Writing "Blessed Hope" with Sarah Griffith Lund and Chad Abbott

Sarah Griffith Lund and Chad Abbott, authors of Blessed Hope:  90 Daily Devotions for Mental Health and Faith, share what it took to write their book and their hopes for what readers will learn. Discover how the co-authors combined distinct voices into ninety cohesive daily reflections, combatting isolation, destigmatizing mental health, and fostering collective community. Learn why this authentic, no-quick-fixes guide offers much-needed spiritual encouragement and reminds readers that they are never alone.

Do you have a moment when you realized “this needs to be a book?”

Sarah: Often when working with congregations and faith leaders, I am asked to share resources to help support mental health. People want to find support, and they look to their faith to help them, especially during difficult times. I’ve been asked if I knew of any Christian devotionals specifically about mental health and I did not now of any to recommend. I began to realize this was a resource that would be important to create because people were asking for it.

Chad: One year I received the word “Bless” for my star word during the Epiphany season, and this word guided my entire year and shaped how I understood not only my spirituality, but also my mental health and overall well-being. After that year I began to see how one word could be a possible doorway into deeper spiritual reflection and perhaps as a way to do so daily. This led me into thinking about the intersection of spiritual reflection and mental health. At the time, I was talking with my colleague Sarah about this intersection and it quickly became, “this should absolutely be a book.”

What was the biggest challenge of writing your book?

Chad: Each of us was tasked with writing 45 devotionals apart from each other not knowing whether the stories and reflections would pair well with each other. The not knowing if there would be a common thread or voice was a significant unknown for a time. What is remarkable is that, in the end, as we put these 90 devotionals in order and paired them every other reflection with the other’s voice, a very cohesive and strong sense of symmetry began to emerge. I often rejoice with Sarah at just how remarkable these paired reflections ended up being, but the biggest challenge was simply not knowing for a time how or whether they would mesh well. We continue to hear just how different our voices and stories are, but how complimentary they are to the overall arc of the book and to the field of mental health.

What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Sarah: I hope readers will find encouragement in the book, knowing that mental health experiences are part of what it means to be human. There’s nothing to be ashamed about when it comes to mental health. I hope readers will be inspired to nurture their mental wellbeing, one day at a time.

Chad: It is my greatest hope readers will take away the sense not only that they are not alone, but that their stories matter in the world. Each of us face the challenges of mental health, having self-worth, and a purpose. When these challenges become dim, it is my hope that the stories and reflections in this book can light the way towards health and wholeness.

What makes this book relevant today and different from other books on the subject?

Sarah: This book does not pretend hope is easy. We don’t promise a quick fix. Hope is collective. As co-authors, Chad and I invite readers into our community of hope. This, for me, is one of the most exciting parts about the book…is about how we can find hope in community and belonging, especially when anxiety and depression can isolate us.

Chad: I had someone reach out to me personally about my devotional on the word “Lost,” which resonated with this person’s journey. They shared with me that it made them feel cared for and as though they were not alone in the world. They thanked me for being courageous enough to tell my stories and that these stories Sarah and I have shared have helped support their mental health and faith journey. That this book has the power to impact people I’ve never met keeps me inspired to continue sharing it over and over.

What is the most inspiring feedback you've received from a reader so far?

Sarah: I love how readers have shared the devotional is meeting them exactly where they are at, on the exact day when they need it most. The stories are relatable and God uses our stories to connect us, helping us feel less alone and more hopeful that tomorrow will be a better day.

What are you most passionate about right now?

Chad: Right now, I am most passionate about the power of community to overcome the epidemic of loneliness in the world. I have been spending a significant amount of time not only reading and researching this topic, but I have been intentional in building community of my own that will sustain my life journey. I am beginning to believe that this is my life’s mission and purpose.

Describe yourself in five words.

Sarah: Wise, compassionate, creative, strong, stubborn