Most people see trouble as something negative and seek to avoid it whenever possible. But what if it’s those troubles that actually lead to greater blessing and purpose? In The Blessing of Adversity, a retired U.S. Navy admiral and the 62nd chaplain of the U.S. Senate distills the wisdom gained from thirty years as a counselor, theologian, and psychologist. Barry Black offers a blueprint for removing the sting of life’s trials, showing us how to let God use our pain for his glory by blessing others—and how that can actually help heal our own pain. Drawing on Scripture and his own experiences as a counselor and chaplain to some of the most powerful people in the world, Black teaches us how to deal with seasons of God’s apparent silence, offers techniques for staying encouraged in the middle of life’s storms, and shows how to find advantages in adversity.

From the Hood to the Hill is Chaplain Black's story of overcoming unpromising beginnings in the ghettos of Baltimore. His travels through uncharted waters exemplify God's power for change. Read his story and discover how you, too, can move toward unprecedented satisfaction through a living faith in God. "With Barry Black, you don't just hear a sermon, you see the sermon. That sermon is captured vividly in this story of his life. A life shaped by love, humility, confidence, courage, strength, and hope." - from the Foreword, THOMAS R. CARPER, US Senator "Barry Black is a leader among leaders. Brilliant and articulate, yet humble and approachable, he is a force for integrity, goodness, and compassion on Capitol Hill . . . this narrative, From the Hood to the Hill, is a fascinating read." - DR. RICK WARREN, Best-Selling Author, The Purpose Driven Life, and Pastor, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA "Chaplain Barry Black embodies the best of the American Spirit and the Christian tradition-a man of great erudition who has never forgotten his humble roots; a man of great faith who remains open to all the wisdom of all people; a man of great seriousness who knows how to laugh. The Senate and the country are grateful for his service." - BARRACK OBAMA, US Senator "From a wonderfully unique man comes a powerfully unique story. Barry Black is a testimony to God's faithfulness and grace." - MAX LUCADO, Pastor, Oak Hills Church, San Antonio, TX "This is an inspiring autobiography by an outstanding man of God, a great leader, a powerful preacher, and a true patriot . . . Barry Black is my cherished friend. I'm honored that he succeeded me as Chaplain of the United States Senate. From the Hood to the Hill is a stirring and power-packed book of the way God uses whom He chooses." - DR. LLOYD J. OGILVIE, Former US Senate Chaplain

As the Baltimore Ravens made their improbable march to victory in Super Bowl XLVII, they turned to their senior advisor of player development, O.J. Brigance, for inspiration each and every Sunday. Following a stellar twelve-year career as a linebacker, including a Super Bowl win with Baltimore in 2000, O.J.Juice Brigance joined the Ravens front office. But in 2007, O.J. was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis also known as Lou Gehrig's disease and told he had only three to five years to live. As a player, he'd battled hundreds of injuries and setbacks. None of them prepared him to face ALS. With faith and determination in his heart and his wife, Chanda, praying by his side, O.J. fought back against the debilitating disease, even as ALS robbed him of the ability to walk and speak. He kept working, smiling, and touching his players lives all the way through their remarkable Super Bowl run more than five years after his diagnosis. Now, O.J. shares his incredible story, offering lessons in resilience and reflecting on the championship team that inspired him in turn. Along with his own journey, O.J. recounts the struggles and successes of Ravens players, including Ray Lewis, Joe Flacco, and Torrey Smith, as well as the strength of head coach John Harbaugh. Having watched their season from the best seat in the house, O.J. highlights their perseverance, confidence, and leadership, and the best that sports can bring out in people. Full of profound revelations and never-before-told anecdotes, Strength of a Champion is a celebration of the human spirit from a man who left everything on the field. O.J. Brigance never asked to be a hero. That's what makes his story so courageous.

Nothing is impossible with God Jesus never said we would be protected from trials and tribulations. So we ask not, What can I do to avoid difficulties? but, How can I best handle them when they arise? Who better to show us the way toward a godly response than Joni Eareckson Tada. Known worldwide for her powerful testimony and how she daily overcomes the adversity of paralysis by drawing near to God, this book now brings together a treasure of Tada's inspirational entries. Her thoughtful insights and gentle wisdom will nourish your soul, fill you with hope, and bring you ever closer to the One who never leaves your side. Thirty-One Days Toward Overcoming Adversity is the second in her devotional series that takes you beyond pat answers, deep into the Word of God. Step by step, day by day, move from “overwhelmed” to “overcoming”…and forever victorious!

"What happens when things don't go as planned? What happens when the storm you face is completely out of your control? The Buchanans' precious son Christian was born with a medical condition that is so incredibly unique, it's one of only fifty known cases in the world. This story has captured the hearts of hundreds of thousands. In Through the Eyes of Hope Lacey Buchanan tells this compelling story of trusting God in the face of adversity. You will be moved and inspired to hold on to God's promises when things go wrong and find joy in midst of any storm."--

What can we learn from the saints about adversity? How did they use their adversity as a means of growth rather than just as something to be endured? In this book, popular Catholic author Woodeene Koenig-Bricker offers an in-depth look at a host of saints and how they dealt with a particular type of suffering in their lives. From each saint we learn valuable lessons about the common trials that come with being human—for example, suffering from physical problems (St. Padre Pio), mental suffering (Blessed Mother Teresa), addictions (Venerable Matthew Talbot), physical disability (St. Alphonsus Liguori), marital discord (St. Rita of Cascia), divorce (St. Helena), prejudice (St. Joseph Bakhita), financial stress (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton), and old age (Blessed John Paul II).

“I’m really concerned about the state of the world. It feels like things are falling apart.” “I’m worried about my family’s future.” “How can I stand firm in my faith in today’s culture?” Our times are turbulent ones, and questions and worries like these can haunt us and keep us awake at night. Yet is it possible that, ultimately, there is actually nothing to fear? Barry C. Black is the spiritual “leader of leaders” for the US Senate—shepherding those on the front lines of the decisions that shape our culture. Now, Chaplain Black shows all of us how to thrive in the midst of today’s turbulence and confusion by following eight principles that Jesus gave his disciples prior to sending them into a dangerous world. These teachings are as relevant today as when Jesus first spoke them two thousand years ago. Containing Scriptural insights and powerful prayers to help you seek God’s guidance and blessing, Nothing to Fear will illuminate the way to live boldly, bravely, and faithfully in the face of today’s perils.

Based on the keynote message that so moved government leaders at the 2017 National Prayer Breakfast, U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry Black’s Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven shows us how to pray prayers that God will hear. Now more than ever, we are fighting for our voices to be heard on earth. We march, we tweet, we advocate on behalf of the voiceless, calling those in power to listen and come alongside us. Sometimes it feels as if we’re never going to be heard and nothing will ever change. Known for his powerful prayers, Chaplain Black challenges us, individually and collectively, to make ourselves heard in a way that really changes things—by calling upon the one who holds ultimate power. Through personal story and practical insight, Make Your Voice Heard in Heaven helps us learn to pray in a way that releases God’s power and unleashes His blessing.

Your ability to overcome adversity is the key ingredient that determines your success in life. Everyone will encounter some form of adversity. The greatest ones being the loss of a loved one, relationships that end in divorce, the loss of a job, money or income, illness, depression, or feeling unfulfilled. Emily explains how to embrace adversity; how adversity forces you to live life to your fullest potential by forcing you to unleash your greatness; and how to respond positively towards adversity in order to usher in a new life that is purposeful, fulfilling and victorious. Emily shares powerful insights to lead you towards soaring like Eagle.