This turned out to be the wrong time for me to read this book. That aside, I could see coming back to this and picking out chapters that as particularThis turned out to be the wrong time for me to read this book. That aside, I could see coming back to this and picking out chapters that as particular to what I need to be reminded of, maybe not reading the whole book again though....more
Largely helpful; little bit about sex, mostly about the relationship. Mileage will vary based on the person and relationship and context while readingLargely helpful; little bit about sex, mostly about the relationship. Mileage will vary based on the person and relationship and context while reading....more
A compelling and impactful exploration of the vapidity of culture’s narrative that we are the masters of our own meaning and then on the flip side theA compelling and impactful exploration of the vapidity of culture’s narrative that we are the masters of our own meaning and then on the flip side the freedom found in belonging to Christ. An excellent addition to the conversation on identity....more
A very thoughtful and insightful book that offers nine analogies to define the family. In many ways it is responding to issues of its time, though theA very thoughtful and insightful book that offers nine analogies to define the family. In many ways it is responding to issues of its time, though the core values remain regardless of culture. The complementarianism and segregation of duties as espoused is stronger than I am comfortable with, but the high regard for the child is reminiscent of aspects of gentle parenting. Arguably a mixed bag, and somewhat tedious in the lengthy descriptions that precede the point, but overall worth a review....more
It gets two stars because he's not wrong. It gets two stars because I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
This book doesn't touch secondary infertility (It gets two stars because he's not wrong. It gets two stars because I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
This book doesn't touch secondary infertility (probably because any children are a gift and you should be content?). This book talks about the presence of infertility in the Bible (and how every single one of those women went on to a child). This book advocates adoption with apparently no awareness of the trauma it inflicts (to be clear, I am objecting to the way adoption is talked about - as a solution to infertility, as a gift to the parents - not adoption iteself). The book gives you an interview with a couple who has gone through infertility (since I highly doubt the author or his wife have), oh but wait, they adopt and then they get pregnant.
Where is the lament, the sitting quietly with the grief of others? The prompting to think about what is entailed with in vitro is helpful for some, but (again) laced with judgment and absent grace for the pain. I think the author is an ethicist, and that is an important (even critical) frame of reference, but for crying out loud, have a little compassion "for those who are struggling."...more
Mostly memoir/reflections with accompanying suggested practices. Authors are Catholic, but that shouldn’t dissuade Protestants from reading and leavinMostly memoir/reflections with accompanying suggested practices. Authors are Catholic, but that shouldn’t dissuade Protestants from reading and leaving what does not fit within their belief system. The suggestions of practices seem helpful in integrating trauma, and their personal retellings were interesting....more
Still don’t know what to make of this book. The guy is witty, but is wittiness warranted when the topic is infidelity and its devastating wake? The boStill don’t know what to make of this book. The guy is witty, but is wittiness warranted when the topic is infidelity and its devastating wake? The book feels voyeuristic when given to the world, but would it have worked with less of the story? Could it have been done in an essay-length article?
I suppose it’s a conversation starter which could be immensely helpful for some. But I just kept feeling like it was too much and not enough. The title only comes into play in the end and the subtitle feels misleading (see also all the reviews that use the word “hilarious”)...more
This book appealed to me - getting beyond the often-superficial messages of Christianity that so often seem inadequate to life. But for where I’m at, This book appealed to me - getting beyond the often-superficial messages of Christianity that so often seem inadequate to life. But for where I’m at, and where I’d direct others if this book sounds appealing, You Are Not Your Own is a better place to start....more
This very short book is written to be read aloud to children, but beautifully tells the story to anyone of five women who, though mentioned briefly inThis very short book is written to be read aloud to children, but beautifully tells the story to anyone of five women who, though mentioned briefly in the Bible, are pivotal in the journey....more
“Jesus, our dead and living friend, We walk the ways of death and life holding fear in one hand and courage in the other. Come find us when we are locked a“Jesus, our dead and living friend, We walk the ways of death and life holding fear in one hand and courage in the other. Come find us when we are locked away. Come enliven us. Come bless us with your peace. Because you are the first day of creation And all days of creation. Amen.”...more
Reading during advent suited many of these pages. While I heard the echoes of Padraig and Wendell, ultimately I’d prefer their collections. I can see Reading during advent suited many of these pages. While I heard the echoes of Padraig and Wendell, ultimately I’d prefer their collections. I can see gifting this book in some circumstances, but it largely didn’t resonate with me....more