Jackson TerKeurst Reveals His Redemption Story in New Book 'The Only Way Forward Is Back'
When Jackson TerKeurst thinks about looking forward, he must first look backward and thank God for all he has brought him through. Jackson is the son of influential author Lysa TerKeurst and the author of a brand-new book titled The Only Way Forward Is Back. In his new book, Jackson lays out how God brought him through war, the trauma of being ripped away from his family, and discovering a new family and promise God has laid out for him. In his sit-down interview with Crosswalk Headlines, Jackson clearly states that God can be trusted and believed in, and he owes everything to Him.
Crosswalk Headlines: Where were you when you knew that God was calling you to write the book?
Jackson TerKeurst: I've had this inspiration since I was 15. My goal was to write my story and share it with the world, but I wasn't sure how. I had this passion that I was going to do it. God gave me this vision because He gave me this story. I knew that when I moved back to Charlotte and brought the right people along, it was time.
CWH: What was it like reliving some of the experiences and stories that you’ve been through?
JT: It was very exhausting mentally; I had to go back and dig into all the things I had lived through and all the obstacles I had overcome. I would say it was great spiritually because it helped me to really depend on God. It helped me to really see God in a different light, just by looking at my story and seeing how far He has brought me and the things He has done for me, and it gave me a new perspective. It was not easy to go back; it was not easy to dive back into those memories or these traumas. It was very difficult. And there were times when I broke down in tears through the process.
CWH: Can you walk me through the emotional side of writing the book?
JT: I went for long walks, listened to a lot of podcasts and listened to music just to calm my mind down. I was fighting a spiritual battle. I wanted to make sure that I did it the right way to where I could tell my story well.
CWH: What is life like for you today?
JT: God is doing his thing in my life. I come from being abandoned and being an orphan, having to deal with all the abandonment issues of my life and trauma. Then God says I’ll give you two for your troubles, he gave me two beautiful twins that have changed my whole world, man. My whole life.
CWH: What do you want people to get from the book?
JT: There are so many nuggets in this book. One thing that I want people to get from this book is that it's all about perspective in a way, and how you see things in the book as well. I would say that my biggest thing is that I want people to allow God to use them, allow God to use their story, allow God to use your pain. I've been through so much trauma, abandonment issues, and have overcome so many odds. There were days when I felt lonely and sad and like God wasn't there. I want people to know that if He can do it for me, He can do it for them.
Photo Credit: ©Instagram/@jacksonterkeurst_
Originally published July 24, 2025.
