Groeschel writes for Christians trying to take their own spiritual development seriously and for those hoping to assist others in their spiritual journey. He provides good solid material and emerges as a competent and concerned guide....

If you are struggling with fear, grief, loss of a loved one, hurt, anger or anything that makes life difficult--or the road through it dark--then this book was written for you. If offers practical suggestions on how to keep going and to grow with God's grace....

After the impact of the car shattered his body on the evening of January 11, 2004, …

… the hospital trauma-unit staff offered little hope that Father Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R., would survive.

Then the news spread. And the prayers began.

"Apparently, by a medical miracle, I am still alive — having really been considered dead. One can’t miss the conclusion that when this happens, God still wants you here. … I don’t know what God has in store for me, nor do you know what He has in store for you; yet a conviction that must guide us both is ‘Your will be done.’ "

Now Father Benedict reflects on the good that has come — and continues to come — from that horrific accident. And, responding to questions posed by noted British journalist John Bishop in an interview before the accident, he reflects on:

• Founding the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

• Spending time in jail for civil disobedience outside an abortion clinic

• Recognizing where God is when suffering intensifies and evil prospers

• Understanding Christ’s feeling of abandonment on the cross

• Discovering and living one’s vocation

• Loving the poor wholeheartedly

• Being "gently scolded" by Mother Teresa of Calcutta

• And more.

"I want to share with you two principles upon which I have built my life. The first is from St. Augustine: ‘God does not cause evil, but that evil should not become the worst.’ Second: ‘There are no accidents. Evil things occur because of bad will or stupidity or fatigue, yet whatever the cause God will bring good out of it if we let Him.’ "...

Since when is being called "virtuous" an insult?

It's a word that has gotten a bad rap, misused and misunderstood even by great thinkers, philosophers, and theologians, and mocked in the cynical sound bites of the media.

Rediscover virtue as it should be understood in our lives. With wit, warmth, and wisdom, Father Groeschel reintroduces the seven virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, temperance, faith, hope, and charity. One by one he makes them meaningful for modern men and women, shaking off the dusty mantle of pretentiousness and demonstrating how each has a real role in a whole and holy life.

Father Groeschel's charming conversational style entertains even as he educates and challenges us. History, politics, an advertisement, the neighbor down the street ... all are reference points for Father Groeschel as he explores the meaning of each virtue for Christians today. By the end of the book, you will understand that being labeled virtuous is the ultimate compliment!...

What Happens Next?

Recognizing that anxiety and fear are the most common personal problems he has encountered in nearly forty years of psychological counseling, Father Benedict Groeschel knows first hand that most people prefer to avoid the issue of mortality entirely.

Himself the victim of a hit-and-run accident in 2004, after which he had no vital signs for thirty minutes, Groeschel is uniquely qualified to address this subject.

Father Groeschel notes that the five mysteries death, judgment, Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven are beyond our perception and complete understanding. But through a better understanding of the Christian faith, we can see how consoling and uplifting these truths really are.

In His parables, Jesus spoke often of death and the last judgment. This is because what happens at our moment of death is defined by what is happening to us right now. Learn to live each new day with confidence based on the mercy and love of Our Savior.

"Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid. In my Father's house there are many rooms...I go to prepare a place for you."-- John 14:1-3...