You probably don't need to be told that the demands of modern living are taking their toll on our wellbeing. You likely feel it. And yet, some of us feel as though we’re the only ones who are weary, overwhelmed or anxious so we don’t talk about it and try and pretend that it’s not happening. The truth is that we’re far from alone; we all have days where life feels too much, and we’ve all had times when we’re desperate to know that brighter days are ahead. Packed-full of practical tips alongside stories of struggle and strength, Brighter Days is for all of us who want tools to invest in our emotional, mental, physical and spiritual health so we can look forward to a healthier and more hopeful future.

Servants of Christ are in the transformation business. This kind of transformation will only happen if we refuse to be seduced by false idols like success, money, fame and security - to be the church we were called to be. We need to take ownership of the problems around us and work with people who are suffering in order to find solutions and offer lasting change. Here, Patrick travels the globe to find examples. In Bolivia he reports how Christian backing for education projects is allowing families to find a way out of poverty. In London, XLP is mentoring young people to turn aside from violence. In Los Angeles a new future is being offered to gang girls. In high security prisons in the UK and US the Spirit is turning lives around. In Belfast's Shankill Road area a group of elderly ladies is cooking meals for men who sit all day in local pubs . . . the list is extensive, and inspiring. The common element is that in all circumstances: Christ is offering hope. Be inspired afresh, that when it comes to what Jesus can do there really is no ceiling to hope.

In a life full of highs and lows, choice and challenges, the words 'and yet' can change everything. We are surrounded by darkness and yet there is light. We feel we are lacking and yet God provides. We are broken and bruised and yet there is hope. In the depths of depression and plagued with suicidal thoughts, Rachael Newham never thought she'd find herself writing a book on joy. And yet, if her journey with mental health illness has taught her anything it is that true, deep, lasting joy can only be experienced when we allow ourselves to enter into lament and be honest about our pain before God. With warm understanding, in this lovely Lent book for 2022 Rachael traces how Biblical writers used 'and yet' to bring together joy and lament and invites us to see them not as opposites, but two sides of the same coin. Drawing on her experiences with mental illness, she shows us how we can build a rhythm of both joy and lament into our lives both through the season of Lent and the rest of the church's year. With reflections split over six sections And Yet is the perfect daily Lent devotional for 2022, but its undated readings can be used for periods of prayerful reflection throughout the year. This is a beautiful Christian book on lament ideal for anyone looking for to better understand how the tradition of lament and joy work together, and how they can make them a part of their everyday spiritual formation. We may be living in dark circumstances - and yet with a few simple practices we can experience joy in every season.

'The Bible is way more honest than most churches about the actual levels of pain and confusion in life. That's why we need this book. It's going to provoke ten thousand honest conversations, helping to bring healing, hope and understanding to many who currently suffer in silence.' - Pete Greig, Founder of 24-7 Prayer and leader of Emmaus Rd Church, Guildford IT'S OK NOT TO BE OK Honesty Over Silence seeks to open up conversations around topics that many find difficult, such as trusting God when life is painful, dealing with anxiety and depression, learning to look after ourselves, developing our character, and living with thankful hearts even in tough seasons. It examines our strength in letting go of our need to be in control, as well as looking at how we can stop comparing ourselves to others, and instead live authentically and honestly as we grow into the people God has created us to be. 'The power of this book is in its piercing honesty and vulnerability. It gives a voice to those issues that we as Christians sometimes want silenced: what happens when darkness falls? Where is God in mental illness? Can I ever be enough? Through Patrick's stories of his own life and those of others, he powerfully reminds us that a life of faith is smattered with, but not shattered by, dark places. This is an amazing book which will bless, encourage and comfort many.' -Tim and Rachel Hughes, Lead Pastors at Gas Street Church, Birmingham

'The Bible is way more honest than most churches about the actual levels of pain and confusion in life. That's why we need this book. It's going to provoke ten thousand honest conversations, helping to bring healing, hope and understanding to many who currently suffer in silence.' - Pete Greig, Founder of 24-7 Prayer and leader of Emmaus Rd Church, Guildford IT'S OK NOT TO BE OK Honesty Over Silence seeks to open up conversations around topics that many find difficult, such as trusting God when life is painful, dealing with anxiety and depression, learning to look after ourselves, developing our character, and living with thankful hearts even in tough seasons. It examines our strength in letting go of our need to be in control, as well as looking at how we can stop comparing ourselves to others, and instead live authentically and honestly as we grow into the people God has created us to be. 'The power of this book is in its piercing honesty and vulnerability. It gives a voice to those issues that we as Christians sometimes want silenced: what happens when darkness falls? Where is God in mental illness? Can I ever be enough? Through Patrick's stories of his own life and those of others, he powerfully reminds us that a life of faith is smattered with, but not shattered by, dark places. This is an amazing book which will bless, encourage and comfort many.' -Tim and Rachel Hughes, Lead Pastors at Gas Street Church, Birmingham

'This is a brilliant, timely book for everyone - especially when life is vulnerable and volatile - and it has been written by one of the most resilient leaders I know.' - Pete Greig, 24-7 Prayer International & Emmaus Rd Church You'll bounce back How many of us have heard these well-meaning words when faced with mental or physical health challenges, trauma or the loss of dreams? And yet, life's battles can leave us scarred and changed. Why would we want to go back when what we've been through has taught us so much? It's time to bounce forwards instead. 'Nobody is immune from the storms of life. Patrick's book is a lifeboat while the waves are crashing but it is much more than that: Bouncing Forwards is a guide that helps us to navigate through tricky waters so that we become better equipped for the journey of life. It's an honest, wise and practical handbook for growing in resilience. I can't recommend it highly enough.' - Cathy Madavan Speaker, Writer, Broadcaster and Author of Irrepressible