Title: Constant Courage: Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jesus Christ
Author: Tracy Emerick, PhD
Publisher: BookSide Press
ISBN: TBA
Pages: TBA
Genre: Self-Help
Reviewed by: Aaron Washington

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Courage is the bravery and strength to keep going despite the circumstances. Author Tracy Emerick models her book after two figures who are considered zeitgeists of courage: Jesus and Martin Luther King, Jr. She takes the reader through courage as a concept which starts with unravelling oneself and then building the self with courage woven into the very fabric of being. Of note is the chapter on maintaining courage even in the face of long-term struggle. Often, people lose their courage when they have suffered for a long time, but the author urges one to turn to Jesus and seek strength.

The author’s writing is very authoritative yet understanding. She takes a sympathetic – sort of tough-love – stance while speaking to the reader. The term speaking here is literal because that is what her writing feels like. It feels as if she is speaking to you individually. Almost like she can see into your life with her third eye. She uses simple language, perhaps meant to be understood by all and to eliminate any possibility of ambiguity. She also writes in a first-person narrative where she lumps herself in with the reader. This sort of creates a good rapport and prevents the reader from feeling like they are being lectured.

She starts strong with a very attention-grabbing line. Constant Courage is written in short forceful paragraphs, each with a heavy and thought-provoking subject. The book itself is short, which is a good thing, as there is very little white space between the lines. It can feel like she has been going on forever, however, it helps that she has quotes at the beginning of every chapter as a sort of pre-amble or wake-up call to really think about the concept as you read. The author is not shy about revealing herself and her life’s story. Most of the personal touches are shared backstories we never talk about or realize are noteworthy.

The current world is competitive with everyone looking to gain an edge by any means necessary. For anyone to survive, they literally have to strap down and keep their gloves on. Such a stage can be daunting for anyone, especially one who has been, or is going through a tough time. Having courage despite all the numerous fears one can have is not automatic. The author talks about how fitting in is ingrained in all of us from childhood. This book will help the reader realize trying to fit in – is going against the grain – as everyone is unique and attempting to be the same is unnatural.

Constant Courage is in way a handbook. Like the rabbit’s foot, It is the charm that will get you to stand out despite being gnawed at by the urge to make yourself small and fit in. Just like the author quotes Sun Tzu, losing battles is rooted in a failure to know oneself. Knowing oneself takes courage. Courage starts here!