As we end the month of November, I did read through and marked up this book by Anne Graham Lotz….some thoughts gleaned will be shared in a few lines down as I cover other books for the month.
This month I would like to say I completed the Jude study, but I still have a few sections to finish. It is in my stack and I definitely will complete it. It is one of the most powerful studies I have done.
I also skimmed a book I have read before called “Get Yourself Organized for Christmas” by Kathi Lipp available here https://www.amazon.com/Get-Yourself-Organized-Christmas-Enjoying/dp/0736959297
I like to skim through it every year about this time just to help me gain perspective on my essentials for the holidays – what really matters and how to cut down on the hype that drives some Christmas crazy that none of us need.
I also started a book written on the subject of being a watchman – it has a lot of prophetic language and as I read, I just sensed that this was not something I wanted to read. I am not sharing the title because it may be fine, but it also may not be so just know it is in a donate pile and I opted out of the investment of time at this time in my life.
Now for some thoughts on the book by Anne Graham Lotz.
First off, I was totally undone by some sides of her that I didn’t have a clue she had. She was honest about sharing her struggles with self and it made her relatable to me in a way I had not anticipated. I felt like she would understand my dark moments and would nod in agreement and yet encourage me to turn to Jesus to help me climb out of those seasons.
She’s a pretty spunky lady and she admits to some tendencies to be a bit rebellious. Not against God, mind you – but against religious hypocrisy and expectations that had nothing to do with God and every thing to do with man’s rules.
She is very frank about hurts she has received within the organized church and even to the point that she and her husband didn’t attend regular services for a year after one painful experience.
Please keep in mind, she never turned away from God but she admits that it was tempting during some hard seasons and she also offers some valuable insights into what it is like for those who do turn from God.
There was a lot about this book that gave me a different perspective and helped me develop compassion for those who have been wounded by those who are the ones who should be offering comfort. It also made me reflect on times I have hurt others.
The book parallels the experiences of Hagar with those of others, including Anne, who have felt abandoned by the faith they once followed. Sometimes I admit that for me this seemed thin as there were a few reaches to fit the story of Hagar to experiences people have with church hurts – but I realize she never uses her applications as if they are Scripture but more as if she is adding in some possibilities based on human nature.
The book also gave me a new perspective on Hagar, Sarah, Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael; as well as my own experiences when I have felt misunderstood by God’s people AND compassion for many I know who have scratched their heads and walked away.
Anne is very transparent in this book about her own struggles and hurts. Also she is honest about the times she has hurt others and how she handled that.
This definitely is a good read for all of us.
You can find it here https://www.annegrahamlotz.org/products/wounded-gods-people/
Tomorrow we will begin what I hope will be a unique approach to the annual countdown to Christmas. Would love to have you subscribe so you don’t miss a post <3
See you tomorrow!
