Damaged, but Still Good is a book that is revelatory in exemplifying that many of us as individuals whether good, bad, ugly, or indifferent are shaped by our experiences as early as childhood. Dexter Howard (2014) states, "That's what's missing as I look at the landscape of our society: identity and much needed affirmation." Mothers are designed to nurture, but fathers provide identity and affirmation. "Without those things, it leaves a hole in the heart of a child." Parents don't realize that broken relationships not only affect the couple involved, but it affects and shapes their children. "We are the sum total of our experiences. And, like a flowing river, those same experiences, and those yet to come, continue to influence and reshape the person we are, and the person we become. None of us are the same as we were yesterday, nor will be tomorrow" (B. J. Neblett). Oftentimes, we ask the question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" However, we learn the best lessons and gain wisdom in the worst circumstances. It is amid life challenges, catastrophes, and calamities that we understand that even when you have experienced great loss, God can still use what you have left! Life has taught me it's not what we go through that damages us, but an unwillingness to forgive the process designed to work for our greater good. The Bible says in Psalms 37:23 that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. Most of us believe that God is a God that only orders blessings. However, life has shown me that God does not just order blessings, but God orders trials. He orders setbacks, and he orders challenges, but in God's ordering, he will never put on us more than what we can bear.

Good news—God’s not done with you yet. This companion resource to Damaged but Not Destroyed by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Relationship Goals will show you how to step into God’s bold future for your life. Life has knocked you down—more than once. Your own mistakes have taken you down too, or at least made it harder to get up. But there’s good news: God is not done with you yet. As someone who’s experienced significant challenges himself, Pastor Michael Todd understands that painful things done to us and stupid things we’ve done to ourselves can make us feel worthless. And he’s here to tell you that it’s time to stop letting your pain, fear, and regret define you. With candid teaching and in-depth Bible study, this chapter-by-chapter companion guide to Damaged but Not Destroyed offers insightful questions, powerful exercises, and thoughtful reflections to help you see just how valuable you are. Whether you are recovering from trauma, reeling from your own mistakes, or wondering how to reclaim your identity in the midst of current challenges, you can start your journey toward healing right here.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • ECPA BESTSELLER • The author of Relationship Goals and Crazy Faith proves that no matter how badly you’ve messed up, no matter what hardship or pain you’ve experienced, nothing can destroy the priceless, God-given value of your life. Your Damage Does Not Define You Underneath our designer clothes, makeup, jewelry, and photo filters are cracks left by abuse, mistakes, rejection, and disappointment. Bestselling author and pastor Michael Todd reveals his own damage: the hits he’s experienced from trauma, dumb choices, and lingering struggles passed down through generations. Using candid stories, engaging illustrations, and biblical wisdom, he encourages readers to be H.O.T.—humble, open, and transparent—and face the pain of past hits to move toward the triumphant future God has for them. Damaged but Not Destroyed will give you tools to identify the impact of your damage, see yourself the way God sees you, and realize that healing is all about progression, not perfection. No matter how badly you’ve messed up, and no matter the pain you’ve experienced, nothing can destroy the God-given value of your life. It’s time to turn your damage into destiny! You may be damaged, but you are not destroyed. The Value Is Still in You

Final yearly issue includes index of special articles. December through March issues contain reports of snow and ice conditions.

Natalie Jarrett is a seventeen-year-old girl who falls in love with the wrong boy. When she finds herself in the hospital after one of his violent attacks, she can no longer turn a blind eye. Suffering from severe injuries, her doctor tells her she will never be the same again. Although injured and feeling guilty, alone, scared and most of all, damaged, everyone seems to expect her to return quickly to her normal life – but how can she bounce back when she blames herself for all that’s gone wrong?