How to Live in Fear

How to Live in Fear

Mastering the Art of Freaking Out

Written By Lance Hahn

Book Description

Find freedom in an age of anxiety.

Let’s face it: we are afraid. Our world is riddled with fear-inducing headlines, financial meltdowns, family crises, and phobias of every stripe. No wonder the New York Times now reports one in ten Americans is now taking antidepressant or anxiety medication. So how do we cope or even succeed in a world spinning out of control? As someone who has battled panic attacks and anxiety most of his life, Lance Hahn can relate.

In How to Live in Fear, Lance tackles the pervasive problem of fear and panic head-on by inviting readers into his world. In this genuine and practical book, he invites readers into the life of a pastor living with anxiety disorder. Through humorous personal stories—like losing it on an airplane or collapsing onstage as he is about to preach—Lance will win over readers with his transparency. He will also share the remedies that have helped him recover and overcome throughout the years.

How to Live in Fear is a public intervention of sorts. We need to talk about this issue, especially the church-at-large. Millions of people suffer from anxiety disorders, and the church has done little to make them feel normal. Many Christians now take medication privately but keep it a secret under the shame of being viewed as a failure. Lance willingly bares his soul in order to get the conversation started. He firmly believes the church should not only recognize the issue, but also help believers reconcile the guilt of being a Christian while dealing with dread and anxiety

Filled with practical tips and advice, and full of relevant scriptures, How to Live in Fear gives readers the tools to relax in the face of fear—real or imagined. Lance will show readers that while he may still encounter bouts of panic, he has never let his disorder stop him from living a full life.

My Thoughts

Being somebody who struggles with these things,I was very intrigued by this book.  I requested it during a moment when I was feeling particularly frustrated and it arrived so quick.  Lance is very open in his book and goes into detail about the struggles he has faced, where he was, what he was doing and how it impacted his life.  It was nice for me to be able to hear about how somebody else struggles, it made me feel not so alone in my own struggles. I like the fact that he pulled a lot of scripture into the book.  It was just scripture to encourage and tell us to keep going, but scripture examples of how others struggled.  The book was separated into three main parts: Living in Fear: My Story, Living in Fear: Our Journey, Living in Fear: The Journey with our Father.  Lance asked some of the same questions I do, "why me Lord."  He felt some of the same feelings I have and described it in such a similar way, "the darkest hours(s)."  This book held my attention right to the very last page.  My husband and I read it together, it served a two fold purpose, I could relate to what he was saying as I live with similar struggles, while at the same time giving my husband a glimpse into the struggle.  The book ends with practical ways to "master the art of freaking out."  It is very encouraging and even includes a great prayer for times when we simply can't find the words our self.  If you suffer from anxiety or panic or if you love somebody who does, this would be a great book to read.