How to Handle Trouble: A Guide to Peace of Mind - Hardcover

Carmody, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0785814744 ISBN 13: 9780785814740

Publisher: Book Sales, 2001

Synopsis

For everyone panicked by disaster, How to Handle Trouble -- written while its author struggled with bone cancer -- can be the best of allies. With rock-bottom honesty, John Carmody points the way out of trouble not through any secret expertise, but through simple techniques that come "like a warranty with your basic human equipment." Introducing us to all our inner and outer resources, he shows that fear and anxiety need not rule our days.

Carmody writes about the real power of thinking, feeling, sharing, deciding, and praying, and even of the joy that comes when we are fighting a good fight. In short, this book is both balm and tonic -- everyday wisdom to help us make sense of crisis and work through it. It just may be the most important book you'll ever read.

About this title

About the Author

John Carmody is the author of more than forty books, many written with his wife, Denise. Carmody received his BA and MA from Boston College, a licentiate in philosophy from Weston College, a bachelor of divinity from Woodstock College, and his PhD from Stanford University.

From Kirkus Reviews

Veteran author Carmody (Religion/University of Tulsa; Contemporary Catholic Theology, 1980, etc.) delivers a soft- spoken primer on how to deal with times of crisis. This is no academic exercise for the author, who suffers from incurable bone cancer. Drawing on his own experience, that of friends and acquaintances, teachings from various religions, and a seemingly endless well of common sense and love, Carmody offers simple, solid advice that will be welcomed by almost anyone. As he sees it, we can meet our problems through five interrelated activities: thinking, feeling, sharing, deciding, and praying. Thinking involves gathering facts, facing them squarely, and picturing solutions. Feeling means accepting pain while overcoming anxiety through courage, faith, and trust. These noble qualities can be strengthened by sharing our plight with others, as well as helping them with their woes. Carmody recommends turning to family, friends, teachers, clergy, doctors, and counselors (the last only if they grasp the essential mystery of life). The most important sharing is with God (``Pour out your soul to the divine mystery, wait attentively, and you will never lack for wonder''). God, the author says, will help when it comes time for difficult decisions (in Carmody's case, whether to hazard a harrowing bone-marrow transplant), which must be made in a sober state, free from euphoria or depression. At the end comes prayer--Carmody outlines several methods, including Buddhist meditation and Christian contemplation--and abidance in the biblical virtues of faith, hope, and love. Reliable counsel for sufferers everywhere. -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Edition details

• Publisher: Book Sales
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0785814744
• ISBN 13: 9780785814740
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 226