Favorite Inspirational Reads from 2008

I am one of those readers who keeps 2-3 books going at a time. I like it this way because I can pick up whichever one fits my mood at the moment. Often times, it is inspiration I need and for that reason, I wanted to share some of the books with you that inspired me in 2008.

2008 marked my jump into the world of Christian fiction. Although I'd read a few good ones over the years ("Lord of the Rings," the Narnia series and such), I somehow got this poor idea that most trade paperback Christian fiction sometimes lacked literary value. I'm so glad my narrow-mindedness was proved wrong. One of the many novels I read, "Mark of the Lion" is a trilogy by Francine Rivers of which the first book is "A Voice in the Wind." It follows a Jewish Christian slave girl as she is taken to Rome after the fall of Jerusalem. In Rome, she works for a family whose lives are falling down around them in the midst of decadence and worship of mythological gods that leave them empty and searching. Her commitment to God, while strong inside, feels lacking to her when she tries to share it with others. Reading about her growth and willingness to serve is a true inspiration. (One tip, not a spoiler: if you read the first of the series, be sure to read the first chapter of the second book right away. I think most copies have it at the end of the first. You will be glad you did). Oh, and forget getting anything done once you get started reading it!

I have always enjoyed C.S. Lewis but have read only a few of his many books in their entirety so I was happy when I found "Words to Live By: A Guide for the Merely Christian," a compilation of selected writings from all of his books and letters which are conveniently categorized A-Z under headings such as "prayer," "effort" "holiness," etc. I like his writing because he makes me think and continue pondering his words even after I've closed the book. A sample:

On Prayer: "I am often, I believe, praying for others when I should be doing things for them. It's so much easier to pray for a bore than to go and see him."
~C.S. Lewis

When my mom really likes a book, she buys a multitude of copies over time and passes them along to people she thinks would appreciate them. She's handed out at least 10 of "Streams in the Desert," by L.B. Cowman, which is also how I got my own copy. Originally written in 1925 and updated in today's language, "it has become one of the most dearly loved, bestselling devotionals of all time since its first publication" (quoted from book cover). It's uncanny sometimes how I can pick it up when I'm having a bad day and it can offer just the right comfort. I don't read it every day as it seems geared toward difficult times and I've picked it up on lighter days where I haven't felt the same kind of connection. It more than makes up for it though on those days where encouragement is what you need.

This was the most "powerful" book I read in 2008 - "Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. It was no light, easy read (in fact, at one point I had to put it down and didn't finish it for several more weeks) but I felt that I grew by reading it. It brings to mind the parable of the lost sheep, when even one of 100 sheep is lost, the shepherd will search for that one sheep. This is a modern-day version of two lost sheep from very different backgrounds and upbringings who find their way back to their true selves and their God under very difficult circumstances. Beautiful and humbling.

Let me know if you have read or end up reading any of these titles. I'd love to know your opinions. Happy Reading!

Devastating Beauty

A family member took this picture as Hurricane Ike was headed our way, amazed at the colors in the sunset the evening before its arrival. I almost didn’t post this week, because I wasn’t sure what to write. However, I came across this in my readings this morning and hoped it might be worth sharing. We have been fortunate. Please keep all those that are still struggling in your prayers and praises for those who are volunteering and working all hours to aid in the recovery.

The passionate tempest with rush and wild roar
and threatenings of evil may beat on the shore,
The waves may be mountains, the fields battle plains,
And the earth be immersed in a deluge of rains,
Yet, the soul, stayed on God, may sing bravely its psalm,
For the heart of the storm is the center of calm.

Let hope be not quenched in the blackness of night,
Though the cyclone awhile may have blotted the light,
For behind the great darkness the stars ever shine,
And the light of God’s heavens, His love will make thine,
Let no gloom dim your eyes, but uplift them on high
To the face of your God and the blue of His sky.

~Author Unknown, taken from the book “Streams in the Desert” by L.B. Cowman, edited by James Reimann. (Note: I only used a portion of the full poem)