Larry Crabb offers perspective on how to dig into difficult moments by tracing the story of Naomi in the book of Ruth.

I don't agree with everything Crabb says, but I do like the way he offers no excuses or easy answers for when bad things happen. While I had learned some of this material in the "knocks of life", I imagine this would be a valuable resource for those going through any difficult transition for the first time. I really love his emphasis on "feeling" that God is gone doesn't mean that he IS gone. I love how he pointed out that our main goal is usually "to feel better/good" and how this can become idolatry. This has given me a good bit to think about. We want the triumphant story, but that's not always how life goes.

I did get a little annoyed at his "Trust me, wait and see" writing style about what is supposed to motivate us/fill us with joy (spoiler - serving God). I wish he had talked about this more at length because while I definitely agree that God can bring us to this place, I'm wondering what this looks like re: our human desires. Still, this book is making me ask some good questions - I'm learning to ask, "Do I want to let God do what he's going to do or do I want to 'get better'?" I also think this book addresses the significant flaws in the "health and wealth" gospel, ( especially Christian MLMs) and I'm sure a blog post will bubble up about this topic eventually.

I haven't looked very closely at the workbook in the back, but I do want to work through the material. I'll report back once I've worked through it (if I remember - ha).

Pairings: The Problem of Pain,

Sweet ending to the Heidi series.

Very timely book for me on creativity and culture, and what calling looks like.

The entire book was helpful to me - I loved his discussion of culture and the theology sections but especially the third part of the book (entitled "Calling") handled issues of power, community, and and blew through the smokescreen of our idol of "changing the world" (think Babel). While some parts are dated, I'd still recommend this book to any creative, and it would be insightful for those who are mentoring or pastoring those who are creatives.

Recommended.

Lydia is already dead, and each family member responds to the sudden loss differently, reflecting on the things they never said and what they wondered about Lydia’s last hours....and how it ultimately brings them together as a new and different unit after such loss.

I just love Ng’s writing - her character development is so enjoyable to read and I love the details she chooses to add. She’s quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!!

Jacqueline writes her memories of growing up as an African-American during the civil rights era in the form of poetry. She depicts her very young childhood until her teen-ish years with moves to the south and then back up north. She discusses the challenges she faces among not knowing where she belongs amidst the never-ending background/forefront that was the civil rights movement.

I don't even know what to write about this book. It's beautiful and touches the soul, and I'm so excited to read more of what Woodson has written. Her poetry is direct and captures perfect, poignant snatches of memories that are all intricately woven together to make this beautiful story/poem. The characters are all round and developed, which is really amazing in this writing form. We see them grow and change and we see Jacqueline grow and change, too. It gave me great relief to know that she and Maria are still friends. :)

And let's talk form - Woodson's free verse is strong, gorgeous, and easy to read. Her words linger, yet you can read quickly...but you don't want to read quickly because it's SO good, yet your eyes fly over the pages. I read this book in basically two sittings. I dream of writing this well and in such a genre someday.

Woodson articulated what I missed by not having a grandfather.

Recommended.