Category: Wednesday’s Words

When the words don’t come easily to me, I dive deep into the words of others. I’m six books into my summer challenge of reading ten books this summer, and I haven’t even gone on vacation yet. Here’s what I’m loving right now:

• Soul Keeping, by John Ortberg. Yes, just, yes. We must remove hurry from our lives in order to bring life to our souls. For so long I’ve viewed the soul as a spiritual thing, not overtly biblical. Ortberg reminds me that loving the Lord with my whole soul is the part of the Greatest Commandment. My roommate is already calling this a “must read,” after borrowing it off my shelf.
• The Finishers, by Roger Hershey and … This book was given to me two years ago when I graduated from college. Many friends received it too, but when I’ve asked them if they’ve read it, they hadn’t picked it up either. Truly, one of my favorite reads this year. It has forced me to wrestle with calling and mission in a challenging yet affirming way.
• The Next Culture War, by David Brooks. While he admits to being to the left of social conservatives on all issues, he does a great job validating the need for social conservatives in today’s culture to provide stability and definition. Today’s society is radically different from sixty years ago, and instead of fighting to take culture back there, we, as social conservatives, many of whom call ourselves Christians, must find a better way to engage and serve our communities. Public shaming and loud debate is less productive that building relationships on a local level, and providing our Biblical opinions where appropriate. I would challenge Brooks though, because this is already happening, it is just overshadowed by social media commentary.
• Famous, by Sarah Bessey. Oh boy, this was a great one! Sarah Bessey may be in my top five favorite authors. Her book, her blog, her Facebook statuses and Instagram posts. I love her writing. This piece addressed several conversations I have had with friends in the past few months about fame and ambition. She says, “the line between “making Jesus famous” and “making ourselves famous for Jesus” is whisper thin.” It is indeed. The word fame can easily be substituted for successful, respected, and known. This blog reminds of the glory in the ordinary,and in the midst of office days, cleaning my apartment and meal prep, I need to be reminded of that. God isn’t impressed by fame, He is honored by obedience.

I’d love to hear what you’ve been reading!

I am a reader. Constantly reading articles, blogs and books. So many times I want to share what I’m reading or have read with others, but I would blow up my Facebook page, so I’m going to try to start sharing reading material each week.

The Story that Makes Room For All of Us, by Sarah Bessey. Really anything that Sarah Bessey writes has me saying, “Yes! Yes! I agree!” I want to be her when I grow up. This piece confirmed my mom-blogger-friend-crush on her as she shares that God’s story is the best story for us to live in. While the temptation may be to put a positive spin on something, when we’re living God’s story, that’s not necessarily required because we live in a broken, fallen world.

What Happened After My Husband Quit His Job, by Emily Freeman encouraged me to think about dreaming. She has a way with words that makes me want to write better and write more.

You Need Less, Not More, by Jen Hatmaker further challenges me to swing by heart towards contentment, not constantly wanting new and more things. Her ideas are consistent with my recent closet pack-up, which I’ll talk more about next week. Big, big fan of Jen Hatmaker.

Indianapolis, Here We Come, by Sami Orndorff was a great read for multiple reasons. Firstly, she’s a best friend of mine and she’s moving back to Indy. Secondly, she clearly articulates so much of the bittersweet-ness of moving and being obedient to God’s leading. Moving is scary. The idea of building a life somewhere new, even if it’s a familiar place, is downright terrifying. She honestly communicates the tension of excitement and fear.

What You Really Need to Know About Baltimore From a Reporter Who’s Lived Here for 30 Years, by Michael Fletcher does a great job explaining some of the complicating factors behind the current situation in Baltimore. It is not as simple as race. Race and poverty complicate social situations; they create tension. Tension comes to a head.

I just finished reading A Lion In A Pit On A Snowy Day by Mark Batterson, and am in the process of reading John C. Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.