Let me tell you about how God opened my eyes and my heart today…
Yesterday I prepared to write a book review for Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa Terkeurst (president of Proverbs 31 Woman Ministries). Whenever I get ready to write a book review, I like to do a little digging around the internet to see what I can find about the author. After reading just the first chapter I became a blog follower of Lysa’s. Her relational writing style, coupled with her genuine, wisdom-filled encouragement made me excited to read the rest of the book. I love the way she transparently reveals her own life story in the pages, while sharing lessons she’s learned along the way. It was one of those books, where as I read it, I found myself nodding, exclaiming the words, “Yes” and “Amen” out loud and pictured sitting next to this woman at a coffee shop laughing my head off. As far as spiritual direction and vision is concerned, Lysa Terkeurst has got it going on.
Her stories are saturated with wit and applicable godly counsel of how to live a most fulfilling life in Christ. One example: Lysa challenges when you find yourself asking the why questions about the hardship you’re enduring, try to rework the question into a more useful, “What am I supposed to do with it?” Another memorable analogy, related to this blog in fact, is when Lysa compares our brain (thought life) to a dryer lint filter. She suggests that we are wise to gauge whether or not we allow our minds to be cluttered with dangerous thoughts, making the connection to a full lint filter causing a potential fire in the home.
***The book is a must buy!
But I haven’t even shared the coolest part with you yet…
Back to my digging around about the author…I already follow Lysa’s blog, but I decided to watch a little TV on the computer because I’ve altogether stopped watching it during the day anymore. I happened upon the recent clip Oprah showed recapping some of her favorite families from past shows; Lysa’s family being one, due to the way they obeyed God by adopting Liberian orphans. A chill rushed through me. You see, two years ago I was nursing my infant and me and TV got along really well then. I’d seen the Oprah about Lysa and dozens of her friends adopting Liberian orphans. I remember being moved to tears, thinking to myself, Now that is what living out your faith looks like.
Fast forward two years. I write. I write a lot. I write novels, devotionals, how to articles, short stories, essays, and I blog a ton (as you well know). I also write book reviews. I never made the connection, as I read Lysa’s book that I was reading about the same woman who made me cry tears of joy after seeing her on Oprah. There is one section of Becoming More where Lysa indicates that God speaks to us when we open ourselves up to paying attention. I’m willing to claim without a shadow of doubt, I was meant to read this book. It was not a coincidence I cried when I saw Lysa on TV two years ago and not a coincidence I cried after reading just the first few pages of her book. God has used her to inspire me and I hope so much that you will also be blessed and inspired by her story. God has great things He wants to do in your life...in my life. Hold on. This is one ride you’ll never forget!
***It was an honor to review this book for Zondervan.
What a perfect analogy, "Hold on. This is one ride you'll never forget." Whenever we connect with a book, song, any art, when we deeply connect with the author's intent, it does move us in such a way. We're on an exhilarating ride, so enjoying that connection!
ReplyDeleteWow! Amazing review. I've never even heard of her but God brought her words/story to you twice. That's so cool!
ReplyDelete"Now that is what living out your faith looks like."
ReplyDeleteI used to get discouraged when I saw the ways other Christians stretch as they live out their faith, feeling myself so inadequate. I now see that the Lord calls each of us to stretch in different ways. All that is needed is for each of us to keep moving in the direction He points, without worrying about the fact that we're walking a different path than someone else, or that we're not as far along our own path as someone else.
I'm continually amazed by the diversity to which God calls each of us, and I'm encouraged to see how He enables us to live it out.
I love the way you're living out your calling, Wendy. I am inspired by your story.
(And your blog opened once again to "Send Me on My Way." Our family is listening to it second time through right now, and I've caught my breath from dancing it through the first time with my increasingly heavy four year old. As I close, I'm praying, "Send me on my way, Lord." Thank you, Wendy, for ALL the inspiriation here today!)
Wendy - thank you so much for posting this! I have gone to Lysa's blog and I am now a follower. I love her story and I can't wait to read more. I've got to get this book now too!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for discussing this. I'll have to check this book out. It sounds inspiring.
ReplyDeleteYou're right life is no coincidence. Everything happens according to God's perfect plan for our lives. It is so much more compelling to talk about a book and the author behind the book that has made a special impact on you as a reader.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a beautiful post.
Wow, I've got to get that book! Thanks
ReplyDeleteJoanne, it was a good ride.
ReplyDeleteJessica, I thought it was cool. I especially think God is knocking when something comes at me more than once.
Anne, daily, you teach me so much about what it means to FOLLOW CHRIST. You know how I feel about you. You are a pure gift in my life. I love how your words/blog posts make me think!
Lauren, knowing what I know about you, I think that you'll love reading more about her.
Tamika, thanks for stopping in today. It's been a joy getting to know you.
Karen, no prob. It really was a good read.
I am looking forward to going on a walk. Thanks for checking on my thoughts today. Tomorrow I've got a good One Question Friday for you, so come on back.
I hope you fall asleep smiling.
~ Wendy
Thanks Wendy... I was looking for other good blogs to read and you led me in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
Wendy, I'm not often a fan of book reviews, but yours is the second this week that I REALLY like. Thanks for doing a great job of explaining what makes this book exciting to you, and thanks for your sincerity. A passionate book review is a pleasure to read, and sounds different from a promotional book review.
ReplyDeleteWow... I am touched and humbled beyond words. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think you are a terrific writer. Blessings! Lysa