17 - Books

What Book(s) Are You Grateful For?

I've already listed some favorite books HERE.  Aww, memories of 12-14-19 and the reconciliation(ish) that I hadn't told another soul about yet... that quote at the end of the post was definitely a nod to that.  Ironically, it still works, as God healed and redeemed things in a very different way than I first hoped or planned.  (As He tends to do in all our lives.)

Anyway, I am deeply grateful for great books and the authors who write them!  I'll use this post topic to briefly recap my latest audiobooks from August - November:

1.  The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Murray -- the story of the unlikely and powerful friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune - it's a longer novel, but interesting and worth reading - I love that this story is told from both perspectives, so one chapter will be narrated by Mary and the next by Eleanor.  I loved learning about their friendship and courage, and learning more about the slow and deliberate progress toward equal rights during this period of American history!

2.  I Hate You - Don't Leave Me: Understanding the Borderline Personality by Dr. Jerold Kreisman -- this book was recommended to someone close to me concerning a difficult and confusing relationship, so it was interesting to me for personal and professional reasons.  Borderline Personality Disorder shares traits with narcissism, and the title sums up the emotional toll of the push/pull dynamic of those relationships. BPD symptoms include: "a shaky sense of identity; sudden violent outbursts; oversensitivity to real or imagined rejection; brief, turbulent love affairs; frequent periods of intense depression; eating disorders, drug abuse, and other self-destructive tendencies; an irrational fear of abandonment and an inability to be alone."

3.  Are You Really OK? Getting Real about Who You Are, How You're Doing, and Why it Matters by Debra Fileta -- Biblical truth paired with practical counseling advice and personal reflections - so this was right up my alley!  She starts with the idea that "you're not really as healthy as you think you are," encouraging readers to really look into the patterns in their lives and work toward healing. She gives reflective questions and homework activities at the end of each chapter, so this is one that might be best to read as a physical book, but I enjoyed her insight here!

4.  Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards -- Another great book by Vanessa - she covers the value of first impressions ("Whether we like to admit it or not, we decide if we like someone, if we trust someone, and if we want a relationship with someone within the first few seconds of meeting them.”) and how to make a better one, as well as the value of listening well and being "a highlighter" who consistently looks for and points out the strengths and good things you see in other people!

5.  The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller -- the brilliant Tim Keller is now in Heaven with Jesus, but his earthly ministry will continue to impact people!  He begins this excellent book by going through the six most common objections to Christianity and skillfully, tactfully refuting them by pointing out hidden assumptions and logical fallacies.  The reason he knows these objections well is that he spent years hosting a weekly Q&A session after his sermons, often approached by atheists, agnostics, and doubting believers with questions and strong objections to Christianity.  I SO ADMIRE the level of courage, compassion, conviction, and spiritual competence required to open oneself up to that unscripted, often confrontational dialogue in the heart of NYC, teaching Biblical truth and researching and learning from their questions as he moved forward.  The book then goes into his case for Christianity, defining sin, the gospel vs. religion, the cross and the resurrection, and how we can know God.  I have high respect and no critiques on this one.  I hope to re-read this one often enough to internalize and repeat his articulate arguments and open-ended questions. #goals

6.  Until Unity by Francis Chan -- I love the depth and sincerity of Francis Chan!  He points out that church unity was one of the main prayers of Jesus (John 17), and says that our shallow love for each other is due to a shallow understanding of the gospel... that when we truly grasp God's heart for unity and His hurt over division between His children, we will no longer be indifferent or slow in responding to the command to love Him and love others as we love ourselves.

7.  The Soul of Shame:  Retelling the Stories We Believe about Ourselves by Curt Thompson -- Really enjoyed this one - already wrote the recap HERE.

That concludes our book club discussion this morning. ;-)

Another thing I'm working on lately is leaving more time for silence.  I've tended to fill it up with podcasts, audiobooks, music, etc., but I want to leave more pauses and room for the still, small voice of God to speak.  I'm growing more comfortable with that in the counseling room, as well... giving people the space and time to collect their thoughts and breathe and come up with an answer rather than rushing to help them out or putting words in their mouth.  Silence speaks louder than words sometimes, so I'm reminding myself to rest in that when life feels extra busy.

❤