Defying Fear
Finding the Courage to Embrace Your True Value
"Occasionally one will be reading a book, and the words of the author will leap off the page and the reader will find a part of themselves expressed in the author’s written words, opening an awareness of something in their own life they never realized before. Dr. Nancy Meyer does this in her book." -Melinda Jackson, MD, PhD, FAAFP
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Endorsements
“Dr. Nancy Meyer’s book, Defying Fear: Finding Courage to Embrace Your True Value, is incredibly inspiring and offers practical advice for those who have experienced setbacks that challenged their faith and worth. She draws on biblical truths, well-known quotes, and personal experiences that allow her readers to experience sustainable breakthroughs and fulfillment and success in life.”
—Mark Long
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Leader FCA Endurance
“In Defying Fear: Finding the Courage to Embrace Your True Value, Dr. Nancy Meyer captures your interest immediately. Though the story is fiction by literal standards, it grips you even more when you know it is all based on fact. She has taken parts of many women’s true stories to create a compilation character she calls Lila.
This story is startling, sometimes scary, with moments of surprising humor. But what I found most gratifying was how inspired this book left me. Yes, Lila endures unfair abuse, but she proves to us that when we defy fear, we can learn to courageously embrace our true value. I am stronger in mind, body, and spirit because I read this book. As Dr. Meyer reminds us, we all have a little Lila inside of us, including the best parts."
—Anita Agers-Brooks
International Speaker, Common Trauma Expert, and Best-Selling Author of Getting Through What You Can’t Get Over and other titles
“It is such an honor to endorse this amazing book. Dr. Nancy Meyer has a very experienced, multifaceted story, and in the spirit of helping others, shares her wisdom. I wish I had a resource of this magnitude while trying to navigate life when mine fell apart. I felt as though my family and I were on an island. Knowing you’re not alone because someone overcame and was victorious gives one hope.
Dr. Nancy has mastered business, parenting, exercise, nutrition, and much more through her strength, perseverance, and spirituality. This book is a much needed wealth of knowledge. Many counselors know what they’ve learned from education. Nancy’s firsthand experience will have an impact on countless lives and create a positive ripple effect. All of us encounter obstacles in life. Nancy provides a blueprint of how to survive and thrive. It had to be difficult to revisit the darkest of times in her life. I’m thankful for Dr. Nancy Meyer’s strength and keeping the faith!”
—Ginger Mumpower
Ginger’s Jewelry
“Dr. Nancy Meyer has painted a portrait of a true heroine in Defying Fear: Finding the Courage to Embrace Your True Value. Her composite character Lila is an avatar who embodies the very soul of a survivor. This heartbreaking story of physical and mental abuse will strike a familiar note with women of the Me Too era. Lila will inspire those who endure the pain, suffering, and desolation of domestic abuse and who discover their inner strength, overcome fear, and bravely forge a new path toward self-fulfillment. Lila encourages readers not just to survive but to thrive and strive for their personal best.”
—M. C. Cannon
Nonprofit Community Developer
“I could not put this book down! Dr. Meyer does an amazing job of bringing to life the character of Lila. I felt an immediate connection to her from experiences in my own life. Although my memories were painful to relive as strong emotions were brought back as I followed Lila’s struggles, the journey helped me reflect on myself and my own growth. Lila navigates through horrible forms of emotional abuse as well as the harsh retaliatory malice of her husband. Amazingly, she does all of this with grace and respect out of love for her children, and finally for herself! She leans on her faith and her weaknesses grow into unstoppable strengths—support of a higher power, God. This book reminds us that God is good; we all are deserving of love, we have value, and as his children we are strengthened by him. I’m not necessarily a religious person, but this message really struck home. Thank you, Nancy, for sharing your words with us.”
—Kathryn Davis
Nursing Practice and Clinical Integrations Manager, MSN, RN; President, Roanoke Triathlon Club
“In Defying Fear: Finding the Courage to Embrace Your True Value, Dr. Nancy Meyer presents a compelling account of fear, heartache, anger, humiliation, betrayal, and other numerous emotional phases. Presented as a fictional story, it connects with the reality of life reaching into the world of many women. The characters depict real-life situations that the main character, Lila, is faced with regarding the many choices she had to make.
During this fearful adventure she is guided through trusted advice and faith to how one is able to overcome fear and find courage. Her courage in suffering when innocent and to protect her children, business, and reputation will challenge those who read this book to rise above the injustice and fear to find the courage to embrace your true value.”
—Elwood McAllister
Retired Minister
“Occasionally one will be reading a book, and the words of the author will leap off the page and the reader will find a part of themselves expressed in the author’s written words, opening an awareness of something in their own life they never realized before. Dr. Nancy Meyer, in Defying Fear: Finding the Courage to Embrace Your True Value, does just this through her character Lila. Abuse is such a difficult topic and equally difficult to heal from. God can use our stories to do what only He can do, and Lila, though initially unaware of her identity as a victim of abuse, in part by sharing her story, was able to overcome her fear and leave us an example of how to heal and become who God intends us to be. I believe this book will speak to many readers as it has spoken to me.”
—Melinda Jackson
MD, PhD, FAAFP
“This is a gut-wrenching story of heartache, betrayal, and loss. It is also a hope-filled story of acceptance, resilience, and renewal. Dr. Nancy Meyer takes readers on a fictional journey that is grounded in true experiences and real life. She also weaves in practical advice that is helpful, inspirational, and biblical. Throughout this book, your faith will grow as you discover God’s love and mercy in life’s difficulties and trials.”
—Seth Bryant
Lead Pastor, New Hope Christian Church
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Nancy Meyer for several years. She’s smart, kind, caring, and an amazing author. But most of all she is a child of God and a true believer even in the face of life completely unraveling.
Nancy’s stories and illustrations cut straight to your heart as she narrates the tales of women who have experienced deep fear and how they overcame some of the worst despair anyone could experience. Those who read this book will walk away with the feeling of being able to overcome anything, to pull yourself through any crisis, and to overcome any fear that may be holding you back.
As Nancy notes at the end of the book, we CAN do all things through Christ. This book is written by one of the strongest women I know, and is a must-read for anyone who needs the courage to face any foreboding moments life may bring."
—Dr. Michael Perusich
Motivational Speaker
“In Dr. Nancy Meyer’s new book, Defying Fear: Finding the Courage to Embrace Your True Value, the reader is quickly pulled into an intimate emotional relationship with the main character, Lila, who, through a series of sequential scenarios, pulls you along with her from victim to conqueror.
The format of the book is very helpful as each chapter describes a difficult experience followed by relevant Scripture containing very practical application of those verses. Each reader will be both challenged and encouraged in their personal journey of faith. This is a book that I will be recommending to help many clients work through their own traumas and discover their true worth. It’s a wonderful, wonderful testimony.”
—Mrs. Darnell T. Barnes
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
“Defying Fear: Finding the Courage to Embrace Your True Value is a moving and inspirational story of a woman who battles gaslighting/emotional trauma for years before discovering the strength to persevere and overcome her fears. Her ever-deepening faith and reliance on God slowly leads her to restoration and newfound strength. Although this book deals with difficult issues, the reader is led through godly bits of wisdom at the end of each chapter that inspire hope for a better future. This is a wonderful book for any woman who has experienced abusive relationships or anyone mentoring a friend through these situations.”
—Patricia V. Cunningham
PhD, Immunology; Former Research Scientist; President, LEEPS Foundation
