Escaping Anxiety: Along the Road to Spiritual Joy
by Albert E. Hughes and Ronda Chervin
Escaping Anxiety: Along the Road to Spiritual Joy is not a “simple” book of advice, which could turn out to be ineffective because too “pat.” Instead it evolved into something that could actually be a new genre! How so? Well, have you ever seen a book of spiritual advice where confidentiality was not an issue because the directee is a co-author and, what is more, one whose personal journals throughout the years have been published! Our book takes the form of a chronicle of the process employed by a well-trained spiritual director helping a Catholic leader struggle to open herself to the graces that brought her from excessive anxiety along the road to spiritual joy. Our goals are to help readers suffering from excessive anxiety and to provide insights for any mentors of such people such as priests, religious, and lay pastoral ministers.
Paperback $14.95 | Kindle $9.99
REVIEWS
Keary, James. (2019, March 30) “Chervin shares her honest stories of anxiety, finding joy.” Arkansas Catholic. To read the review, click here.
TESTIMONIALS
With anxiety and its distressing manifestations (ie: muscle tension, headaches, panic attacks, insomnia) at nearly epidemic levels, what could be more timely than a book that helps the reader move beyond this all too common anxious state which, as Alex Williams points out in his June 10, 2017, New York Times article: An Anxious Nation; “is starting to seem like a sociological condition, too: a shared cultural experience.” Escaping Anxiety, a new book by Dr. Ronda Chervin, Ph.D., and Albert E. Hughes, Lt Colonel USAF, M.S., M.P.M., not only shows the reader that it is in fact possible to put anxiety “in the rear view mirror,” but it will also help the reader to move… along the road to spiritual joy… which is the subtitle of the book. For me, the real “take-away” message of this remarkable and rare piece of spiritual writing was the powerful, therapeutic value of authentic love. Why did these courageous authors make themselves vulnerable by sharing this intimate process of spiritual growth? For Love! Why did Dr. Chervin initiate this dynamic exchange in the first place and then continue to push forward into spiritual growth and liberation… despite the difficulties of what was, very often, a rigorous “uphill” climb? For Love! Read this book… it will draw you into the mystery of how God is at work in our times and in our hearts! – Fr. Lawrence E. Tucker, SOLT, Author of To Whom The Heart Decided To Love; Adventures In The Father’s Joy; The Prayer Of Jesus Crucified.
There are no coincidences with God! I was in the process of having a dental procedure and was feeling extreme anxiety and a friend shared that they had just read Escaping Anxiety. I had some some preconceptions about the book based on the title and to my surprise, through the insightful sharing of Ronda Chervin, one of the co-authors, found otherwise. I was able to have empathy for Ronda as her life story hit a similar “bitter root judgment” as mine even though our life circumstances were different. Don’t be surprised if after reading this book, that you, too have the “aha” moment! – Kathy Bolanowski, Ed.D.
“Your book is very refreshing. It is filled with honesty and the deep metaphors that touch life at its core.” – Robert Sizemore, Sociology Professor, Therapist, Spiritual Director and Author of The Franciscan Desert Pack
“I found Escaping Anxiety Along the Road to Spiritual Joy constructive and enriching. Both Al, as spiritual director, and Ronda, as directee, exhibit great honesty, humility, and openness to the reader. I actually applied some of the personal reflections at chapters’ end to my own life. This dynamic is potentially helpful for both counseling and spiritual direction.” – Marti Armstrong M.S., Counselor, Dedicated Widow, Happy Mother and Grandmother
“Who among us suffers no ills, no shortcomings, no inadequacies, no deficiencies? Traumas, shocks, ordeals, trials and tribulations—they all take a toll, leaving behind deep-seated but often hidden wounds. If left unattended, they manifest in various ways such as anger or anxiety. The question is not whether there is need for recovery, but when or if we will pursue it. In this book, Dr. Ronda Chervin and her Spiritual Director Albert Hughes walk their readers through the healing process in real time. It takes effort, commitment, resolve, and patience. But, there is reward for those who persevere. In addition, definitions and philosophical reflections are interspersed along the way, offering many insights as well as the hope of realizing spiritual joy as the title promises.” – Dr. Jeffrey L. Romine, author of Knowledge Unto Relationship: A Biblical Destiny
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Albert E. Hughes (Pastoral Counselor and Spiritual Director) and Ronda Chervin, Ph.D. (Professor Emerita of Holy Apostles College and Seminary, Catholic Writer, and Media Presenter, pictured here below)
OTHER POPULAR SPIRITUALITY BOOKS
La Sainteté de la Féminité par Mary Kloska
Below is a spiritual talk that Mary gave to a group of Polish youth at a retreat center in Babliniec, Poland about the Love that God has for them. It was on September 3, 2005 and is translated by Hania Przybylo. You can listen to this both in my English and Hania's...
Imagine the Joy! Reveries on Divine Revelation
Imagine the Joy! Reveries on Divine Revelation by Freddie Stewart, Jr. Compelled by his rich evangelical experience of searching the Scriptures alongside Christian brethren seeking spiritual inspiration and practical wisdom, Freddie has sought to share his enthusiasm...
A Word in your Heart: Youth, Mental Health, and the Word of God
A Word in your Heart: Youth, Mental Health, and the Word of God by Francis Etheredge Running away at 14. Attempting suicide. Pill prescriptions for almost every mental health condition: Marketing or medicine? The exponential rise of the medicalization of children....
Awake with Christ: Living the Catholic Holy Hour in Your Home
Published on the Feast of St. Rose of Lima, a third order Dominican, and Patron of Gardeners. Image courtesy of Joni Seith, author of Cloud of Witnesses.Awake with Christ: Living the Catholic Holy Hour in Your Home by Annabelle Moseley We are about to undertake an...
Из Тьмы… Мэри Клоска
Out of the Darkness by Mary Kloska Данная работа - собрание сокровищ, с которыми Иисус поделился с сердцем Мэри Клоска. Представляя эту книгу для читателя, Мэри надеется засвидетельствовать о Великой Силе, которая находится в Кресте Иисуса. Её сердце застывает при...
Cloud of Witnesses – 25th Anniversary Edition
Published on the Feast of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin MaryWomen of Grace with Johnette Benkovic (September 11 & 12, 2023) - When God Offers Us the Cross: Steps to Mining the Treasure, Part 1 and Part 2Cloud of Witnesses by Joni J. Seith This 25th...
Flow Gently Days
Flow Gently Days by Rachel Heise The author endeavors in this book of poetry to demonstrate an alertness to the divine glorious moments in time that often pass by underappreciated. She encourages all readers to be on the lookout for a trail of lights that lead back to...
Out of the Lips of Infants, Wisdom Comes: Retelling the Bible Stories
Out of the Lips of Infants, Wisdom Comes: Retelling the Bible Stories by Sr. Adaku Helen Ogbuji, CCVI, PhD This book is the fruit of Sr. Helen's years of learning how to reflect on the Word of God, both as a child and as an adult; and how each stage of learning,...
Into the Heart of St. Joseph
Into the Heart of Saint Joseph by Jason Schreder Into the Heart of Saint Joseph immerses the reader through prayerful reflection, Scripture, and art, into Saint Joseph's interior life as the Husband of Mary and Zealous Defender of Christ. Saint Joseph is known to be a...
The Eucharistic Revival Project – Missio Dei
The Eucharistic Revival Project Edited by Phillip Hadden & Jonathon Fessenden Foreword by Rev. Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R. The Eucharist Revival Project is Missio Dei’s response to Pope Francis’ call to rediscover "the real and loving presence of the Lord” in the...
“That They May Have Life” (John 10:10): 35 Meditations
"That They May Have Life" (John 10:10): 35 Meditations by Fr. Julius D. Leloczky, O.Cist. This collection of meditations is a rich anthology of writings very much in the spirit and vein of the documents of the Second Vatican Council, and of the ideas represented by...
Consumed by Love: A Missionary Handbook for Priestly and Lay Formation by Mary Kloska
Consumed by Love: A Missionary Handbook for Priestly and Lay Formation by Mary Elizabeth Anne Kloska, Fiat+ “Here I am, Lord, I have come to do your will.” (Hebrews 10:7,9) This should be the heartbeat of every missionary. One is never a missionary for himself or...
“My Darling Joe”: A Reflection on a Personal Relationship with Saint Joseph
"My Darling Joe": A Reflection on a Personal Relationship with Saint Joseph by Sr. Adaku Helen Ogbuji, CCVI, PhD Prayer to St. Joseph Hail Sweet and Darling Joe!Your love for your Son, Jesus and your spouse, Mary is so efficacious!Teach me to love them!Help me to...
77 Soundbytes of Love
The Interactive Blog is not yet in working order. Please email Ronda directly if you have any thoughts. chervinronda@gmail.com77 Soundbytes of Love: The Philosophical Spirituality of Ronda Chervin By Ronda Chervin This book is an anthology of soundbytes -- 77 to be...
Talkaholics: Fate or Work-in-Process?
Talkaholics: Fate or Work-in-Progress By Ronda Chervin Why would I ever think I talk too much? Here are some tiny stories to show you why: “Ronda,” asked my spiritual director, “what would it be like if you joined a table (at the seminary where I was teaching and took...
Charles Rich: Give Me Your Heart–Preparing for Eternal Life by Charles Rich
Charles Rich: Give Me Your Heart--Preparing for Eternal Life Ed. by Ronda Chervin How about a book for the elderly by a sage who was still making disciples in his nineties? Who was this Charles Rich, anyhow? One of the most fascinating Hebrew-Catholics of all times...
Lord, do you mean me? A father-Catechist?
Lord, Do You Mean Me? A father-Catechist! by Francis Etheredge Reflecting on the reality of childhood, Francis Etheredge explores what is entailed in being a parent who wants to take up the vocation, as widely and as specifically as possible, of helping to found the...
Purgatory in the Words of Jesus
Purgatory in the Words of Jesus by Roger Skrenes In this book, Roger Skrenes explains how the teaching that only two possible realms exist after death, that of Heaven and Hell, as argued by many non-Catholic Christians, is not correct. Christ actually spoke of a third...
The Sea Lord’s Bookshelf by Vincent Salamoni, M.S.A.
All profits go to the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles (M.S.A.) LORD, HAVE MERCY. The oceans are big; our boat is small.The Sea Lord's Bookshelf by Reverend Vincent A. Salamoni, M.S.A. This book is a catalyst, of a beginning voyage. Here it is a short one, yet a long...
For the Love of God: The Sacred Heart and the Divine Mercy
For the Love of God: The Sacred Heart and the Divine Mercy Kristina R. Olsen The purpose of this book is to invite you into the Sacred Heart of Jesus to experience his love, and to introduce you to the Divine Mercy devotion to encounter God's limitless forgiveness. We...
The Book of Love: Brief Meditations
Cover design by Sophia ClementsWhen given the chance to submit cover designs, four out of five of Richard Clements' children submitted drawings. The one selected is from among those four submissions. The other three submissions are featured here above.The Book of...
Les deux principales sources de la prière de Marie de l’Incarnation
Les deux principales sources de la prière de Marie de l'Incarnation par Fr. Michel Legault, MSA Le 28 octobre 1999, l'Église catholique a célébré le 400e anniversaire de la naissance de Marie Guyard, connue aujourd'hui sous le nom de Sainte Marie de l'Incarnation,...
Target Heaven: What You Didn’t Know about Father Benedict Groeschel
Originally published as Father Benedict Groeschel: A Conversational Biography, © Good Counsel Homes, 2014.Target Heaven: What You Didn't Know About Father Benedict Groeschel by Good Counsel, Inc. Mother Agnes Mary Donovan, SV, opens this book by proclaiming Fr....
Devociones Diarias de LIFE Runners
Devociones Diarias de LIFE Runners Editado por Dr. Patrick Castle and Bernadette Costello ¡DIOS primero, VIDA siempre, EQUIPO para siempre! Corredores de VIDA es el equipo Pro-Vida más grande del mundo, correr es opcional, se requiere camiseta y se necesita fe. Nos...
Nuggets of Wisdom
Nuggets of Wisdom By Bob Sizemore with Ronda Chervin In this handy volume, Bob Sizemore and Ronda Chervin engage in a dialogue intended to deliver nuggets of life's wisdom, offering both specific and general insights on navigating one's way through this world and into...
Rosary Consecration: Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary and Her Most Holy Rosary, authored by TJ Burdick
Rosary Consecration: Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary and Her Most Holy Rosary by T.J. Burdick What if you knew what God’s will was for your life right now? What if you had the ability to destroy vice, decrease sin, and cause good works and...
Rekindling Wonder: Touching Heaven in a Screen Saturated World
Rekindling Wonder: Touching Heaven in a Screen Saturated World by Fr. Chris Seith Our screens are not morally neutral. The devices that we are so attached to affect our perception of the world. Unless we use them in a way contrary to the way in which they are intended...
No Longer I: Sharing Christ’s Gospel Narrative
No Longer I: Sharing Christ's Gospel Narrative by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R. Christ entered our world and gave himself completely to us to the point of dying for us, to become nourishment for us and a source of hope. In this book, Fr. Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R., demonstrates...
His Divine Presence
His Divine Presence by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R. Poetry of praise for the grace that God freely provides at every moment of our lives. Paperback: $9.99 | Kindle: $9.99 TESTIMONIALS "A dancer took off her makeup and costume and asked, "What more is there to life?" A woman...
The Blessings of the Beatitudes
The Blessings of the Beatitudes by Dennis Billy, C.Ss.R. This book is about the vision Jesus sets before his hearers of a world ruled by justice and love. The eight beatitudes provide hope to all who listen to and follow the call of the kingdom in their hearts....
Jesus Christ: A Man of Prayer by Fr. Paul Ezinando
Jesus Christ: A Man of Prayer by Fr. Paul Ezinando In this work, Fr. Paul Ezinando demonstrates that though we have knowledge of Jesus Christ from various perspectives, we cannot know Him enough. To help us come to a better knowledge of Jesus Christ, Fr Ezinando...
Such Common Stories by Lawrence Hopperton
Such Common Stories by Lawrence Hopperton There is one story only. It’s woven out of personal experiences and memories, the worlds that we have actually known and loved. The poems in Such Common Stories connect to our individual stories, so that the experiences they...
A Spiritual Plan for Families by Fr. Jacob Dankasa
A Spiritual Plan for Families: Preparing your Home for a Life of Faith following the Examples of Saints who Raised Families by Fr. Jacob Dankasa Considering the challenges that many Christian families face today in building faith-based homes, it’s essential that every...
Dear Mr Putin: An Epistolary Inquiry by Peter Breen
Dear Mr Putin: An Epistolary Inquiry | Уважаемый господин Путин! by Peter Breen An epistolary exhortation in monthly installments to Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, that asks: "Are you sure about waging war and brandishing a cross against the woman who...
House of Gold by Mary Elizabeth Anne Kloska, Fiat+
House of Gold by Mary Elizabeth Anne Kloska, Fiat+ Our Lady has spent my entire lifetime blessing me with Her friendship –and so I rejoice today to offer Her this little gift of a book, which I hope brings many more souls into Her humble, Motherly embrace. Paperback:...
Faith, Not Convenience: 17 Reflections for Spiritual Consistency
Faith, Not Convenience: 17 Reflections for Spiritual Consistency by Fr. Jacob Dankasa It’s difficult to remain a committed Christian in our today’s society where social, moral and political views are often in conflict with the standards of the teachings of Christ. The...
Living as Long as I Can as Well as I Can by James Pomeroy
Living as Long as I Can as Well as I Can by James Pomeroy This is a book that will be helpful to health care providers, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, chaplains, and their patients, because it offers a spiritual foundation for living well,...
A La Sombra de Nuestra Señora
Mary Kloska speaks to a 'Seven Sisters' Group about her book In Our Lady's Shadow (May 21, 2021)A La Sombra de Nuestra Señora: La Espiritualidad de la Oración por los Sacerdotes by Mary Kloska A la Sombra de Nuestra Señora: ‘La Espiritualidad de Rezar por los...
Voices from the Upper Room
Voices from the Upper Room by Father Dominic Lenk, O.S.B. Just who were those people gathered together in the Upper Room during those three days between the crucifixion and the resurrection? Imagine with the author all those people gathered in the Upper Room during...
The Holy Heart
The Holy Heart by Holly Garman “My Father will love you so deeply that We willcome to you and make you Our dwelling place.”~ Jesus (Jn. 14:32, TPT) The Scriptural truths of The Holy Heart help us to let God become fully at home in us, as we become fully at home in...
Raising ‘Children of the Cross’ (the Spiritual Formation of Children)
Raising 'Children of the Cross' (the Spiritual Formation of Children) by Mary Kloska Each human soul is knitted together in his or her mother's womb and given the breath of life for one single purpose: to be who God created him or her to be (the saint that God created...
Mornings with Mary (A Rosary Prayer Book)
Mornings with Mary (A Rosary Prayer Book) by Mary Kloska Sometimes gathering as few as a few hundred people, sometimes as many as 100,000 people a day, Mary Kloska has led spiritual warriors each morning on social media in prayer for myriads of intentions. Following...
The Mercy Ocean
All profits go to the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles (M.S.A.)LORD, HAVE MERCY. The oceans are big; our boat is small.The Mercy Ocean by Reverend Vincent A. Salamoni, M.S.A. Simply described as a collection of information, which perhaps will be USEFUL TO YOU AND/OR...
Shared Miracle Stories
Shared Miracle Stories of the Dominican Community of Mary Mother of Dominic and Friends of Cedaredge Ed. by Mrs. Helen R. Hawkins, OP This is a book that invites us to share our miracles with one another. Why does God use or allow miracles? First, a miracle is an...
The Fourteen Holy Helpers
The Fourteen Holy Helpers Authored by Allison Lunsford and Illustrated by Joan Bennett Saint Acacius, Saint Barbara, Saint Blaise, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Christopher, Saint Cyriacus, Saint Denis, Saint Erasmus, Saint Eustace, Saint George, Saint Giles,...
Led by the Spirit
Led by the Spirit: Into the Consciousness of Christ by Dennis J. Billy, C.Ss.R. Following Jesus means being open to and led by his Spirit. This book explores the meaning of this phrase by looking at the larger picture of why God entered our world and became one of us...
Manning Up! Lessons from St. Joseph and Jesus by Fr. Michael Nixon
Manning Up! Lessons from St. Joseph and Jesus by Fr. Michael Nixon Today's world is encountering a profound crisis of manhood with confusion being sown about what it means to be a man, about what it means to be masculine, and about what it means to live as a male....
Experiencing God: Thoughts and Testimonies
Experiencing God: Thoughts and Testimonies by Robin Arthur In this thoughtful reflection, Robin Arthur presents his perspectives on the God experience, addressing the conundrum of faith in Christ crucified, which St. Paul has told us is "a stumbling block to Jews and...
The Two Main Sources of Marie de l’Incarnation’s Prayer by Fr. Michel Legault, MSA
The Two Main Sources of Marie de l'Incarnation's Prayer by Fr. Michel Legault, MSA On October 28, 1999, the Catholic Church celebrated the 400th anniversary of the birth of Marie Guyard, known now as Saint Marie de l'Incarnation (canonized 3 April 2014 at the...
Within Reach of You: A Book of Prose and Prayers by Francis Etheredge
Within Reach of You: A Book of Prose and Prayers by Francis Etheredge Prayer is immediate because God is present; therefore, there is no nearer, quicker more “in touch” contact than prayer. Prayer is personal – because it arises out of each person’s life; and prayer...