Defiant Joy: My new book is here!
Tips and resources for finding joy (even in this broken and turbulent world) plus some articles, podcasts, and reviews by wonderful readers.
On February 27, my latest book, Defiant Joy, released! As a Christian who has suffered, I have found that many of our teachings and attitudes around grief, loss, and sorrow fall drastically short of helpful. We tend to put tiny Band-Aids on gaping wounds, thoughtlessly repeating platitudes like, “God never gives you more than you can handle,” as if anyone can handle heartbreak on their own. Or maybe you’ve heard, “Don’t worry! Have faith!” as if our reasonable concerns and fears indicate that we’re not relying on God properly.
These sentiments ring hollow and even untrue when you’re walking through that “valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23). Not only that, but we have a Savior who has suffered. We have a God who weeps with us. We have a Bible brimming with the testimonies of men and women who have endured tough times and severe hardships. Our Father hasn’t left us with platitudes. Our Jesus hasn’t abandoned us without a Friend.
That’s why I wrote Defiant Joy. If you’ve ever felt sad, anxious, confused, or afraid, and wondered, “What’s God doing? Where is Jesus when bad things happen? Why isn’t he helping me? What does this mean about my faith? What does the Bible actually teach about fear, anger, and suffering?” then Defiant Joy is FOR YOU. Pick up your copy at ChristianBook, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or any of your favorite bookstores. There’s also an audiobook which I had the honor of narrating, and you can find it on your preferred audiobook service.
Here are a few of the articles I’ve published around the topic of Defiant Joy:
I’ve also spoken on several podcasts and radio shows:
Mornings with Carmen LaBerge – Carmen and I discussed “finding joy in the darkness” and how we as Christians can comfort those suffering in a Christlike and effective way.
Live Well Anyway – MacKenzie Koppa and I covered a whole gamut of topics including how we can process our anger and depression in a way that honors God and is healthy and healing.
I also have upcoming articles and podcasts coming out soon in Christianity Today, Theology in the Raw with Preston Sprinkle, King & Culture, and Home & Hearth (among others!). I’ll share those links with once they’re up, so keep an eye out for my email!
Meanwhile, some very kind readers have begun posting reviews of Defiant Joy online. I am humbled and excited to see what God is doing through my writing and experiences. These reviews in particular I think will give you a good overview of what’s discussed in the book and how it will hopefully encourage you:
“It is so refreshing to find someone who looks beyond Christian platitudes and memes and gives a genuinely Scriptural look at a an extremely timely (yet eternal) issue and makes it immediately practical and applicable. She uses illustrations (dare I say parables?) that make what the Bible is saying so much easier to understand. As a long-time pastor and teacher, I intend to shamelessly use some of her thoughts (giving her credit, of course) to help those around me.” – Brian, ChristianBooks.com
“Greenberg has gifted readers with the best of Christian literature. Defiant Joy explains topics that many churches don't always have time to unpack properly, unfortunately. The best book I've read since 2020. Through Greenberg's expert use of diction, lyrical language and tone, the pages of this book drip with stories so gentle they eclipse a fleeting, academic read. This is soul nourishment, rich with heaps of sweet surrender and hope that doesn't quit for the glory of an almighty Creator. I cannot recommend this book enough, for teenagers, men and women and as a small group study. Greenberg is a must-watch author in the years to come. Thank you for penning this treasure.” - Kidron Tirey, Amazon
“Defiant Joy was terrific. The author has an amazing way of going beyond just telling her story and interweaving Bible truth, she inspires you to live it. Real, authentic joy is difficult to have all the time, but after reading the book, I am more aware of the little things around me every day that can bring joy and knowing our God doesn't just leave us to struggle, He is right there with us. This book will stay with me for a while in this season of life, knowing I too can strive for Defiant Joy.” – Erin P, Amazon
“Jennifer is a new author to me, but the cover, title and blurb intrigued me. Honestly and simply I loved this book. I learned truth, I cried, I found hope and healing as I dug into Defiant Joy and the Word of God. I highly recommend Defiant Joy for broken hearts searching for truth and everyone. Jennifer is a breath of fresh air for the Christian genre.” – Jesus Beach Girl, Amazon
“Greenberg became a somewhat ‘controversial’ figure in the evangelical world as someone willing to openly speak about her childhood abuse and the church's failures but also as someone whose beliefs remained very much intact and whose commitment to staying in the evangelical world seemed remarkably firm … I resonated deeply with Greenberg and admired her ability to approach such necessary topics from a scriptural foundation … Defiant Joy shares Greenberg's journey of hope vulnerably and beautifully and offers that hope for others who've wondered if it's possible to find the light when immersed in so much darkness.” - Richard, Amazon
I cannot express to you how honored and humbled I am by these kind and remarkable words. It honestly overwhelms me and bring me to tears! My heartfelt thanks to all of you who have ordered my book, read my words, and taken the time to post on social media or write reviews. You guys are the reason I do this, and the reason I’m able to do this! So, thank you.
Much love,
Jenn
Congratulations!
Congratulations, Jenn!