A Distant Grief: The Real Story Behind the Martyrdom of Christians in Uganda, explores the rise of Idi Amin and his diabolical mind being used by the forces of the underworld. This book serves as a reminder to Non-third world Christians of the “‘principalities and powers” which are loosed in our sophisticated society.’”
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You Welcomed Me is the most relevant book of our time. Written by a gentleman who has spent many years between Haiti and regions of the world that have been “forgotten”, Kent explores this controversial issue with the Christian Church in mind. He also does a stellar job addressing the fears that may be in each of us, spoken and unspoken. It isn’t an easy read depending on the political aisle you may find yourself. But no matter where you stand, this book convicts all of us to do much more. |
I have no words to describe the last year that I have had. If you know me, speechless, is a rarity for me. But this is what I finally am. After months of tears, restless sleep and mourning, I have finally closed my mouth.
Then one day shortly after giving in, a dear friend of mine gifted me this book. It is a hard read. Let me repeat. It. Is. A. Hard. Read. “Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt” means just that. Lower your guards, give the gift of forgiveness, let...go...
It pains me to even write this because I like counting wrongs. I like to keep track of offenses. I do keep a close eye on the score. But the Lord’s way is a higher calling. A mountain I’m not prepared to climb. One in which I don’t want to. I feel safer in my cave hiding from the ills of the world. Safe.
But safe means no sunlight, no refreshing winds, no adventure. So for awhile I remained. For 9 months I stayed stuck. Hurting. Praying. Sleeping. Healing.
Now He calls me forth to forgive. To gift His grace on another. In obedience I will. In feeling I cannot. But as my father-in-law shared with me not too long ago, the action comes first, then the feelings will follow.
Then one day shortly after giving in, a dear friend of mine gifted me this book. It is a hard read. Let me repeat. It. Is. A. Hard. Read. “Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt” means just that. Lower your guards, give the gift of forgiveness, let...go...
It pains me to even write this because I like counting wrongs. I like to keep track of offenses. I do keep a close eye on the score. But the Lord’s way is a higher calling. A mountain I’m not prepared to climb. One in which I don’t want to. I feel safer in my cave hiding from the ills of the world. Safe.
But safe means no sunlight, no refreshing winds, no adventure. So for awhile I remained. For 9 months I stayed stuck. Hurting. Praying. Sleeping. Healing.
Now He calls me forth to forgive. To gift His grace on another. In obedience I will. In feeling I cannot. But as my father-in-law shared with me not too long ago, the action comes first, then the feelings will follow.
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Erik Weihenmayer last year during an event that we held at Milton Hershey School. It was an inspiring time of fellowship as we rocked climbed with students and enjoyed dinner together at a student home. Regardless where you are on your journey in life, Erik's challenges and his ability to overcome them will inspire you! Order this book today! You will not be disappointed!
https://www.amazon.com/No-Barriers-Blind-Journey-Canyon/dp/125008878X
Hillbilly Elegy, www.amazon.com/Hillbilly-Elegy-Memoir-Family-Culture/dp/0062300547, is a memoir that truly resonates with me and my personal story. J.D. Vance describes, through his personal journey, a culture that I feel America is unfamiliar with--the white working poor. I have to admit, while reading the book, I felt out of touch with his journey even though I grew up in goverment housing as a little girl. His poignant descriptions of his foul-mouthed, gun carrying Mamaw, his unpredictable and often narcissistic mother, and the overall culture of folks from "the Holler" left me feeling like I was reading about someone growing up in a foreign country, and not America. I truly believe that this book is the reason the Democratic Party lost the 2016 Presidential election to Donald Trump. He appealed to people who live this story everyday. This book taught me that African-Americans aren't the only ones living a broken dream in America--plenty of whites do too. This book is sobering and entertaining. My hope is that you find it as enlightening as well.
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Slow Kingdom Coming: Practices for Doing Justice, Loving Mercy, and Walking Humbly in the World, www.amazon.com/Slow-Kingdom-Coming-Practices-Justice/dp/0830844554, was written by Kent Annan, co-founder of Haiti Partners. It is a thoughtful approach to seeing the world, God's people, and His love for them through the eyes of someone who has learned to grow in compassion for the hurting. Annan takes readers through a series of personal practices that are guaranteed to help believers live in a world where God's Kingdom seems too slow in coming. I, too, have felt a deep ache for the lonely and hurting. While a heavy read, Slow Kingdom Coming ministers to those who have felt a certain brokenness while living out their faith. This book comes highly recommended! |
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The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster - my 10 year-old son is reading it for English class and loves it! He begged me to read it so I started it on our road trip to Providence. It's quirky and great fun for any kid who LOVES creative adventure!
http://www.amazon.com/Norton-Juster/e/B000AP8N0E/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1426970378&sr=1-2-ent Past Favorites include: 1) The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore, is an autobiographical sketch of a highly successful young man who grew up in Baltimore. He learns of another young man, with the same name, who also grew up in close proximity to his childhood neighborhood, the difference is, the "other" Wes Moore is serving life in prison. I love this book because I believe that the fate of these two gentlemen could have been the same, either a life full of success or a life full of imprisonment, if it had not been for the choices that the two made which led them down very different paths. http://theotherwesmoore.com/ 2) As for Me and My House: Crafting Your Marriage to Last by Walter Wangerin is my go-to book on marriage. I have used it in my marriage counseling to newlyweds and have referred to it often for my own spiritual renewal. This book has an uncanny way of getting at the root of all failed marriages--unforgiveness. As difficult as it sounds, the beginning of unforgiveness starts with our own forgiveness in Christ. I highly recommend this book for newlyweds, young couples and marriages that are in crisis. http://www.amazon.com/As-For-Me-My-House-ebook/dp/B008PWZ2O4/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1 3) The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis is a book that explores the depth of love, relationships and the mystery of the highest love of all--charity. It examines our failings, desires and risks that are often painful yet rewarding and ultimately what we were made for. C. S. Lewis is an amazing masterful writer. His website lists all other works of his that are also my favorites from The Chronicles of Narnia series to the grief-ridden A Grief Observed, of which I found particularly comforting during the death of my firstborn. Lewis does not disappoint! https://www.cslewis.com/us I am currently reading two powerful books that speak to character. The first one is True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership, by Bill George. In it the author explores how values, and living by a moral code (i.e., principles) allows for one to withstand some of the most common leadership pitfalls. True North shows readers the importance of having a guide during life's storms much like a compass guides explorers through the unknown waters or terrains of undiscovered lands. Leadership can often be a test in the discovery of self as one travels the unfamiliar territory that the leadership journey brings. http://www.billgeorge.org/page/true-north The second book that I am reading, (simultaneously!) is the New York Times Bestseller, The Road to Character, by David Brooks. Brooks challenges readers to reassess their view of what true character looks like through a series of sketches of some of the most unlikely people throughout history. Humility, resolve and depth of soul play a large role in many of those whom can be defined as having a strong character. http://theroadtocharacter.com/
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