mental health advocate Chris Morris has battled depression and suicidality his entire adult life. Even coming to Christ didn’t change this, which is something many fellow Christians don’t seem to understand. He still had to face the grief of unrelenting illness, the shame of struggling, and the pain of poor guidance.

In this compassionate and engaging book, Chris shares how he overcame these challenges and invites you to do the same–no matter your diagnosis. Weaving biblical truth and personal stories with thoughtful strategies and hard-earned wisdom, he helps you move past fear and shame to combat the specters of depression and suicidality.

God is still there, even in the darkest of places. May this book be a step in the process of healing and help you find hope in your battle.

Includes reflection questions, Scripture meditations, and a bonus video course.

 

Click here to get your copy!

Author Interview 

1. Why did you choose to write non-fiction?
Though my wife and my fiction-writing friends have been trying to convince me otherwise, I
don’t think I have the right skills as a writer to write fiction, especially the type that I would
want to write – speculative fiction. There are so many things to keep track of, everything
from the color of the side character’s hair to the way magic might work in my fantasy world. I
would just get lost in the details and stuck about 500 words in.
I choose to write though because God has gifted me with the ability to communicate
complex things in simple ways so that others can understand it. I use this in my day job as
an accountant, and I use it as a writer. God has allowed me to take these really hard topics
and explain them in ways that make sense to everyone.

2. Why did you choose to write about this particular topic?
I have stories to tell, but they are grounded in this world. My focus is on the intersection of
faith and mental health. I believe that I can best serve my audience by writing compelling
nonfiction narratives that draw people’s imagination into a different place. A place where
those with mental illnesses are accepted and loved as they are, instead of being expected to
“get fixed up” before they show up at church. For too long, those battling mental illnesses
have been shunned or told myths that are harmful and simply untrue. Myths like “Only
spiritually immature people struggle with their mental health” or “Taking psychiatric
medication shows a lack of faith.” I’ve heard these statements myself and been harmed by
them, and I don’t want anyone else to suffer the way I had to suffer under these lies.

3. What is your writing area like?
I might be an oddball because I can write basically anywhere. I have written in hotel rooms at
11:30 at night after a long day at the office. I once took an eight-day writing retreat to an Air
BnB in Portland and wrote an entire book. That being said, I do most of my writing in my
office at the house. I have a small desk with an oversized monitor attached to my laptop. I am
surrounded by all my books and pictures of my family and friends. I have an Anxiety Coping
Statements printout right next to my monitor because I allow my anxiety to get the best of me
whenever I start a new project. I far too easily believe that I have nothing to offer the world
and stop just when things are getting good.
One last thing: I almost always have some coffee with me, or at least an empty coffee cup
that I just finished. Me and coffee are the best of friends.

4. How do you balance writing time with other things?
I try to take 30-45 minutes every single day to focus on my writing. Sometimes that means
doing some things on social media, though I try not to count that because it’s exercising a
different muscle than actual writing. Writing requires the best version of myself, so I do my
darnedest to make that writing time in the middle of the day, since that’s when I’m at my
best. If I wait until the evening, sometimes I get into a zone and can write into the wee hours
of the morning. Other times, I peter out after about 25 words and have to call it a night.
Writing is a habit though, and if I don’t keep in practice then I will lose some of my skill.
I’ve worked hard to develop this skill over the years and I don’t want to lose it, so I carve out
time almost every day to practice.
A lot of my writing is never seen by anyone except maybe my wife. It would be silly if I only
wrote when I had a public-facing project to work on, and it would be impossible to stay in
practice. Sometimes my writing is working out a fresh book idea I had recently, to see if it’s a
viable book idea or if it’s actually just an article. Other times, I am almost journaling as I
reflect of what God has been building or showing me in my life recently. But practice is the
key.

5. Do you think reading helps you with writing? 
Reading most definitely helps me with my writing. Every book I read influences the way I
think and the way I see the world. The way I view it, if I stop learning and growing, then I
risk running out of fresh ideas to share with the world. I am a bit of a theology nerd, and I
actually just graduated from seminary in case you needed proof. Most of the books I
read are non-fiction books that center on making some abstract theological concepts
very practical. A good example is Start with Welcome: The Journey toward a
Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation by Bri Stensrud. This book
takes the heady concept of welcome and applies it directly to the immigration
conversation. Since I live in Arizona, a border state, this is a supremely relevant
topic for me. I love the way Stensrud starts with the scriptural mandates around
welcome and applies them to a conversation that matters today. This is my favorite
type of book. I hope actually that my books are much the same type of book really.

About the Author

Chris Morris is a certified mental health coach dedicated to promoting understanding of mental health issues within the church. Because of a lifelong struggle with depression and suicidality, Chris became committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraging others to seek after holistic health.

As a writer and speaker, Chris has shared his personal story and insights with audiences across the country, inspiring many individuals to take control of their own health, break free from poor theological teaching placed upon them, and seek the support they need. He has published several books on mental health, the most recent being Resilient and Redeemed. His work has been featured in a number of media outlets, including CrossWalk, The Mighty, and Fathom Magazine.

Chris is deeply committed to creating a more compassionate and supportive world and church for individuals living with mental health issues. Through his writing and speaking, he is a powerful voice for change and a beacon of hope for those in need.

More from Chris

Resilient and Redeemed is a book that the Christian community needs. For too long, those with mental health conditions have been forced to be shamed or to hide their struggles. Especially in a post-COVID world, mental health has to come to the forefront of the conversation. This book details in an unapologetic way my struggles with depression and suicidal ideations. The core message of this book is that God doesn’t write people off because of their struggles with their mental health. No, God is with us and for us no matter what.

Resilient and Redeemed is full of hard-won, battle-tested tools that will help people fight the battle for their mental health. There are no easy answers given, because no two mental illnesses present the same. Ensconced in story, this book gives a full toolbox of practices to support better mental health, ranging from how to find a counselor that will work for you to daily rituals that will ground your days and affirm your agency in your life.

I also put together a video series talking about resilience to accompany this book. As a member of the blog tour, you’ll gain access to over 40 minutes of me talking about resilience. We cover things like where does resilience come from, what does resilience have to do with faith, and so much more. I’m especially proud of the work I did for this video series, and I think you’ll find it incredibly valuable.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, July 27 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 27

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, July 28 (Author Interview)

Simple Harvest Reads, July 29 (Author Interview)

For the Love of Literature, July 30 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, July 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, August 1 (Author Interview)

Through the Fire Blogs, August 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 3

Blossoms and Blessings, August 4 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 5

Stories By Gina, August 6 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, August 7 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, August 8 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, August 9 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, August 9

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Chris is giving away the grand prize package of a $75 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book, and an Audible copy of Whispers in the Pews: Voices on Mental Illness in the Church!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2dbd9/resilient-and-redeemed-celebration-tour-giveaway