UNSTUCK: A GUIDE FOR LIVING IN UNCERTAIN TIMES is a Bible-based resource for youth (ages 13 and up) facing uncertainty. It can be used either as a small group curriculum with a youth leader or as a personal journal for youth to go through on their own.
Developed by the Trauma Healing Institute at American Bible Society, the book provides practical support and biblical wisdom for youth who have gone through disruptive events like natural disaster, displacement, and violence. UNSTUCK is easily adaptable and can help youth cope with any crisis that causes trauma. It is informed by best practices in mental health and two decades of experience using trauma healing materials worldwide with Christian churches from every tradition.
UNSTUCK has five sessions, each featuring a story, discussion questions, activities, and a Bible focus to help youth identify their feelings and find ways to cope and connect with God. Each session takes approximately 90 minutes in a small group.
Separate editions for participants and leaders are available in paperback and digital download formats.
What youth participants are saying ...
"It was amazing and it became a fresh beginning for me.... Thank you so much. God bless you."
[I learned] "Covering my pain is gonna make my wounds worse. And focusing on things I can't control was the root for all of my problems."
[I learned] "That there is a way out and there is light at the end of the tunnel. And God is able to HEAL the wounds I hid."
What leaders are saying ...
"I was thankful that I could trust the curriculum. I also greatly appreciated the flexibility of the format, and the ability to facilitate according to context and participants." -facilitator at a halfway home for former street boys
"I saw biblical growth. I saw relationships happening. I saw that God was being viewed through a new lens. And they are asking for more." -facilitator at a crisis pregnancy center
"This curriculum gave space for students to share things they had not previously shared. The pathway of healing was powerful and I love the way it was explained for teens." -facilitator at a church youth group
"We were thrilled with the response. They were excited about the program and they participated in every activity and exercise. Discussions were real, sometimes raw, and heartfelt. Obviously with the seriousness of charges against them, some comments were veiled ... But they were getting it and they were enjoying it. About an hour into session 1, I heard one of them say 'this is good'." -facilitator at a county jail with a small group of 16-17-year-old boys
