It’s been over a year since I received the news of the diagnosis. The last 427 days recorded are among the darkest, most heartbreaking, and painful I’ve ever experienced. Someone recently asked, “What it’s like?”
My response: “It’s beyond all your wildest nightmares.”
Yet through it, I’ve stumbled into doing something Barbara Brown Taylor calls, “learning to walk in the dark.”
God is light, and we are children of the light. But that doesn’t mean God doesn’t know his way around the dark. During creation He separated light from darkness, poking holes in the inky blackness, hanging spinning stars above.
Atop Mount Sinai, Moses drew near to “the thick darkness where God was” (Exodus 20:21). During the final three hours Jesus hung like beef from a crooked tree, darkness covered the land (Matthew 27:45).
Darkness scares us. But it never scares God.
When we are thrust into the darkness, we are forced to learn to live more by faith than by sight.
The image that stained my mind is one of a long plank that grows narrower, the light growing dimmer, with each passing step. When we come to know Christ, the plank appears wide and sturdy. Everything shimmers bright like the noon sun reflecting off ocean’s waves.
But with each passing spiritual growth spurt, the plank goes thinner, wobbly beneath our toes. The Spirit nudges us forward.
“Follow me,” Jesus whispers. “I’m with you, even in this” the Father echoes.
Some resist, squatting on the plank, cradling it like a panda, determined they’ve gone far enough.
Others of us shuffle forward. Following Him. Looking much like fools. We stumble. Jesus lurches for our elbow, steadying our balance. Our eyes wander to the watery chaos below.
“Look up!” Jesus reminds, “Keep your eyes on me, the poet and maestro of your faith.”
This journey of following Christ continues year after year, triumph after triumph, tragedy after tragedy, with only one constant: His presence. The ever-narrowing plank becomes more flimsy, unstable, until one day the light disappears altogether, nothing rests beneath our feet.
“Will you trust me now?” Jesus whispers. “Will you follow me now?”
These two questions, “Will you trust me now?” and “Will you follow me now?”, are the ones I’ve had to answer daily for the last year.
Sometimes I resound, “Yes” with confidence, but on far more days, I’m so rattled by the darkness I begin shuffling backward.
Christ keeps nudging me forward into deeper surrender to Him.
The gift of darkness is that it makes us squint for God.
For me, squinting for God has found a practical expression in learning to #FightBackWithJoy. Over the last year I’ve been discovering that joy is more than whimsy, it’s a weapon we can use to fight life’s battles.
I covet your prayers for courage and strength as the team at Worthy and Lifeway put the finishing touches on Fight Back With Joy: Celebrate More. Regret Less. Stare Down Your Greatest Fears book and bible study. Keep your eyes peeled—both release January 7.
An Extra-Special-Super-Duper Surprise for YOU:
I just received a handful of advanced reader’s copies of the book, and I want to share them with you…my faithful readers who have become dear friends over the darkness of this past year.
Leave a comment below if you’d like to be entered to win one of three advanced reader copies and be some of the first to read Fight Back With Joy. The winners will be selected and notified on Friday.
Congratulations to the winners: Kathleen Brooks, Ann Hahn, Traci Harrison
[Tweet “Enter to win #FightBackWithJoy 4 months before it releases. “]
Wow…what an amazing and inspiring post!! This books sounds amazing!!! I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the giveaway!!
Oh, YES! I would LOVE to read one of your pre-release books Fight Back with Joy!! I cannot wait for it to come out so I can share the study with our Church in the Canyon gals (serious followers of your work 🙂 and our community of cancer battlers! I am so proud of you Margaret (survivor to survivor) and I am SO GRATEFUL to the Lord for your health! Praise the Lord!
Anyway, YES … I would LOVE to read your heart on your cancer journey.
Love you Sister,
Kathleen
Faithful reader inspired by your words. Can’t wait for this book. God has been teaching me to see myself as he sees me by appreciating my gifts and talents. I feel more loved by God and enjoy who I am when I am using what God has given me.
I can’t thank you enough for sharing your journey with me. Thank you for giving me permission to grieve the loss of my best friend to ovarian cancer as I had not realized that I truly had not walked all the way thru my grieving. Loved your realness and heart. Thanks for choosing to show others how to #FightBackWithJoy even this 13 year survivor.
Excited to see and watch God work in and thru you & your story of zeroes. May he be honored & glorified as He changes & challenges the hearts of many fighters & survivors thru the words & vision He has given you. #fromsurvivingtothriving
Your story continues to inspire. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.
What an amazing and inspiring post from your heart and journey. Excited to read Fight Back With Joy!!
I would love to read Fight Back with Joy. There are so many people around me struggling in some way. It would be incredibly wonderful pass on your wisdom and shine light into there dark spaces.
Thank you for sharing that. I, too, had breast cancer this year and found myself hearing God ask me the same question…”Will you trust me? With your health, too?” I had trusted him with many big things over the years, but I took my good health for granted until this year. It has been an amazing five months, and I have found the Lord more than able to handle my health as well.
I am encouraged and blessed by your insight and wisdom. Looking forward to reading Fight Back With Joy.
So many will benefit from your book. Praising God for how He uses our dark journeys when we follow Him. Praying for you!
I was so blessed to see and meet you at Rock This House 2014 in Ash Flat. You taught me that I have a weapon nobody can ever take from me . JOY!! AS a fellow cancer survivor I would be honored to read your adventure. God Bless You Always and Forever!! <3
I awoke one day in my season of darkness and wept at the loss of joy. Just beginning to recognize the God given joy that had been there all along. Looking forward to reading your newest book.
Praying for waves and waves of Joy for you Margaret and your husband and staff. For our good and His glory, LaDonna. P.s. Hi Jessica!
Great post! God can work in and through us in so many ways. When struggling with depression or loss of loved ones He has told me to find the joy. Either He has shown me joy in His word or placed someone in my life to help me find the joy again. It’s never a quick process but I’m thankful for the joys in life! I can’t wait to read your new book! God bless!
I so would love a copy was diagnosed and have been fighting cervical cancer it has been one scary ride…Would love to know how to fight back with joy..
Wonderstruck was the first Bible study I had ever led. Since then a small group of ladies have come together to dig deeper in God’s Word together. One of the ladies, also my sister-in-law, lost her husband about 6 months ago after a very sudden & brief illness. I was so excited to learn about Fight Back with Joy!!! We will be doing it together as a group when it releases. I hope to get an early sneak peek of the book! Continuing to pray for you!
Thank you, Margaret, for the depth and authenticity… I have several friends dealing with the darkness of this disease, so your words will help fuel their fights, as well! May The Lord continue to give you LIGHT for the FIGHT! Bless you! ❤️
Five years ago I was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. For three years I battled through chemo every three weeks, some days were really bleak! I’m currently cancer free but taking a daily chemo pill that suppresses the ugly cells! My dependence on God has grown so much in this journey! I can’t wait to read this book – you have a way of expressing what I feel and have felt! Thank you for continuing to write through this journey of yours!!
I really appreciated the journey I took with my Vineyard Bible study crew with you then soon after discovered you were on a journey I had been traveling with my husband. You have been in my prayers. It’s been a year and I think the pain is more real now. Blessing on your journey.
Thank you for sharing what you have been going through with all of us! I know that once again, I will learn a lot from your writing. Would love to read a copy!
You are truly an encouragement and blessing. Thank you for so willingly sharing your journey. God has currently been teaching me how suffering is a gift. Joy is a sword we carry in our darkest battles. I look forward to reading your new book.
Thank you for this article…a beacon of light in my current darkness. It was a joy to hear you speak at Women of Joy last year! Praying for you and your journey.
God has been teaching me that I need to rest more.
This would be a wonderful read to receive !
Yes please!! Can’t wait for January now! What a timely book. Praying for you!
Margaret, I’ve been amazed by your spirit since Nicole H. first introduced me to you a couple of years ago in Dallas. You’ve been in my prayers and on my church’s prayer list since you shared your diagnosis. I look forward to reading what God has been revealing to you as you’ve leaned into the darkness of this terrible disease. Blessings, dear one…and love you, Lief, and Hershey!
Wow! This is scarey & I feel all alone but now I know there is you & many others going thru similiar things so I think I need this book to help me get thru my diagnosis: brain injury. I had trusted him with many big things over the years, but I took my good health for granted until this happened. It has been an amazing seven years since my diagnosis getting rehab & getting better But I don’t think I’ll ever be as good as I once was so maybe God can still use me like I am now?
Margaret-
You are such an inspiration and can’t wait to read your newest book. I never know what to say to someone going through such a crisis. Perhaps your book will shed some insight…
I have been such a huge fan since doing Wonderstruck. “God is good, God is on the throne, breathe out, breathe in.”…….words of wisdom, truth to hold onto. Fighting Back With Joy – I SO VERY MUCH need to do that. Thank you for sharing your journey….in this and with God. You have blessed my life.
Oh please enter me into the drawing. I would so love to read this! Thank you!!!
Your story has been an inspiration to so many. I would love to read this book and then pass it along to others who need to hear this message.
I love this… So so very true… The gift of darkness is that it makes us squint for God –
I would love to read your book… But I also want to share it with some women I am walking with… Who are in a season of having to squint right now…
Continued prayers for healing and renewed strength!!!
I would love a copy of your book! God has been teaching me through all of my hardships that He can be trusted and that there is joy to be found in Him even when my world is falling apart.
I’ve had the honor of watching a longtime friend walk this journey over the past two years. What amazing faith she has displayed. I am grateful to her and to Margaret for being both vulnerable and brave enough to share their journeys toward zero.
What a blessing you are! And what a privilege it has been to pray for you, your family and your ministry.
‘May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.’
~Numbers 6:24-26 NLT
I look forward to this book and accompanying study but even the trailer has encouraged me. So many times we hear platitudes and polite “I’ll pray for you’s” when we’re struggling but this says joy is a weapon…I love that! I imagine warriors armed with weapons of smiles, laughter, grace and peacefulness. Darkness trembles because that seige will end a centuries long stronghold!
How awesome to walk alongside women of faith who continually fight the good fight. Praying for you to be blessed. I love reading all that you write.
There are a handful of women in our Bible study who are currently battling cancer. I would love to be able to minister to them better. Thank you for allowing God to use you in mighty ways, Margaret!
I am really looking forward to the release of your new book and study! I’d love an advance reader’s copy. I can’t wait to hear you speak in San Antonio this weekend!!
To some degree, I’ve been doing my version of fighting back with joy this year. At age 60, I’ve lost more dear friends to death than I want to count. Joy in remembrance of the past and joy in anticipation of eternal reunion has brought me through many dark days. God is teaching me that HE alone is always here with me through the darkness and the light.
I feel as though I have been stumbling in the dark for a long time. I love this idea of fighting back with joy. Looking forward to reading this. Praying for you all.
I was so delighted when our Sunday School class used your book Wonderstruck. I would love to read your Fight back with Joy. May God bless you with strength and health.
I can’t wait to read Fight Back With Joy! Continuing to send prayers for you and your family…
Margaret, I had the privilege to see you at Falls Creek in 2011 and you spoke on Scouting the Divine..as I also have had a rough year and little trouble finding joy, I read your book Scouting the Divine this last week and my eyes were open to so many things, and my heart was touched so deeply with how our Heavenly Father is such a Good Shepherd..I’m looking forward to what God has been showing you through your darkness and this hard year..thank you for being real and a vessel for God to use! You’ve blessed my life deeply!
God has been patiently teaching me to let go of so many things, both material and emotional, that I was holding too tightly. I need joy in this journey!
I along with you have had battle to fight in the darkness of the diagnosis of Lupus. I would love to receive a copy of your soon to be release book and read about fighting back with joy. Some days I don’t have much fight but other days I do. Thank you for sharing your journey, it is inspiring.
I would love to win this book. Scouting for the Divine is my favorite.
“Will you trust me now?” and “Will you follow me now?” – I’m struggling with those two questions as my Fish Guy goes through major health issues also. Thanks for allowing God to put the words I needed to hear today into your post.
It seems as though this book was written just for me. The words that I read are some how just taken out of my mouth – as I received the diagnosis of breast cancer July 2012. Scheduled for surgery on the 1st of October – double mastectomy. Oh, how I had to deeply depend on our Lord with the faith I had always sang about. Now with almost two years post-surgery with three more to go I encourage others to place your hands in the loving and very capable hands of our “Savior” who is a “Provider” and “Divine Healer”. No matter the circumstances you may face. He “can” and He “will” place His hand on you.
Dee
Would love a copy for my friend fighting stage 2 aggressive breast cancer! We saw you at the Extraordinary Women’s conference in KY back in March, right after she was diagnosed. It was a sign from God for her when you walked up and spoke on stage. Thank you!
Margaret,
I would love to win a copy of your book. You have an incredible gift as a writer and I know this book will help so many who have gone and will go down this road. I’d also like to pledge that if I win I will share this book with others.
Sending you a hug and much love,
Mary Lu Saylor
I love your writing Margaret! I would love to win a copy of Fight Back with Joy. May God continue to bless your ministry!
Margaret, I would truly love to get a copy of this book, We are looking at your studies and are considering introducing them for our Womens Ministry Bible study next year, Blessings to you and thank you for your ministry
Thank you for this. I’m also learning this, unfortunately (or fortunately, sometimes!).
I would love to be entered..
Thanks.
Kathryn
This sounds like a wonderful, inspiring book! Would love to win a copy to read and then to share!
Would LOVE to read you new book! I have followed the stories of your journey and prayed for you as well. My sign off on an off and on blog and with many other things is “Joy in the Journey” or simply just Joy!
As a Pastor the pain I feel is unbearable at times. People pain, people leaving, family issues. Sometimes I feel so alone except for Jesus. This is good.
I have a dear friend who had just been diagnosed with stage 3+ cancer.
I will refer her to you and your journy
(And the new book).
Thank you for sharing your journy!
Thank you so much for your encouragement, I save most of your devotionals so I can go back and read again. I enjoy your bible studies also.
Praise the Lord for the healing in your life. Thank you for ministering to so many of us. I would so enjoy reading an advance copy of your book.
“Will you trust me now?” and “Will you follow me now?” – thanks for sharing this post and these two questions – ones I need to focus on as my FishGuy struggles with major health changes.
I took your study wonderstruck last year. Our leader Kelly met you in the Atl airport!:) she wrote us to tell us. Love your writings
Would love to win a copy of the Bible Study early. My Sunday School class is currently doing Wonderstruck – they love the study – I’ve taught it before to our Women’s Group. After telling them about this new study and how it personally touches my life, they can’t wait to begin the new study. Even now, I struggle at times with finding the joy – there are still dark moments and dark days. But God’s grace and mercy always prevail when I turn back to Him – there is always, always joy. Thanks so much for sharing your gift of writing books and studies – this is surely what God has intended you to do. You are such a blessing to so many. Thank you, my sweet friend Margaret.
I’ve learned a great deal watching you battle from a distance. I would absolutely LOVE to read your new book.
Still praying for you!
Ah Margaret, we are all so anxious to read your new book. The insights you give us all in how to walk this journey of life on earth until we get home with our Father are so valuable. I have grown and learned the most about being a woman who knows her Lord and follows after Him through your books. May you be blessed beyond measure as you continue to be obedient to His call. I would love to have an advanced copy. I am getting ready to lead a GriefShare group at church this fall and we will finish just in time for the release of the book and I believe it will be a perfect follow up for my group. Blessings to you and your family.
I’m reading this with ice packs on my breast, post stereotactic biopsy. What am I learning? I’m not exactly sure. But I’m listening and trusting, and today that’s enough. He’s enough.
I always think of you as God’s child serving so many, and the so many were able over this past year to serve you. Out of it comes a book telling your story. Sometimes our stories are hard to share and more especially to put into print. I applaud you for sharing once again as God’s child through a book that will serve many.
Please enter me in the drawing – my plank is getting very narrow and dark. The way is dark and the night is long. As I get weaker, I am longing to see the face of my Jesus!
I loved Sacred Echo, Wonderstruck. I will love this one too ! I love to read ! Looking forward to reading the book.
WOW! Such an inspiring post. And so timely for my own walk with our Lord. Life is truly a daily battle, and I’ve felt more on the losing end lately. The Lord is teaching me that dependence on Him is permanent, and focus on Christ is essential, and must be intentional. I’ve been a single Mom for 14 years now. Struggled with some serious health issues, and all sorts of family issues. Feel like I’ve been wandering in the wilderness financially forever. Right now I am facing some very difficult situations that I simply see no solution to in the natural. I know I must stand on faith in this current darkness – and choose joy & light & freedom in Christ. God is the only solution. Thank you for sharing your life with us! I cannot wait for this book to be available. Blessings!
Praying and thanking God for His healing and faithfulness.
I’d love to win a copy!
Thanks for sharing. I’d love a copy of your book! #FightBackWithJoy
God has been teaching me so much, especially the past year. Lost my mom to lung cancer just over 10 years ago, both she & my late father were melanoma survivors too. Almost 3 years ago my husband of 34 years was diagnosed with prostate cancer. God taught us both so very much in that battle. He is ‘cancer free’ but battling the damage done from 42 radiation treatments. Then, this past January I was diagnosed with melanoma. It was so hard to hear those words after so much loss & so much cancer. But you know what? I’m not sorry it happened, because I’d not give up how near I feel to the Lord now. It’s so easy to think you’re in control, but none of us are, and that’s okay, because I know the One who is.
Years ago, in 1990, I was presented with the possibility of having ovarian cancer. I had cysts on my ovaries and they were getting bigger and the test for ovarian cancer was starting to indicate the possibility of that being true. Even though I had been in a legalistic church that was horrible and I was trapped by their brainwashing to leave, I put myself in God’s hands. One pastor’s wife told me how she was healed practically overnight of cancer and here I was still plagued by the possibility of it. My marriage, at that time, was just as bad, so I basically had NO one to lean on, except God. What I discovered was how much the things I worried and fretted about meant absolutely nothing when confronted with this. It was quite liberating and for the first time in my life, I felt free!
I consulted every nutritional book I could get my hands on and went to a natureopath doctor during this time, too. I did all sorts of things to try and kick start my body into doing something to heal while still counting on God. I had stopped going to the regular doctor because he wanted to do a complete hysterectomy and I didn’t think that was necessary. I went for another sonogram and it showed that the cysts were shrinking.
Well, I am still here today.
But I can tell you I wish I had a book like the one you wrote and wish I had some friends who could have gotten me through it.
Margaret, I find your writing and your battles moving and inspiring. They challenge me in ways I had avoided in the past… especially since “fighting back with joy” is something that is a daily battle for someone who fights chronic depression, also known as Dysthymia. Thank you for continuing to shine a light on a God who understands the dark….
i have been learning that it is through the hardships and trials of life that you get to grow closer to god so the hardship is not to be feared but actually to be desired. suffering lets you join your suffering to the cross of christ and you get to share the tiniest bit of the pain he took on for the whole world. this is how in a scary and hard season of life you get blessed with joy, great joy as you are walking much closer with god.you are now using faith to just get through a moment and then another momen, aand then a day and then another day. it srips you of self-relience and makes you choose god-relience instead.this is the mystery of joy that comes from suffering..
Continuing on in prayer for you and Leif…and very excited to read yoru new book – whether now or in January!
I can’t wait to read this book. So timely. Each of your books have been from your heart and have spoken to mine.
Thank you for sharing! Looking forward to reading your book and sharing!!
Either by winning it or purchasing, I will have this wonderful book. Thanks so much!
Omgness…what a great book this will be. Looking forward to it being published. Going through many things in the last year~~~serious car accident last year (8/2013) where my husband (the breadwinner) had to stop working (fortunately we were able to have money saved up and disability insurance), then I was in a car accident (6/2014) so I can’t work. Now disability payments have been stopped and we have no resources. I know God is good (all the time) and He will bring us through this darkness. As you walked through your darkness, I am walking day-by-day, sometimes second-by-second, leaning on the Lord Waiting on His perfect timing is not easy,as you know, but I continue to look up and for joy. <3
I went thru a minor health issue this summer that has some lingering (but fading) effects. I learned once again that it is during difficult times that I draw closest to God…yet I don’t want that to be the case. I want to keep my eyes fixed on Him at all times! I have also been reminded of the deep suffering so many in the world are experiencing and I am driven to offering more compassion and comfort…ever grateful that He comforts me.
I have read, love and own all of your books! I would love to win your new one! If I don’t, I will definitely be buying it when it comes available for purchase!
Thank you, Margaret, for your transparency and for writing your tremendous insights gained on your own journey of joy. “With joy” is my personal code for life. It’s the celebration of knowing I am a daughter of the King and that He, who is Joy, resides within me. I rejoice, as you, that no thing in this life can rip the joy out of me. Even though this life is hard and discouraging, and we experience the full range of emotion, joy is an irrevocable gift. “Lord, thank you for your joyful presence within Margaret. Thank you for carrying her through the darkness. Thank you for walking alongside her and shining the bright light of hope on her path.”
Oh, can’t wait to read your book, Margaret. What has God been teaching me lately? Sometimes the darkness comes in the lives of our family members or friends. And sometimes it’s harder to find the light in their pain than it is to find the light in our own dark moments. I bet we’ve all said to someone we love so much, “I’d give anything if I could take your place in your suffering…just to remove you from your pain.” AND…God is the light in their darkness. I need to let HIM be God. He has not asked me to do His job for Him.
I would love to win this book for my mother I know she needs it and so do I. I am looking forward to reading your work! I’m still learning to walk right and remember in times of darkness that he hasn’t forgot me
I loved Sacred Echo and getting ready to start Wonderstruck with the Womens Group at church. We are starting it tonight! I am looking forward to reading, FIGHT BACK….
I would love to receive a copy of your book. Having gone thru a nasty divorce; and having my mother go thru and survive Ovarian Cancer, not once, but twice, we’ve had to lean on God, and survive by faith quite a lot! It would be amazing to read your book. Thank you!
Having been blessed with a copy of this book, I can only tell you it is one of Margarets finest ever. She bears her heart and soul to all of us. There is so much practical information as to how you treat those who are sick with Cancer, but these tips would apply to any illness. How someone taking care of a loved one as needs also and they need to be met. They need a time of refreshing. But this journey is not just about a disease it is about how we can put joy back into our lives, when it does not seem possible. It is about putting laughter back into our lives when it is not easy. It is totally about putting our trust in our Heavenly Father. This book willl help you no matter what your valley experience is at the moment. It will give you faith and strength to get to the mountain top again. Great book, Fabulous Lady who is such a vessel for God to work through to teach us and to help us learn, so that we can become who God wants us to be.
Margaret, I lost my first husband and father of our children when I was 34 years old. 10 years later, my 14 yr. old son committed suicide. 10 yrs. after that my oldest son and father of my only 2 grandchildren also committed suicide. I have definitely walked in the dark so would love to have a copy of your book. I’m sure reading it will bring some healing in my life. I know what it is like to ask God, Why? And not get an answer except, Trust me. Thanks for your post. I enjoy them so much and I pray for you.
I love that you used the word “surrender”… I have been pondering the difference between surrendering and giving up and yes; we need to surrender and to fight back!
Let see… Would I like to read Margaret Feinberg’s new book that hasn’t been release yet??? Ummm, of course!! I love your writing, and this topic is something I think most people can relate to and/or learn from (joy).
Sometimes God asks is to walk a path we would never have chosen for ourselves. Would love to read your story!
I have loved your writing for a while now and knew that after the start of this leg of your journey with cancer that God would use you and the way you write in a mighty way! I look forward to reading this whenever I can get my hands on a copy 🙂 May He continue to be praised by your life and life’s work Margaret!
I’ve recently been given a possible life-changing diagnosis. I would love to read this book!!!!
Wonderstruck is still my fave but thanks got the opportunity to have a copy of this newest book. ThNks for sharing what God is teaching you!
Your analogy of the plank so resonates with my experience since BC diagnosis in 2010. Since then, I’ve grown and cried and learned so much about the depth of the love of God for us and what our lives are really about. And, as I learn I’ve been reaching out to others to help them along the path as well. I look forward to reading more about how you have walked this journey.
Your words resonate! Different setting, same darkness. Thank you for encouraging me as I “squint” in faith with you.
Margi
Hi my friend,
I can hardly wait to read this book. You have such a remarkable way with words; words of depth and heartfelt emotion. Having just gone through my own 8 months of a darkness, well, in my case “duskness”, I am thrilled to see you have put your journey into words. I Pray for you often and will continue to do so. Thanks for offering a give-a-way. You are a very special lady and friend (even though we have yet to meet).
Hugs, Sandra
Amazing! I love the title of your new book and the red balloon! It reminds me of ‘The Red Balloon’ movie I’ve watched several times with my grandkids . . . it has a great ending!
Fight Back with Joy Margaret! God bless you and may your book inspire and give hope to all who read it. Love and hugs.
I am so excited to read your new book. Currently enjoying “God’s Living Word” with our Brown Bag Bible Study group. FBC Brandenburg gals continue to pray for you!!!
The cover of your new book reminds me of ‘The Red Balloon’ movie I’ve watched several times with my grandkids . . . it has a great ending!
Fight Back with Joy Margaret! God bless you and may your book inspire and give hope to all who read it. Love and hugs.
I would love to get this for my Sister she is having a hard time due to her husband is getting chemo treatments and she is trying to stay strong even though it is killing her. I think this book would help her cope. Love you Margaret Feinberg praying for you we all thank God for your books to help us study to get closer to God! Have a blessed day!
So excited for your new book. I would love an arc but would probably buy it anyway.
Your testimony is such an attitude of gratitude. You are such an inspiration to me and so many.
I love the name of your new book
God has showed me that he want to hear me sing in my grief and pain. IWhen our heart is the heavest he is there to give us hope and put a song in our heart.
May God be near to you, Margaret.
You will continue to be in my prayers.
I would be honored to read your book early. I love your writing style but sorry it is so painful.
Loved this post and very excited about this book!! I lost a cousin this year to breast cancer. She did not make it to her baby first birthday. I also lost a uncle to lung cancer and I have an Aunt who is battling kidney cancer. It is hard finding joy In these dark times. Book looks great I hope I win!
I told my husband I anticipate this book to be your best yet. I’m looking forward to reading it in January… or earlier!
I love you, Margaret.
What an encouragement you are to so many–in this fight and others. Thanks for the reminders to trust God, not doubting in the darkness what God has taught in the light, to borrow from V. Raymond Edman.
Can’t wait to read this life teaching experience.
Many thanks for your words. Funny as I read through the comments I kept seeing your different book titles and I would think, “Oh, that’s the one that impacted me the most” and then I d see the next one and think the same thing. 🙂
I also saw many courageous sisters desiring to fight with joy, and I realized I should be patient waiting to purchase. (And prayerful for these ladies)
I will be buying multiple copies to share with newly diagnosed friends because I know He will minister to them through you.
Gratefully,
I’m also going through the cancer journey and look forward to hearing how God led you through yours so to be able to seek joy and find it and SHARE it!
I’d love to read this book!
He keeps in perfect peace one whose mind is stayed on Him. This was the verse I leaned on when I had breast cancer five years ago. Would love to read Fight Back with Joy. I am glad I found your teaching ministry through Right Now Media. God bless and keep you safe in Jesus’ arms.
No words really … just the depth of me resonating with your words:
“The ever-narrowing plank becomes more flimsy, unstable, until one day the light disappears altogether, nothing rests beneath our feet. “Will you trust me now?” Jesus whispers. “Will you follow me now?” …
“Follow me,” Jesus whispers. “I’m with you, even in this” the Father echoes.”
And I honestly have to ask … “Jesus, are You sure? … Am I on the right path?” … because the darkness is so dark!
I would thoroughly enjoy an early copy of Foght Back with Joy. Living in Utah there can be so much darkness yet I am learning to stay in the light and not allow anyone to knock me off my faith journey!
I love reading your posts and am thankful that you are willing to share honestly about your struggles. You’re an inspiration! I know this book will be a blessing to so many!
This book sounds fantastic and I would love to win a copy! I have heard wonderful things about this book!
Thank you, Margaret, for your testimony and for pointing us to Christ.
We can never know exactly what you went through, Margaret. But I do know that I, and untold others, were with you every step of the way; knowing that your story of His glory would be a masterpiece. How He is able to use these times amazes me. A time such as this …
I unabashedly throw my name in the ring for a freebie, but even if I do not win, I will read it with relish when it is available.
XO, Felecia
This is such a timely post. I would love to read this book and look forward to it. You are in my continued prayers. Thank you for your transparency. hugs
Margaret, you have been such a blessing in my life, through your messages at Capital and through your writing, your spirit shining brightly with God. It has been my honor to pray for you over the last year. I look forward to reading your new work whenever I can
Thank you for your faithfulness in sharing your story. I will carry the image of squinting for God through the coming season!
Grace and peace to you, Margaret, as you walk in the dark with Jesus.
Great blog post. I’d love to read more through the book.
Margaret,
I was diagnosed with breast cancer almost 13 months ago at the age of 33. Being a single woman and full time grad student, I questioned God as I walked through testing, surgeries, radiation & began my 10 year regimen of oral chemo. While cancer has changed many things in my life, it has made me cling to my faith in a way I have not done so in the past. God has used me as a light to shine for Him to those around me during this time. I have been in remission for 8 months, but my body is still affected daily from all I have been through. He continues to provide me with joy for this uncertain journey as I walk daily clinging to Him. I would love to read/hear more about how you have experienced this joy in your own journey. Blessings, Sara
I am enjoying the book “His Healing Hands” and would love to have this new book!
Hi Margaret! You are an inspiration to so many people including myself. I had the privelage to hear you speak about Scouting the Divine at EV Free Fullerton in March of this year…you truly touched my heart in so many levels including breast cancer, as I am an 8-year breast cancer survivor. I too walked the dark path…I would love to read your new book!! I have to tell you something exciting that has happened to me….I’ve been asked to lead a Bible Study at work. When I was praying about this I received an email from you about launching the best Bible Study ever!! I chose the study The Verbs of God….I look forward to reaching out to my co-workers with you and touch their lives with God’s love and presence. God Bless You, Margaret!!
Please enter me in your drawing. Margaret, you have no idea how much it truly inspires me to step forward each day knowing that someone like you is willing to publicly admit your stuggles through trials such as cancer. After the year I’ve had, the typical “go-to” christian attitude just isn’t cutting it…and I often wonder how strong Christians handle such tribulations and maintain the appropriate attitude. We have met many times and I look forward to hearing your voice speak passionately about this topic. Thank you for your openness and honesty. We have been and will continue to pray for strength for you and your family. Blessings to you and your team. 🙂
So exciting! Thanks for allowing your readers to enter for a chance at an advanced copy 🙂
I’d love to win a copy! Count me in!
I’m in the midst of re-reading Sacred Echoes, my favorite book. I’d love the chance to read a pre-release copy of Fight Back With Joy.
Looking forward to your new book and your encouragement to us all to Fight Back With Joy! Praying for your health and strength as you continue to FIGHT!
Wow, Margaret, such a powerful; post. Reminds me of my own journey through the darkness after my wife dies. Would love to win a copy of the book!
This book is exciting! I can’t wait to read it! I am so happy that you have made it through this challenge with joy intact! I would love to read your words about this journey, and recognize similar feelings in me from my own cancer journey, but also to find those surprise nuggets when you have a different point of view. We are both survivors, but our journeys are not the same. It is so interesting to see how God works differently in each of his children’s lives. Margaret, I began praying when I first read your announcement of your cancer diagnosis, and I continue to pray for you daily. I have been blessed by knowing you through your books, and through your website. God blessed us with a brush with death, and brings us back to share our experience with others. I just have to giggle, because I just know this book is going to be amazing to read!
Thanks for your openness in your toughest battles! Soldier on Margaret , fight the good fight and win this race 🙂
I so appreciate your vulnerability in sharing your struggles. You are such an amazing woman!
What a powerful post! I would love to read your book and share it with my therapy clients.
I learned how to be joyful, take risks, and love Jesus with abandon because of you, Margaret. Missing our art classes, lunches, and walks on campus. So sorry for these past dark days. I have been struggling with my own “dark night of the soul.” Grateful for others who are in this journey, as well. Can’t wait to read….
I’m very much looking forward to reading your next inspiring and encouraging book. Joy is so necessary in the difficult times of life.
Thank your for all your encouraging words! I first heard you speak when I was a student at Wheaton College, and have continued to be challenged and uplifted by your writing since then. I’m looking forward to reading your new book and sharing it with a dear family member struggling with some dark times right now.
Thank you for putting your journey to print. You have been so encouraging to others through it all. Would love to read your story. Keeping you in prayer.
Would love an advanced copy! I am really excited about this book! I love Margaret’s writings! God bless, Angie 😉
I am really looking forward to your new book. I plan to get a copy for a dear friend who is being relentlessly attacked by the enemy, but her faith is unwavering.
It’s been almost 8 weeks since I was diagnosed with cancer. Surgery is done and I’m back to work. I am struggling to regain my footing and clinging to God is the one thing I am certain I must do. I love this study title and concept. I want very much to read and receive. This has been so frightening and has really shaken my root… but one thing remains! Thank you Jesus for walking with me down this uncertain road. Thank you Margaret for sharing your journey and strengthening our faith through your message.
I would love to read your new book, Margaret, and the sooner the better! I can’t think of any way to face our greatest trials than to Fight Back With Joy. Thank you for writing, and also for the giveaway.
Your book sounds so encouraging and I know it will inspire me with your writing of your experience of finding God in dark places. Right now I am poking holes in my dark places and finding rays of hope and joy coming through into my life. I desire to find God’s light to guide me and keep me from stumbling.
I’d LOVE to win an early release copy! I’ve done 2 of your studies this past year & they’ve truly helped me cope with the loss of my mother… Thank you Margaret for being an amazing role model in my journey. Praying for you…
Margaret, you are in my prayers. Thank you for the opportunity to get to know you more here and to learn about your struggles as we struggle along with you in our own ways. Big hugs!
I would be so honored if I won this book. God is teaching me in this season of life the importance of joy and not letting circumstance dictate how I feel in any given situation. I appreciate your willingness to open your heart and provide another book. God bless you!
I am learning that no matter what it looks like God is faithful. You prayed for me at a conference once and I just want to continue to return that gift by praying for you as you walk through this difficult stage. Know I am praying and believing for restoration and healing. Love u my sister in Christ 🙂
Would love it! It sounds like my past year. Three unexpected surgeries, not counting test, therapies, and changing of medicines. Yet, through it all God has taught me to let go of the finish line and just trust with the next step. While still healing in some areas I am believing that I will be stronger, healthier, and a greater testimony at the end of this.
This is exactly the kind of book I need to be reading right now. Sounds amazing.
I would love to win a copy of this book. My Bible Study group loved Wonderstruck and we will be studying The Sacred Echo later in the year. Blessings and prayers for you Margaret.
Thank you for sharing your journey. This study is sure to fill a need with a lot of ladies struggling with health issues. I am in a group now using Wonderstruck and highly recommend it. Thanks for using your talents in God’s service
Praise God that you are zero! God is so wonderful that you can see through your darkness to help bring light to others. I am sad for what you have been through, but so inspired by what you are doing with it!
I praise God with every day of remission! (Since April 2013). Remission is possible!
Margaret, I had the privilege of seeing you last year at Lifeway’s forum. The joy you radiated at such a low point has been an inspiration to me this whole year. I devoured Wonderstruck in hopes of learning the secret I knew you must have discovered. It was Wonderful! I can’t wait to read this book and study! Blessings & love!
Would love to have a copy of this book to give to my mom who is battling lung cancer…she has no joy right now and I have been blessed by hearing you at women of joy in Louisville last May and by reading your books. Would love to share your wisdom with my mom.
I’ve devoured every book you’ve written and can’t wait to read this one! God bless you for sharing your life and heart with us .
Since last June I have been fighting back with joy and peace. That is when we began our second fight with malignant melanoma. 14 yrs ago God decided to save my husband Don but June 2013 the cancer again reared its ugly head. Since then there has been 3 surgeries, radiation and imuno therapy with Yervoy. His last treatment is Sept 24 after which we will see how successful the treatments have been.
Margaret, you’re such an inspiration! I would love to read your book! Though I do not struggle with cancer, I do struggle daily with chronic arthritis, something I’m told over and over that I’m too young to have. Nonetheless, I have it. It is difficult to be joyful every day when you’re in pain, but I try not to let my disease effect me or others negatively. In fact, I’ve been able to use my “thorn” as a testimony to others. Hoping to receive inspiration from your latest book!
Yes!! Please!!!!
You are an absolutely remarkable woman Margaret! Not everyone would have the strength to not only go through what you have, but to write about it.
Since meeting you in Red Deer I have found myself renewed and more in love with Jesus.
Many blessing to you and Leif.
Will be praying for you, Margaret. Thanks for all you do and your humility in being available to help others.
I’m praying for you, Margaret. I’ve experienced this kind of darkness in my own season of refining. Yes, It seems absolutely unbearable when you’re going through it, but as God brings you to the other side, He will be faithful to reveal a beautiful harvest that gives great purpose to the digging which took place in those dark places.
Continued prayers,
Leah
Fighting back with joy seems to be the only way to fight back against the darkness and stay sane. I’ve been fighting for years but not always with joy. You are an amazingly strong woman and an inspiration to a lot of others. God does say, “Are you going to follow Me now?” “Are you going to let Me take that now?” I usually don’t hear it until I’ve exhausted myself needlessly. It would be lovely to win a copy of your new book. If not I can wait until January 🙂
I love the title of your new book, “Fight Back with Joy”. I’ve gone through some health problems in the past and it is a fight indeed and you have to choose joy to overcome it. I’d love a copy to read but definitely I’ll be looking for one when its released. Continue the fight, Margaret — His light shines even brighter in those dark places.
This post is wonderful! New insight and perspective gained. I would LOVE a copy of Fight Back with Joy! Thank you for sharing your journey.
Margaret,
I had the pleasure of meeting you many years ago at a young adult conference in Orlando and I have loved following your work and learning through what God has laid on your heart to share since then.
I can’t even imagine how this time has been for you and I am amazed that you have been able to see through the darkness and find joy in God. I know that over this past year God has been showing me how He is supremely sovereign over my life, and that no matter where I am and where I want to be, He has me exactly where I need to be.
I can’t wait to read Fight Back with Joy and better understand how God lead you through this past year.
Receiving an advance copy of your book would be a blessing. My husband, Rick was just diagnosed with a rare form of Non Hodgkins Lymphoma last month(Aug 8th). Thank God its treatable! He just started his 2nd round of chemo today. He has had no adverse side effects. He has not been scared at all…really leaning on his faith. I was honestly having a harder time than him. But I have sensed a shift in the last 2.5 weeks. I do believe we are also fighting back with joy. I’m trying to post something inspirational weekly on Instagram. I would love to have one more weapon in my arsenal when I get overwhelmed!
I love this, Margaret! Thank you for your encouragement and the transparency you have with your readers! I can’t wait to read #FightBackWithJoy!
What a blessing to have the perspective you do. Looking forward to reading the book (hopefully early!).
Looking forward to reading this book. Thank you for the giveaway 🙂
Living in darkness and without light is heart wrenching. I have been in the dark and your description of the plank hit a chord in my heart. I know those days of stumbling backwards and feeling fear. I would love a copy of your book.
Our bible study group has just finished Wonderstruck. We have enjoyed and learned so much from that study. I look forward to reading this new book and sharing it with my group.
Thanks for the opportunity at this giveaway!! Looking forward to reading this!!
Can’t wait to read about your year! Thank-you for sharing it with us.
I’d love to win a copy….not for me but so I can give it to my daughter’s school guidance counselor who is currently being treated for breast cancer. She has been a source of great comfort for my daughter and just an amazing woman. I’d love the opportunity to bless her with this in a time where she needs it most. Thank you so much for doing this and writing this book that will provide encouragement to many people.
Margaret, I would love to have a copy early but either way I will be buying one because I feel like we were on this journey together. You have never been without my prayers. I look forward to seeing you soon. I treasure you and what you have to say. Blessings…
I love your analogy of walking down a narrowing plank into the darkness. We tend to think that in a deepening relationship with Jesus, the path should become more illuminated. But that leaves us wondering why it doesn’t. We ask “Where are you?” and hear silence, because, instead of answering that question, He’s saying “Will you follow?” I would love to read your new study. Thank you for giving us the opportunity. <3
Yes, I too would like a chance to read an early copy of this book! It looks like a book that will be around for awhile helping people.
Congratulations Margaret on your new book! I imagine it was hard to write and I am anticipating it actually being hard to for me to read as well. But I know it will be dang good! 🙂
Yes, please 🙂
I’m learning something I thought I learned way back in Sunday school–the Word of God is living and active. It’s the kind of thing you think you know, but then the Spirit breathes life into it in a surprising new way.
Can’t wait for your book–only wish it was going to be out for Christmas cause then I’d have most of my shopping done!
Margaret, you are truly an inspiration. My 21-year-old son just celebrated his one-year anniversary of being cancer free. He had been diagnosed with germ-cell cancer, underwent some surgery and very aggressive chemo treatments. I believe reading your story will give me even greater insight on the ability to fight back. I have often said that if diagnosed, I wouldn’t undergo treatments, but your words may be the turning point in creating a desire to actually fight back. Continued blessings in your life, your fight, and your inspiration to others.
Thank you Margaret for such an honest and inspiring post!! Thank you for sharing your heart!! And your story!!
I’m so thankful He is with you every step of this for you! God is so good He gives you Joy in all circumstances. Thanks for sharing these steps of your journey, so we can be praying for you and learn with you to help others and ourselves. Thankful for you dear Sister in Christ, for listening to His Calling. Many blessings and continue to lift you, Leif and cute Hershey up in prayer!
Together with a group of ladies, i am doing your ‘Wonder Struck’ study. I have been much refreshed by your insights and sharing.
I am excited to read your new book
‘Fight back with Joy ‘. It would be a such delight for me to receive personalized copy with your signature on it.
Blessings
Inspiring! Can’t wait to read the book.
I have been anticipating the release of this book! I can’t wait to buy it and give it to my mother! She has fought cancer and since then still hurts and now struggles with her relationship with God. I believe this book could help her and I can’t wait to get it in a few months!… But if I win it sooner all the better! Thank you for following God’s path for you and thank you for your lovely heart Sister! God Bless!!!
What an encouraging post. It looks like the book will be as well.
I am so sorry for your struggle. I met you at Grace Chapel and took a picture with you. You are my favorite author and one of my favorite people. I have a friend who has been struggling with the outcome of cancer of the larynx. Since April she has been through surgey and radiation and tests. She can’t eat solid food. It is a very difficult thing. Yet she is so hopeful and in good spirits. I pray for you Margaret my friend, and CHRISTINA. The book would be a wonderful gift. God be with you and keep you and may he heal you.
Wow, it is amazing how God works. Just when I don’t think I can hang on any longer as my husband can be so condesending, I read this post and it renews my faith in God. Thanks for all you do Margaret. You are a true blessing from God.
Margaret,
When you mentioned fighting against life’s battles with joy, I thought of my grandmother. She is 99 and still going strong, despite having four boys, one with special needs, and being widowed in her early 60’s. She definitely fought her battles on her knees with praise to and joy from our God. Needless to say, I can’t wait to read your book!
Thank you for sharing your story for His glory and our benefit! Praying for increased strength and continued health.
-Susan S.
What an inspiration you are to so many! Thanks for sharing your journey. I enjoyed Wonderstruck and would love to have a copy of your new book. Blessings to you.
Yes, I’d love to win your book!
You are an amazing woman who finds her strength in God. I admire this about you. You definitely are an inspiration. I’m grateful that you’ve posted about faith and darkness. Sometimes I remind myself that I don’t walk by sight but rather by faith. I believe this very thing is what God is teaching me lately. Funny how this lesson all began with a simple eye surgery and I can see the connection with faith. Thank you Margaret. I am still praying for you!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It’s one thing to write books and share hope but it’s another to write books and share hope in the middle of circumstances that have rocked yours. You are brave and courageous and real. Thank you.
It is through our deepest struggles that we grow and bloom. The fruit of this journey will be with you longer than the trials themselves. God is will us.
Indeed this had been a dark year. My husband had permanent nerve damage following surgery, my 51 year old brother in law had a casual heart attack in front of his three young children and instantly making my sister a widow, my father was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, my mother had to be placed in a nursing home, our daughter was hospitalized during her first pregnancy and our sweet granddaughter had to go to Children’s Hospital twice. I felt like we were hit by a never ending tsunami, increasing in strength, threatening to pull us under. BUT GOD. He remained our lifeline of strength and hope! Yes! We squinted often. And each time, we saw His face and felt His loving presence. He kept our heads above water and got us safely to shore! He was faithful!
So proud of you and thankful for your attentiveness to the Holy Spirit throughout this horrifying process. I thankful for strong warriors that can be modern day examples to all fighting their own battle. Much love and I wanna be in the drawing.
Indeed this had been a dark year. My husband had permanent nerve damage following surgery, my 51 year old brother in law had a fatal heart attack in front of his three young children and instantly making my sister a widow, my father was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, my mother had to be placed in a nursing home, our daughter was hospitalized during her first pregnancy and our sweet granddaughter had to go to Children’s Hospital twice. I felt like we were hit by a never ending tsunami, increasing in strength, threatening to pull us under. BUT GOD. He remained our lifeline of strength and hope! Yes! We squinted often. And each time, we saw His face and felt His loving presence. He kept our heads above water and got us safely to shore! He was faithful!
I truly would enjoy a copy!
Darkness, fear & despair are the order of the day in the lives of the single moms I love, counsel, coach and encourage. The hope, wisdom, courage & candor of your nightmare journey will be multiplied in the sharing of it with my moms.
Would love to win! Thanks!
This book. Wow, what a blessing it will be to so many souls!! 🙂 I will be waiting to see how the drawing goes! 🙂
Cannot wait to read this new book! The Lord speaks life through your words and books to so many!! Thank you!!!
I just love you, Margaret Feinberg! I can’t wait until we meet, someday! 🙂
This is a truly inspiring post! I, myself, have not had cancer but I have nursed family members who have! It would be so helpful to have read something like this to be able tl have the words to lead them through their journey. Even if I don’t win the book, I will be ordering it just for this purpose. Can’t wait for it to be released. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made! The journey the Lord is walking you down is not easy by any means, but in this post you reflect that you have the greatest joy in all of life, Jesus Himself. He beckons you in love, pursues you in love, nudges you in love, and is restoring you moment by moment in life. You are a shining example of what it means to learn to and really live by faith. Thank you for this example! I have just recently started following you, and I look forward to reading this new book of yours and hopefully going back and reading your previous works. You are a jewel, sister!
You are so wise, Margaret. And so faithful. I enjoy all that you write and I think of and pray for you often. May you be filled with joy for all of the joy that you bring to others.
Can’t wait to read this, Margaret….How we all need to keep our eyes on Jesus!!
Thanks for your encouragement!
January 1, 2014, The Lord gave me a word for this year. The word is “JOY”! He has guided me this year to wonderful books with awesome authors that have helped me continue my journey with Him in JOY, Joy in Him, Joy in His Word, Joy in His Creation, Joy in the friends who encourage me along this journey. Your book is one that I look forward to reading, I would love if I could recieve one that you are giving away but if not it is on my list to purchase. Thank you for writing it and I pray that it blesses many.
The darkness makes us squint for God. How profound! Thank you God for the blessing that is Margaret!
Can’t wait to read this! I had the pleasure of hearing you speak at the Women of Joy conference in Pigeon Forge, TN and after your first session I promptly went to your table and bought 3 of your books, and our ladies group leader purchased the Organic God bible study kit. You books and teaching have spoken to me and opened a desire to pursue God boldly.
Timing is everything!!! I have had the privilege of reading your work and hearing you speak several times over the past 7 years. Would love to read this… especially during this season of my life… could use the encouragement/inspiration I have come to know you for. 🙂
So enjoying your #Wonderstruck study right now!! Thankful for God’s gifting you with such talent and insight!!
I can’t wait to read this book, Margaret!! I’ve had chronic illness for the past 14 years which consists of four autoimmune diseases. Now my surgeon is thinking that one of the problems is more likely cancer than a flare of my Crohn’s Disease. So I’m off to hospital next week for scopes to try to find out, and then she’s going to book me in for surgery as soon as she can after that. I’m sure your new book is going to bless so many of us. God bless you, Margaret 🙂
I would love to be a part of this giveaway. Our women’s ministry has participated in a few of your Bible studies and love your style of teaching. I believe your story would be a great inspiration and benefit to the women of our church, because so many have faced an onslaught of heartache and physical burdens in the last year or so. They need to know the hope of finding joy again, no matter what!
Thanks Margret for your faithfulness and testimony to Our Great God! Thank you for continuing to inspire us and point us towards Christ! You are awesome!
Your presentation at the Extraordinary Women’s Conference in Greenville, SC this year really hit home. My best friend, Karen, attended with me and had just been diagnosed with cancer. Yesterday we received the news that her end is near. Your story helps in the spiritual healing.
Thank you for sharing. I can’t wait to read this book. God is using you in the midst of your struggles to minister to many women. Thank you for your faithfulness to serve Him in the middle of the battleground.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. You are an inspiration.
Saw Margaret in April at a conference and working through the Wonderstruck bible study with the group of ladies I went to the conference with. Such an inspiring woman. Love her books!
Enjoyed hearing you speak at Women of Joy last March…looking forward to this new book….Blessings to you as you bless others with your speaking and writing!!!
Our ladies LifeGroup is currently praying for God’s direction on our next study. I would love to have a copy to read and share with group!
Can’t wait to read this!
Yes please!
I saw you speak and give a mini seminar a few years back, and I’ve been enjoying your books ever since. I look forward to reading about what God has revealed to you in your most recent journey.
Can’t wait to read this! I’ve been fighting this battle with my sister. Sometimes it is HARD to “Fight Back With Joy”, but we always try to remember that the “Joy of the Lord is our Strength!”.
I would love to win this book!! You are an amazing woman! I’ve saw you at E-Women and will be seeing you again this year in Roanoke!! Can’t wait!!
Just started Wonderstruck. Looking forward to Fitghting Back….
Either way I can’t wait to read the boom. Your journey and who you are is incredible.
I am so excited to read you new book! You are one of my favorite authors and I adore your zest for life. But to be honest I would love to win an advanced copy of this book because a close friend of mine was just diagnosed with breast cancer. She is leaning into God and gas been showered in prayer but I think this book would be an encouragement to her. Her name is Jen Wilson, I case you want to lift her up in prayer.
God bless you Margaret!!!
You shine the light of our Father so brightly!
Erica
Excited to read Fight Back With Joy! Thank you for sharing your journey and giving inspiration.
Can’t wait to read this and would love to win it early!!
I would love to read this book. There have been some hard times for me in the past few years. God used Wonderstruck to help me grow and I can only imagine what the words He gave you in this book will help.
You’re such an inspiration. My life has been full of strange and difficult transitions. Can’t wait to read the book (now or when it gets released). Thank you for sharing your stories with so many people. They’re a gift.
Would love to be included in the giveaway – thank you for sharing your story!
Congrats on the new book!
The title resonates with me. This article was such good timing. God is good all the time which gives us courage to walk and live in joy and gratitude.
We all go through hard, dark times, and it’s encouraging and life-giving to see how God has worked in the lives of others…..gives us hope in our times of darkness….Thank you for your ministry!
So you enjoyed you at our ladies conference this year. Admire your courage and your faithfulness. I’m sure God has left you here because of your willingness to be used by Him and your special gift of inspiration and encouragement to so many. Prov 3:5,6
“When we come to know Christ, the plank appears wide and sturdy”. What a beautiful image and one that so aptly describes our path. Do we trust God, even when the path is narrow and wobbly? Thought to dive into…
You have often been on my kind and in my prayers his past year. Your blog encourages me and I also saw you on Life Today a few months back. I look forward to reading your new book.
I would love to read your new book! This is something I need to truly work on is fighting back with Joy.
Thanks!
Margaret – We went to Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, CO for the first time the day you spoke there. SO inspiring and your words were certainly sent from God – my husband was just diagnosed with cancer and we left CHCC feeling like your talk was written just for us! Praying for continued good health for you.
I’m excited to read this book! Every battle is different for each person, but our God is the same in how He can bring us through. My battle was stage 3a colon cancer, and I could not have made this journey without my God, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my Jehovah Rapha!
We are currently going taking the journey of “Wonderstruck” in our women’s Bible study group at church and this journey has certainly made an impact on me. Thank you for what you do for our Lord!
This sounds so good! Thanks
I have a dear friend going through Chemo for Breast Cancer. She has really rough days. I would like to send her a copy of your book.
Miss Margaret–what an inspiration you are to me and so many others! Your enthusiasm and joy are contagious. I would love to read what God has placed on your heart and is doing in and through you!!!!
This so speaks to where I am right now. I need joy in this hard season…
I would love a copy! Thank you for the opportunity!
Looking forward to reading #fightbackwithjoy. What an amazing and helpful message. Thanks for sharing your journey with us!
Looking forward to being inspired.
Our family has been walking through some dark days that shake your faith down to your soul. I have also felt like I was walking in the pitch black and it feels scary. It helps to believe that even in the dark silence God is holding my hand and He won’t let go.
Hi Margaret. I met you at Crosspointe Church in Cary, NC a few years ago and have been following you since. I too was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2013. It’s been quite a year with surgery, chemo and radiation. You’re an inspiration to me and I’d love to read your new book! All the best to you!
I have enjoyed past books and devotions you have written. Your posts are always inspiring. I would love to have your new book, not for myself but for a friend who has been diagnosed with advanced brain cancer. Anxiously waiting for an opportunity to ask her about her salvation. Something I haven’t done yet! Pray that opportunity arises soon.
So encouraged by your journey and your spirit through it all! Can’t wait to read the book and would love to get a headstart 🙂
It definitely is a battle.
Looking forward to reading your latest Margaret.
As a recent widow I have been so encouraged by your faith walk through this past year. It will be a blessing to read Fight Back with Joy. Thank you for sharing your life with us…
Just started Wonder Struck. Looking forward to this new study.
Thank you for sharing yourself with us. And for your generosity.
Margaret I can’t wait to read your book. I want to learn how to fight with joy instead of fear and despair. A week ago I received news of two family members being diagnosed with cancer my aunt in her 40s and my two year old niece. My sister in law in her early 20’s is also going through radiation. Rejoice always in the Lord is a frase that I can’t get out of my mind. I ask God to help me and teach how to rejoice in Him in the midst of what my loved ones are suffering.
Inspired by your words. Encouraged by your faith. Keep on.
“God wastes nothing”…wrote those words on my calendar a couple of days before my daughter-in-laws had a miscarriage…life is hard..as you can clearly see reading many of these posts! And when someone like you is open and vulnerable enough to ask for prayers for strength and courage, it helps the rest of us to peel off the mask and honestly admit our own vulnerability. Thank you! And know that so many of us are faithfully praying for you. I would love to win this book; to read and share. (Of course I would…that’s the whole point of this post, lol). Either way…thank you for giving away books at all and God bless whoever get these copies…and bless the rest of us as we have something to look forward to in the new year!
I can’t wait to read this. The way that you write with so much of yourself has made reading your books a sort of spiritual learning experience. I want to know just how you can process these things.
Thanks for sharing so much of who you are. It truly makes a difference!
Margaret –
I’m thankful for people like you who are willing to share your story with the world… Even when it’s a painful one. Your bravery makes me brave.
Jen
I can’t wait for this study to come out. Your fight has so closely mirrored my own this past year that I felt like we were connected in some mysterious way. I too have been diagnosed with cancer and so has my father. My surgery ran into many complications which have caused long term problems. A song that has been very special to me during this time is Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong. May we keep equipping each other to fight with joy the battles that lie ahead and may we remember who it is that “call(s) me out upon the waters; The great unknown where feet may fail; And there I find You in the mystery; In oceans deep
My faith will stand! Amen
I want to read this so bad! I love all your books and cannot wait for another amazing Feinberg book!
Hi Margaret,
I would love to win this book and write a review on it through Goodreads and my own blog as well as share about it on Facebook. I am looking forward to reading it.
Studying the book Wonderstruck now and very excited to read this new book. I would love to give to my friend who has a 6 year old who is still battling cancer two years later and doctors have just told them there is nothing more that can be done.
What a fabulous way to fight back. Praying for you often!
Margaret,
This post was so helpful to me. Thank you for repeating over and over to put all my trust in God. I loved the use of your comments in bold and in bigger inscription. I take pictures of them and save them to my photos. Then whenever I feel so alone, I can remember God saying…I.AM.With.You.Even.In.This. Also, another comment you make is Do.You.Trust.Me.
I would be very appreciative of your book. I thought God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit ‘betrayed’ me in my ‘darkest’ hour.
However God is there and keeps providing ‘windows’ and HIS strength thrust upon me. I crumbled in a divorce process and I was crying out to our Savior the majority of each day. I just survived a very near fatal ‘suicide’ attempt because I thought everyone I knew was trying to maliciously hurt me. I also thought God must not be real. However I am still in very intensive treatment nearly 2 months after my attempt.
I now realize that God must have a much better ‘story’ for me and my life. He saved me from dying that day when all labs, organs, etc failed me. I am hear to say that my entire physical health is about 100% normal on its own in less than 2 months.
Soooo, yes…God was with me and yes, I need to trust him and put my faith in Him. I’m alive without any permanent damage to my physical body.
I would love to read this. I have seen and felt how beneficial it is to be joyful and thankful but during tough times it still can be a struggle!
God bless you for your humble and obedient spirit. Thank you for sharing your deepest thoughts and emotions with all of us through this dark journey.
Sandi
I’d love to get an advance copy of this book. Love your writing. Can’t wait to get my hands on your latest!
Congratulations, Ann! You’ve been selected as a winner! Please send your mailing address to carrie@margaretfeinberg.com.
Congratulations, Kathleen! You’ve been selected as a winner! Please send your mailing address to carrie@margaretfeinberg.com.
Congratulations, Traci! You’ve been selected as a winner! Please send your mailing address to carrie@margaretfeinberg.com.
Margaret, I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to see this book on joy. I met you in Red Deer Canada in the spring before your diagnosis and we discussed how God had been highlighting the theme of joy in both our lives. The Joy of our Lord is our strength and it is encouraging to see the Joy is a possibility in the darkness. Excited to read it when it comes out.
Blessings!
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