Overcoming Emotional Obstacles through Faith: Navigating the Mind Field

By Anthony P. Acampora

Anthony Acampora knows firsthand the incredible impact that the word of God can have on a broken life. Through Christ he has overcome tremendous suffering and loss. In this book he shares his years of experience applying biblical principles to overcome seemingly insurmountable adversity through faith. This series of true personal stories provides real-life examples of how to apply God's word to radically transform your life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Resource Publications
• Release date: Aug 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781498246248

Anthony P. Acampora

Anthony is a published Christian Author and graduate of Vision International University where he earned a Master's degree & Bachelor's degree in Ministry. He also holds an advanced diploma in Biblical Studies from the Int'l School of Ministry. Anthony successfully completed specialized training with the Int'l Conference of Police Chaplains. He is an ordained minister, speaker and writer with articles published in The Sober-World Magazine, The Fix, Somatic Psychotherapy Today, Addiction/Recovery e-Bulletin, Faith on every Corner Magazine and The Awakening Institute. Anthony is also the former Director of the Faith -Net Programs with the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Broward County. He has a heart for those who suffer with mental illness, addictions and the broken in spirit. He has ministered to thousands of individuals suffering with addiction, mental health disorders, the homeless, and inmates. Most recently, Anthony was awarded the 2019 Professional of the Year by Broward National Recovery. In 2018 Anthony was selected as a Global Goodwill Ambassador representing the USA. In 2015, the National Alliance of Mental Illness, Broward Country awarded Anthony its volunteer Recognition Award. In 2014, the National Association of Social Workers, Broward County awarded Anthony its Public Citizen of the Year.  Anthony is the host of "The Faith in Recovery Show. " The Faith in Recovery Radio Show with Anthony Acampora aired on Faith-Talk Atlanta, AM 970 and in the Orlando area on "The Word "94.9FM & AM 950. All Faith in Recovery Radio Shows can be heard by going to www.faithinrecovery.com , media, radio shows

Book preview

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Overcoming Emotional Obstacles through Faith

Navigating the Mind Field

Anthony P. Acampora

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Overcoming Emotional Obstacles through Faith

Navigating the Mind Field

Copyright © 2017 Anthony P. Acampora. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock Publishers, 199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3, Eugene, OR 97401.

Resource Publications

An Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers

199

W.

8

th Ave., Suite

3

Eugene, OR

97401

www.wipfandstock.com

paperback isbn: 978-1-5326-1972-4

hardcover isbn: 978-1-4982-4625-5

ebook isbn: 978-1-4982-4624-8

Manufactured in the U.S.A.

November 28, 2017

Table of Contents

Title Page

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1: A Matter of the Heart

Chapter 2: Be Anxious for Nothing . . .

Chapter 3: A Deeper Relationship with God

Chapter 4: Come As You Are

Chapter 5: First Remove the Plank from Your Own Eye . . .

Chapter 6: I’m OK—You’re Not

Chapter 7: Learning to Forgive by Practicing Forgiveness

Chapter 8: God’s Transforming Power

Chapter 9: Words Hurt

Chapter 10: Have You Asked?

Chapter 11: You Are Not a Doormat

Chapter 12: Finding His Peace

Chapter 13: Sin Is Crouching at Your Door

Chapter 14: Speak Life

Chapter 15: Redirecting My Thoughts

Chapter 16: What Was My Role in the Conflict?

Chapter 17: Name Above All Names

Chapter 18: Building Spiritual Muscle

Chapter 19: Closing Comments

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my father Peter L. Acampora, affectionately known as Leeboy. He was given the name when he was a little boy when his cousin—who had a heavy Italian accent—would attempt to call him Petie-Boy, and it sounded more like Leeboy. I began lovingly calling him Leeboy right after he shared that heartwarming story with me. He was truly loved by so many people and I do not think he had a single enemy. He had a beautiful way of getting along with everyone and bringing people together. Dad also had an incredibly easy-going way about him and this naturally drew people to him.

He also had an incredible work ethic. Growing up I always thought we had a lot of money because we had the largest house on the street, a swimming pool, and we attended private school. This wasn’t really the case. It was not until I was older that I realized the incredible sacrifice that both my parents made for us to grow up with everything that we had.

My father was a heavy equipment operator who decided to open his own excavating company late in life called Connecticut Excavating. He was also known in the construction industry as Gradall Pete because at one point, he had three Gradalls. For those that are not familiar with them, they are huge machines that look similar to large cranes. When I was having pool parties and he would come home with one of those things, everyone would scatter!

Looking back on it, this must have been an enormous risk that he took to open this business so late in his career with five kids at home, but he succeeded. At the time, none of this meant anything to me, but now I certainly have a great appreciation and respect for everything that he accomplished. Most importantly, he was a devout Christian, a great father, friend, and human being. I miss having him here on this earth, but so look forward to being with him again in Heaven.

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Acknowledgments

First, I would like to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who means everything to me.

The leadership team at Banyan Treatment Center, for the opportunity to share God’s word to our clients on a daily basis, and for providing a platform for God’s transforming power to be on display for our clients and staff.

My sisters Lisa Turcotte and Bonnie Acampora, the two most supportive people who stood by me during the worst times in my life—and there were many of those.

My amazing editor and friend, Tamlynn Rubin, whose combined passion and talent are second to none.

The awesome team of professionals at Wipf and Stock Publishers.

My two best friends whom I have known for many years, Rob Kauffman and Jordan Berk, who are among very few people that share my sense of humor.

My brother-in-law, Mario Turcotte, who has helped me in so many areas of my life, and Adriana Aycart-Ospina, a really close, trustworthy friend.

Paula LaRocca, who has been a great asset to the writing of this book.

Introduction

It is such an incredible blessing to begin writing my second book here in the mountains of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Prior to my relationship with God, my life revolved around advancing my career in the corporate security industry, making money, drinking, and having a worldly good time. I was living out the saying, work hard play hard. This lifestyle escalated when I began working in the difficult and competitive