ANN VOSKAMP SEE OUR STAFF BOOK REVIEW BELOW A grace-filled invitation to leave the parched ground of pride, fear, and white-knuckle control behind---and immerse yourself in the depths of God! Poignant and poetic, Voskamp's gentle reflections teach you how to biblically lament loss, be transfigured by pain, intentionally embrace radical gratitude, and abandon yourself to God. Anniversary edition features a new introduction. Hardcover 240 pages 9780785253655 Nelson STAFF BOOK REVIEW The catchline of this book drew me in from the start – a dare to live fully right where you are. Who doesn’t want to live fully but often we think we need more in order to live our best life. This book takes the reader down a different path, to embrace life and all God has given you right where you are; in the mess, the chaos of busy lives, in amongst the smear of marmite on the tablecloth, in the dirt covering your child within ten minutes of getting them ready to go to an important function, in the pain of grief and loss. It is here where Ann explains that God meets us. The title of the book is taken from a dare her friend gave her to write 1000 gifts she saw in her life. Ann thought it would be impossible but decided to give it a go. This book is the result of her gift writing and a beautiful gift to the reader. Ann is a relatable, talented, truly gifted storyteller. Her writing here is courageous and grace filled. You go away from each chapter wanting to know more of her story, feeling more at peace in your own but also challenged to make the most of the God-given opportunities you have to see the gift right there in the messiness of a life lived. This was the first book I had read of Ann’s and I have now enjoyed and grown through more. Ann’s style of using short sentences and broken thoughts in a way that stirs the reader shows her to be a literary genius. In her truth telling style she takes us into her own pride, fear and control as we learn ways that grace taught her and the reader to embrace all God is, and is doing in us and for us. The honesty of this book touched me and is probably what drew me in and helped me see the glimpses and fingerprints of God in my own life. I would highly recommend this book and other titles she has written but do start with this one. As Ann discovered in giving thanks for the life we already have we find the life we always wanted. How to be present to God’s presence that brings a joy that lasts through whatever comes next. One of my favourite quotes is: “Lament is a cry of belief in a good God, a God who has his ear to our hearts, a God who transfigures the ugly into beauty. Complaint is the bitter howl of unbelief in any benevolent God in this moment, distrust in the love beat of the Fathers heart.” Ann is someone who has tasted first-hand the pain of loss, grief, heartache and disappointment and has now written grace filled words to fill us with hope. This is a hope-filled book that would make an excellent gift to someone hurting, struggling to see the goodness of God in a broken world. Karen – Christian Superstore Christchurch
Related
Related
Related
Related