Journey Through the Valley
David Brenner
2026 Christlit Book Awards Winner
“…a masterfully crafted exploration of faith and resilience.“ —Louise Jane, CEO, Christlit Book Awards
“A moving, distinctly Christian work about finding fulfillment in the simplicity of God’s gifts.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Brenner shares his intimate journey of success, disillusionment, and lifelong Christian faith in this moving debut memoir…. offering readers a roadmap to navigate hard times through spiritual transformation.” —BookLife by Publishers Weekly
What if who we become is more important than what we achieve?
In Journey Through the Valley, David shares a deeply personal and honest memoir of spiritual growth forged in the crucible of pressure, performance, and pain. As a high-achieving executive, devoted husband, and father, David once believed that success meant constantly climbing the ladder, staying composed, and always being “enough.” But beneath the polished surface was a man unraveling under the impossible weight of modern expectations.
With vulnerability and insight, David recounts how his pursuit of success at any cost left him weary and disconnected—from his purpose, his family, and even himself. It was only when he hit the wall of burnout that he began to discover a new path—one shaped not by striving, but by surrender.
Through failures, doubts, and unexpected grace, Journey Through the Valley is a story of transformation. It’s an invitation to rethink what it means to truly live well—not by the standards of today’s culture, but by the quiet call of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
This book is for anyone who has forgotten their “why” in the whirlwind of doing, for those exhausted from chasing a version of success that never satisfies. David’s journey reminds us that even in our lowest valleys, we are never alone.
Duration - 4h 41m.
Author - David Brenner.
Narrator - David Brenner.
Published Date - Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
Copyright - © 2026 David Brenner ©.
Location:
United States
Description:
2026 Christlit Book Awards Winner “…a masterfully crafted exploration of faith and resilience.“ —Louise Jane, CEO, Christlit Book Awards “A moving, distinctly Christian work about finding fulfillment in the simplicity of God’s gifts.” —Kirkus Reviews “Brenner shares his intimate journey of success, disillusionment, and lifelong Christian faith in this moving debut memoir…. offering readers a roadmap to navigate hard times through spiritual transformation.” —BookLife by Publishers Weekly What if who we become is more important than what we achieve? In Journey Through the Valley, David shares a deeply personal and honest memoir of spiritual growth forged in the crucible of pressure, performance, and pain. As a high-achieving executive, devoted husband, and father, David once believed that success meant constantly climbing the ladder, staying composed, and always being “enough.” But beneath the polished surface was a man unraveling under the impossible weight of modern expectations. With vulnerability and insight, David recounts how his pursuit of success at any cost left him weary and disconnected—from his purpose, his family, and even himself. It was only when he hit the wall of burnout that he began to discover a new path—one shaped not by striving, but by surrender. Through failures, doubts, and unexpected grace, Journey Through the Valley is a story of transformation. It’s an invitation to rethink what it means to truly live well—not by the standards of today’s culture, but by the quiet call of Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This book is for anyone who has forgotten their “why” in the whirlwind of doing, for those exhausted from chasing a version of success that never satisfies. David’s journey reminds us that even in our lowest valleys, we are never alone. Duration - 4h 41m. Author - David Brenner. Narrator - David Brenner. Published Date - Wednesday, 21 January 2026. Copyright - © 2026 David Brenner ©.
Language:
English
Opening Credits
Duration:00:00:15
Author’s note
Duration:00:03:11
Chapter 1: Brothers in Arms
Duration:00:07:36
Chapter 2: Falling for the American Dream
Duration:00:15:17
Chapter 3: Growing Faith and Family
Duration:00:13:17
Chapter 4: Embracing Life’s Challenges
Duration:00:16:21
Chapter 5: Learning to Trust Without Shame
Duration:00:15:06
Chapter 6: Buckling Under Pressure
Duration:00:16:40
Chapter 7: God Loves Me, Even at My Worst!
Duration:00:10:50
Chapter 8: Two Competing Truths
Duration:00:10:59
Chapter 9: Giving and Growing in Faith
Duration:00:12:55
Chapter 10: Learning to Open My Hands
Duration:00:05:40
Chapter 11: Breaking in the Tension
Duration:00:08:41
Chapter 12: Hearing From Jesus
Duration:00:11:17
Chapter 13: Learning Humility and Rest
Duration:00:12:37
Chapter 14: Experiencing the Living God
Duration:00:05:27
Chapter 15: Hearing From the Holy Spirit
Duration:00:16:43
Chapter 16: When the Holy Spirit Leads
Duration:00:22:33
Chapter 17: A Shift of the Heart
Duration:00:14:27
Chapter 18: How Are You Not Okay?
Duration:00:12:55
Chapter 19: He Dark Night of the Soul
Duration:00:20:00
Chapter 20: Hiking the Summit
Duration:00:16:59
Chapter 21: Finding Peace
Duration:00:10:08
Acknowledgements
Duration:00:01:04
Ending Credits
Duration:00:00:27