Of all the Christian books I've read, this one has, by far, been the most impactful one in my adult life. Phylicia challenged me to consider why I belOf all the Christian books I've read, this one has, by far, been the most impactful one in my adult life. Phylicia challenged me to consider why I believe what I believe, and now I'm excited to dig deeper into some of the theological topics presented in this book!...more
I love the main message of this book—if you want to make a difference in people's lives, you must open your home to them. But even more than being hosI love the main message of this book—if you want to make a difference in people's lives, you must open your home to them. But even more than being hospitable, I learned how much a community needs to rely on each other through good times and bad.
But where I get a little squeamish is the author's obvious hints that hospitality isn't effective unless it looks like hers. I don't think she intended this, but her wording comes off as strong in some parts. I read a lot of reviews before reading this book, so I started reading with an understanding that this was part memoir, but still. There is no one size fits all for hospitality and I wish she would have clarified this in a bigger way. Because her life sounds exhausting!
Lastly, I almost dropped another star for this (maybe it's just me, so I didn't), but when she was responsible for looking in on her neighbor's cat, she could visibly see that the cat was very sick. But she cleaned up the mess and went on with her life that day, not checking in until later that afternoon. The cat died a few days later and might have even with medical intervention, but I was appalled that she didn't call the vet right away. (She also couldn't get a hold of the owner, so I will give her that). I don't know...it just REALLY bothered me. ...more
When you feel hurt and betrayed by someone, forgiveness is not the first action that comes to mind. But Lysa approaches this topic in such a beautifulWhen you feel hurt and betrayed by someone, forgiveness is not the first action that comes to mind. But Lysa approaches this topic in such a beautiful and delicate way. She doesn't cram forgiveness down your throat. She guides you towards forgiveness on your own, each chapter lighting the way out of a deep, dark tunnel—a tunnel she knows all too well, as evidenced by her painful past.
This book is not for everyone. It's not a Bible study on forgiveness, although she does share verses to provide context. Rather, Forgiving What You Can't Forget is a handbook to follow when you're suffering because of what other people have done to you. If you crave genuine, long-lasting peace, you won't regret this read. And you'll find forgiveness is one of the most healing decisions you can make.
Favorite Quote: Forgiveness is a decision AND a process....more
I took away a few good things from this book, but overall, I expected a deep dive into discernment and wasn’t satisfied with the author’s general overI took away a few good things from this book, but overall, I expected a deep dive into discernment and wasn’t satisfied with the author’s general overview and excessive use of anecdotes. They felt stretched to make her point. ...more
Excellent resource! Jen Wilkin does an exceptional job explaining how to study the Bible for ourselves BEFORE picking up commentaries, listening to poExcellent resource! Jen Wilkin does an exceptional job explaining how to study the Bible for ourselves BEFORE picking up commentaries, listening to podcasts on the passage, etc. My biggest takeaway: Understand who God is (and the bigger picture of what the Bible has to say) in order to correctly interpret it's meaning for us. The knowledge of God and self go hand in hand....more
Jennifer is very honest and real in this story and I applaud her for being brave enough to share her struggles! My only frustration was in the format Jennifer is very honest and real in this story and I applaud her for being brave enough to share her struggles! My only frustration was in the format of the book. I didn't like that the discussion questions were so long at the end, and would have preferred the author weave in her insights via part of her story, rather than an "afterthought" following each chapter. ...more
I literally laughed out LOUD with this book! I had never read a memoir before and Melanie Shankle has some serious storytelling talent. I saw myself aI literally laughed out LOUD with this book! I had never read a memoir before and Melanie Shankle has some serious storytelling talent. I saw myself and my husband in so many of these marriage situations, and it was refreshing to know that we are not alone! ...more
Sara's writing is a bit too flowery for me, but I really appreciated her story and the truths from Scripture she pulled along the way. A good reminderSara's writing is a bit too flowery for me, but I really appreciated her story and the truths from Scripture she pulled along the way. A good reminder to praise God in ALL things!...more
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