Grieve Breathe Receive-Carter

What do you do when your world feels like it's crumbling around you? When loss becomes unbearable and disappointment shapes your new reality? Pastor Steve Carter offers a path to hope and healing through three simple yet profound steps: Grieve. Breathe. Receive.

In 2018, amid mounting misconduct allegations against Willow Creek Community Church founder Bill Hybels, Steve Carter faced a life-altering decision—he publicly resigned from his dream job as lead pastor. After sharing his resignation online, he turned off his devices and wept on his wife’s shoulder. The following morning, while walking to process his overwhelming emotions, he cried out to Jesus, desperate for guidance. Expecting silence, he was instead met with a gentle whisper that impressed upon his heart three words: "Grieve, breathe, receive."

These words became a powerful mantra for Steve during a season dedicated to deep healing—healing that can only arise from profound trauma. In this deeply personal and vulnerable book, Steve encourages readers to:

• Grieve: Allow yourself the time and space to mourn what has been lost, acknowledging the hurt instead of filling your days with distractions.
• Breathe: Slow down and inhale God’s grace, peace, and love, while exhaling negativity, pain, and resentment.
• Receive: Open your heart to the lessons, surprises, and healing that God has in store for you.

This transformative process of grieving, breathing, and receiving became a life-restoring gift from God for Steve and his family. He believes that anyone who earnestly follows this journey will find profound blessings and healing.