Made to Tremble

Blair Linne can tell you exactly when the ground under her feet fell through. Starting in 2015, she experienced crippling anxiety and panic attacks that spiraled her down a staircase into a basement of dark discouragement and shame. Sometimes, the journey downward was so intense it landed her in the emergency room. Like many Christians, Blair knew she “should” cast her frustrations onto God and process with him, but instead found herself crying out: “I. Don’t. Know. How!"

In the harrowing season that followed—through the episodes of terror, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, trembling, dizziness, chills, intrusive thoughts, and even the fear of dying—Blair learned just how quickly she would have to give up the typical quick fixes, simple answers, and theological band-aids she had previously relied on. As the anxiety waves came crashing over her, many times without warning and without permission, she realized the truth: this was a complex issue, and there was no bypassing it. No sprinkling it with wishful thinking or spiritual platitudes. No willing herself out of it as if she were a bulletproof demigod.

The only way was through it, in tender awareness of her weakness and delicate humanity, with God.

On this side of the valley, Blair has come to appreciate even the worst moments of her story, for it has given her a deeper understanding of what it means to be human, what it actually means to lean into the Lord, and what it looks like to walk with a limp and a love for fellow strugglers. With profound lessons learned on the other side, Blair now rejoices in her affliction, for it has taught her to tremble in a new way: in awe of God.

With biblical reflection woven together with gripping narrative, journey with Blair in Made to Tremble and experience not only the God of Peace—but the peace of God.

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication and Acknowledgements
3. Foreword | Paul David Tripp
4. Introduction
5. Chapter 1: Anxiety Knows My Name
6. Chapter 2: To Hide or Not to Hide, That Is the Question
7. Chapter 3: We Are All Afraid
8. Chapter 4: When Fear Is a Snare
9. Chapter 5: He Seeks Us
10. Chapter 6: Kiss the Waves
11. Chapter 7: More Than a Soul
12. Chapter 8: Jesus Take the Wheel!
13. Chapter 9: Job, His Friends, and My Friends
14. Chapter 10: Casting Cares
15. Chapter 11: Made to Tremble
16. Chapter 12: Do It Scared
17. Conclusion: Why the Rain Is Necessary
18. Appendix 1: Promises, Prayers, Psalms, and Poems
19. Appendix 2: Breathing Technique
20. Appendix 3: Resources for Individuals with Anxiety and Their Pastors and Ministry Leaders
21. Closing Credits