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Let Go: Seven Stumbling Blocks to Christian Discipleship
"What must I do to gain eternal life?” The rich man who asked this of Jesus was told to sell all he had and give to the poor. But, more importantly, he was told, “Come, follow me!” Franciscan Casey Cole challenges us to let go of something more difficult than material wealth: expectations, anxiety, comfort, wounds, enemies, power—and our very selves. Speaking from both personal and pastoral experience, he outlines the stumbling blocks that turn us away from following Jesus as true disciples.
The response to “What must I do?” is simple but not easy: Let go. Now.
The response to “What must I do?” is simple but not easy: Let go. Now.
160 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2020
47 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Casey Cole
5 books332 followersFr. Casey graduated from Furman University in 2011 with a degree in Religious Studies and a minor in Poverty Studies. He entered the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) in August of 2011, made solemn profession in August of 2017, and was ordained to the priesthood in June of 2019. Fr. Casey has published two books, Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to God and Let Go: Seven Stumbling Blocks to Christian Discipleship. He is the creator of two YouTube channels, and regularly gives talks throughout the country on evangelization and vocations.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 18 reviews
August 25, 2020
In “Let Go,” Father Casey Cole, OFM explains seven stumbling blocks that prevent Christians from giving up their whole hearts entirely to God. He explains each stumbling block — self, expectations, anxiety, comforts, wounds, enemies, power — in each chapter and provides clear and understandable examples to support his points.
I read this book to become a better Catholic, and to reminisce on Father Casey, the previous priest at my school’s Catholic Center. “Let Go” was deeply moving for me and urged me to let go of my anxieties. I also liked the “Wounds” chapter, as it gave me a clear view of issues such as self-pity and despair. In general, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend it to any Christian of any denomination.
I read this book to become a better Catholic, and to reminisce on Father Casey, the previous priest at my school’s Catholic Center. “Let Go” was deeply moving for me and urged me to let go of my anxieties. I also liked the “Wounds” chapter, as it gave me a clear view of issues such as self-pity and despair. In general, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I recommend it to any Christian of any denomination.
May 31, 2022
A beautiful reflection by Casey Cole on how we can let go of the traits that can lead us away from Christ and our faith. Cole perfectly demonstrates the importance of humility, patience, and love in discipleship, and ends in a discussion on the importance of us letting go of ourselves, our pride, our anxiety, power, comforts, wounds, enemies, and more. One of the best theological and faith based books I have read.
August 19, 2025
Good source for strengthening discipleship
Fr. Cole incorporates practical and spiritual sources to foster Christian discipleship. It would serve as a good reference for parish group meetings of any age.
Fr. Cole incorporates practical and spiritual sources to foster Christian discipleship. It would serve as a good reference for parish group meetings of any age.
March 27, 2020
“Let Go” – I think the Season of Lent can be summed up in those two words. I began Lent reading Let Go: Seven Stumbling Blocks to Christian Discipleship written by Catholic YouTuber Evangelist, Fr. Casey Cole, O.F.M. and published by Franciscan Media. (If you are not yet familiar with Fr. Casey’s work, I suggest you visit Breaking in the Habit YouTube Channel.)
Fr. Casey previously wrote a book, Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to God published in 2018. With Let Go and Called, Fr. Casey wants to convey to people the steps it takes to truly become a follower of Jesus.
Let Go was personally for me a book that I needed. As someone involved in youth ministry at my parish, and other parish ministries, it is easy for me to get caught up with things but fail to spend time to receive spiritual nourishment. This book was one that came to me at the right place, at the right time and I just simply could not put it down since I began reading.
There was something about Let Go that spoke to me that I kept wanting to read on and on and on, even late into the night. While I have read interesting novels or biographical Catholic titles, this book was different. The book spoke to me because honestly, I have a lot of flaws. Sometimes, I fail to “let go” of the things that Fr. Casey laid out in his book. I felt a personal connection with every chapter… it was sort of like an Examination of Conscience or rather, an “Examination of my Ministry Life”.
While reading Let Go, one may be tempted to think of others within the parish or even in your own family who fail to “let go” and stumble upon the seven blocks explained in the book. However, the point of Let Go is not for you to (mentally) point fingers at people. It is a call for each Christian to look at oneself, and determine, “What do I need to ‘let go’ of in order to live up to my vocation as a follower of Jesus?” That is what Let Go was effective at – it prompted me to think about my spiritual life, my relationship with Jesus. Sometimes one may think, “I am pious and have a strong relationship with Jesus.” But when we think that, that is when we fail to grow in our relationship and strengthen our vocation as Jesus’ followers.
Let Go was a nudge for me, or rather a “wake-up” call for my spiritual life. Sometimes, especially those in ministry are constantly on the go, go, go, and busy serving others but fail to reassess ourselves. For some, this can go to the point where we are completely depleted of spiritual resources, or worse, we abandon our vocation to follow Jesus. That is why I find it important to read books like Let Go that allows us for a reassessment of our spiritual lives so to better serve the People of God.
On a personal level, as a Youth-Leader candidate in the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement, Let Go was and still continues to be a helpful tool in my discernment as I asked myself questions, “Am I serving because I want X, Y, Z,? Do I want to serve to please a friend? Or do I serve for the greater glory of God?” The reflection questions Fr. Casey poses at the end of each chapter are very helpful in any process of vocational discernment. It would even be more effective if you were to reflect on the questions and record your answers in your Spiritual Journal.
Are you a youth minister? Are you discerning a vocation? Are you someone the Church and need some time of retreat? Are you a Christian who wants to reassess your spiritual life? Then Let Go: Seven Stumbling Blocks to Christian Discipleship is the book for you.
Fr. Casey previously wrote a book, Called: What Happens After Saying Yes to God published in 2018. With Let Go and Called, Fr. Casey wants to convey to people the steps it takes to truly become a follower of Jesus.
Let Go was personally for me a book that I needed. As someone involved in youth ministry at my parish, and other parish ministries, it is easy for me to get caught up with things but fail to spend time to receive spiritual nourishment. This book was one that came to me at the right place, at the right time and I just simply could not put it down since I began reading.
There was something about Let Go that spoke to me that I kept wanting to read on and on and on, even late into the night. While I have read interesting novels or biographical Catholic titles, this book was different. The book spoke to me because honestly, I have a lot of flaws. Sometimes, I fail to “let go” of the things that Fr. Casey laid out in his book. I felt a personal connection with every chapter… it was sort of like an Examination of Conscience or rather, an “Examination of my Ministry Life”.
While reading Let Go, one may be tempted to think of others within the parish or even in your own family who fail to “let go” and stumble upon the seven blocks explained in the book. However, the point of Let Go is not for you to (mentally) point fingers at people. It is a call for each Christian to look at oneself, and determine, “What do I need to ‘let go’ of in order to live up to my vocation as a follower of Jesus?” That is what Let Go was effective at – it prompted me to think about my spiritual life, my relationship with Jesus. Sometimes one may think, “I am pious and have a strong relationship with Jesus.” But when we think that, that is when we fail to grow in our relationship and strengthen our vocation as Jesus’ followers.
Let Go was a nudge for me, or rather a “wake-up” call for my spiritual life. Sometimes, especially those in ministry are constantly on the go, go, go, and busy serving others but fail to reassess ourselves. For some, this can go to the point where we are completely depleted of spiritual resources, or worse, we abandon our vocation to follow Jesus. That is why I find it important to read books like Let Go that allows us for a reassessment of our spiritual lives so to better serve the People of God.
On a personal level, as a Youth-Leader candidate in the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement, Let Go was and still continues to be a helpful tool in my discernment as I asked myself questions, “Am I serving because I want X, Y, Z,? Do I want to serve to please a friend? Or do I serve for the greater glory of God?” The reflection questions Fr. Casey poses at the end of each chapter are very helpful in any process of vocational discernment. It would even be more effective if you were to reflect on the questions and record your answers in your Spiritual Journal.
Are you a youth minister? Are you discerning a vocation? Are you someone the Church and need some time of retreat? Are you a Christian who wants to reassess your spiritual life? Then Let Go: Seven Stumbling Blocks to Christian Discipleship is the book for you.
Read
December 7, 2022"As we see in His own wounded body, there is a difference between being glorified and aesthetically perfect. Even we who are His disciples, it is likely we will bear the weight of certain pains; we will still have holes unfilled. At least on earth, the dead will still be dead, and what is lost will still be lost. Even the dry block of wood that was consumed by the fire left a trail of ashes. Like scars from long ago, some things will always hurt, but they will no longer define us. When we follow Jesus and allow Him to heal us, even the darkest, most painful parts of us are redeemed and made new, meaning the way we approach these things will be completely different. No longer having a grip on us, our wounds will cease to hold us back but will actually help us to be greater heralds of the kingdom than ever before."
-- A reflection on wounds, redemption, and how God does not waste even our pain as He heals us, in this world that is made new by also still broken.
...
A combination of gentleness and exhortation through a series of practical reflections. What are the blind spots we have in our faith? What hinders us from actually going forward with Christ to where He calls us? What can we do to identify these faults and hand them over to God so that He can use us in the world and grow us into the people He desires for us to be?
A few theological differences jumped out at me in the writing, but I was encouraged by how unifying this exhortation was for Christians across denominations. And it's good for me to read some favorite Catholics regularly. Keep up your ministry, Friar Casey!
-- A reflection on wounds, redemption, and how God does not waste even our pain as He heals us, in this world that is made new by also still broken.
...
A combination of gentleness and exhortation through a series of practical reflections. What are the blind spots we have in our faith? What hinders us from actually going forward with Christ to where He calls us? What can we do to identify these faults and hand them over to God so that He can use us in the world and grow us into the people He desires for us to be?
A few theological differences jumped out at me in the writing, but I was encouraged by how unifying this exhortation was for Christians across denominations. And it's good for me to read some favorite Catholics regularly. Keep up your ministry, Friar Casey!
April 6, 2020
"If you were to kneel at the feet of Jesus seeking eternal life, what would he tell you to let go of?" There are so many stumbling blocks to our Christian discipleship: self, expectations, anxiety, comforts, wounds, enemies, power, and so many others. In his second book, "Let Go", Fr Casey Cole, OFM presents us with seven exemples of common stumbling blocks in our walk with the Lord Jesus. He writes in a very easy to read style and gives many exemples, giving a practical tone to the book. I really appreciated his straightforward but yet deep analysis of the things we need to let go in order to follow Christ better. This books serves as an eye-opener in the sense that it calls attention to stumbling blocks that we perhaps struggle with but are not aware of. I recommend this book to any Christian of any denomination. +Peace and good+
March 25, 2022
If someone were to ask me whether there were memorable takeaways from "Let Go", here's one concerning resentment. Apparently it's a common adage, but I hadn't come across it before: "Resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." So true!
Fr. Cole writes in a conversational style. It helps the reader grasp his arguments about the importance of letting go of the habits that interfere with being the best people that we can be.
As a priest, Fr. Cole has made the life choice to be, in his words, "all in" in being a disciple of Jesus. He challenges the reader to consider the importance of making this life choice, too - not to be "mostly Christian" but instead to embrace all that God would want us to be. In order to do that, there's much to let go, but the rewards just might be worth the effort.
Fr. Cole writes in a conversational style. It helps the reader grasp his arguments about the importance of letting go of the habits that interfere with being the best people that we can be.
As a priest, Fr. Cole has made the life choice to be, in his words, "all in" in being a disciple of Jesus. He challenges the reader to consider the importance of making this life choice, too - not to be "mostly Christian" but instead to embrace all that God would want us to be. In order to do that, there's much to let go, but the rewards just might be worth the effort.
July 16, 2022
I do believe this is book contains wise counsel and an urgent message to "let go" of so much that keeps us not only from holiness and communion with God, but from happiness here on earth. That said, I take issue with the last chapter, one I know is steeped in Catholic theology, that without this letting go, we risk the peril of eternal damnation. It is a theological issue I don't wish to debate (or run from), but I feel that approach here could do more harm than good.
Most of this book is more than useful: it should be read prayerfully. Most of the examples make good connections, and Father Cole is willing to judge himself more than others, a trait I find lacking in spiritual writing.
Most of this book is more than useful: it should be read prayerfully. Most of the examples make good connections, and Father Cole is willing to judge himself more than others, a trait I find lacking in spiritual writing.
May 9, 2022
This book is good. Nothing sensational, but Fr. Casey does bring up good points. He explains things well and uses personal examples. He challenges readers to take an honest look at their actions and attitudes. The questions at the end of each chapter are really thought provoking, and I will be using them as journal prompts for adoration. I did find quite a bit of grammatical errors though (like missing or added words). Would recommend to a friend.
June 30, 2020
This is a quick read, a good book, and worth your time. He discusses attachments to self, expectations, anxiety, comforts, wounds, enemies, and power. He uses relatable and personal examples to encourage the reader to let go of these attachments. I didn’t care for another book of his I read, but I really appreciate this one. It isn’t an amazing book - but it is a good one.
December 28, 2021
Casey Cole came to my parish to speak earlier this year and I really liked his message. The book was given to everyone who attended. He talks about what we need to stop doing or thinking in order to be true followers of Christ. I feel like I need to read this on a regular basis! We are only human and we need to trust more in God - let go and let God.
May 16, 2020
The reason I gave this 2 stars is because much of it didn't speak to me. That is likely because not everybody has the same stumbling blocks. I also really liked the first book so it is possible that I had too high of expectations for this one. Lastly, I found quite a few typos.
April 20, 2020
Fr. Casey challenges us to look at what is keeping us from fully becoming a disciple of Christ. It acts as a guide to help us discern what we need to let go of to follow Jesus.
December 20, 2021
Good book to read before the New Year!
September 14, 2024
very thought-provoking
August 1, 2020
We all have things we need to let go of: hurts, jealousy, vanity, fear, or possessions. He explores these areas and asks thought provoking questions to help us discern where we may have an unhealthy fixation. He then guides the reader in letting them go.
January 9, 2022
From a non-catholic / neutral point of view: The book starts with a question: what would Jesus ask you to let go to fully follow him? You may not be a Christian, but there are stumbling blocks that prevent us from living fully and with purpose and Father Casey makes a great point about that. In this book, he offers useful council to let go of that burden.
From a catholic point of view: this book is a great opportunity to learn the practical value of the Scriptures. Follow Father Casey as he reflects on seven stumbling blocks that prevents us from fully following Jesus Christ, with practical examples of his own. If you truly are a catholic, you will not only read, but you will reflect and act on your own life to really start following Christ.
It doesn’t matter if you’re believer or non-believer; Christian or Catholic; atheist or deist, we all need to fight against stumbling blocks to live fully and purposely, and this book offers some good philosophy into that.
From a catholic point of view: this book is a great opportunity to learn the practical value of the Scriptures. Follow Father Casey as he reflects on seven stumbling blocks that prevents us from fully following Jesus Christ, with practical examples of his own. If you truly are a catholic, you will not only read, but you will reflect and act on your own life to really start following Christ.
It doesn’t matter if you’re believer or non-believer; Christian or Catholic; atheist or deist, we all need to fight against stumbling blocks to live fully and purposely, and this book offers some good philosophy into that.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 18 reviews