Worrying is my default position. The tendency probably stems from biology and most definitely from childhood experiences and learning. We can all say that about any “thorn in the side.” This is one reason why I recommend From Fear to Faith: A Worrier’s Guide to Discovering Peace by Gary Zimak. It focuses on decreasing worry rather than analyzing its roots. In fact, Zimak says anxiety is primarily caused by Original Sin.  That puts things into perspective.

From Fear to Faith is rooted in scripture and Church teaching. Each chapter has text, summary bullets, and reflection questions. Being a spiritual book there are only two brief mentions about the use of medication and therapy. My only complaint is that right after one of those mentions Zimak discloses he has been able to overcome anxiety through spiritual means only. That’s not too helpful for those who need therapy and medication. Suffice to say, if you need medicine, therapy, or both you are not weaker in faith than him and I doubt he wanted to convey such a message. So nip that anxious-provoking thought in the bud.

Zimak is absolutely right in saying that therapy and medication do not provide the deeper sense of peace spiritual methods can provide. I can attest to that. By the time I finished three quarters of the book I noticed my ruminations about a particular situation had calmed down. That made reading it worth more than reading it just for a book review. I intend to re-read it more slowly and reflectively beginning tomorrow.

Peace is nice. Perhaps anxiety is a good default position to have after all. Whenever it flares up it provides a good motivator to grow in faith. Gary Zimak’s book will certainly help.

My copy of the book is the picture.