It's a new book I just read, and it was amazing. It is tough to explain but suffice it to say that it describes God like I have never heard him described before. It may sound sacreligious, but the Father is protrayed as a large black woman, Jesus is portrayed as a handyman, and the Holy Spirit is portrayed by a Japanese woman named "wind".
This book is a novel that seeks to go beyond the stereotypical views of who God is. I was told by a friend that if I REALLY knew God, I'd be running to him full force ahead rather than holding back with even an ounce of my being. At first, I was a bit cynical (surprised?) about this whole thought process, but when another friend suggested I read this book to find out who God really is, I figured there must be something to it.
I read the book in one sitting and was amazed at how God was portrayed. The other aspect that was beyond intriguing is how the Trinity is in relathionship with itself as in how God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit interact. I had never thought about that before reading the book. It is amazing to read how we should be in relationship with others based upon the trinity. Humbling...
I've also been reading Get Out of that Pit by Beth Moore. I have read it four times to be exact. Funny thing is that each time I read it, I pick up something new, but I've yet to be able to follow the steps she lays out - cry out, confess, and consent. Hmmmm....Not sure I'm ready for that.
Another awesome book is Reframe Your Life - Turning Life's Pain into Purpose. This book is more self-help in nature and really aims at changing the way a person thinks about the pain he/she suffer. It is biblical in nature, but I'd say it is really more psychological. Finding a balance between the two is good which brings me to the last book I've read three times:
Breaking Free of Codependence (not condepents but codependence!). This book lays out the traits of codpendents very clearly. It exposed to me that I have shown many of the traits in the past couple of years. It is not fun to realize that you're screwed up in one area or another, but the awesome thing is that things don't have to stay that way!!! There is always room for change and for growth towards new experiences in life! Self awareness is step number one! What is tough to balance is a Christ centered view of looking out for oneself first and foremost with the biblical principles about putting others' needs before your own. This will take some more study on my part. One book just won't do.
The next book on my list is Captivating. It is more about God's desire to provide women with all the romance we want and need. Sounds a little out there, but it comes at the recommendation of someone whose life it has changed.
I have read more in the past three weeks than I have in the past five years. I find great comfort in reading materials that help me to change the way I think! Life deals us some sucky decks of cards sometimes, and usually I'd say it is because we never should have been at the table. This time I'm not sure why life turned upside down. All I know is that the Lord is exposing me to new things, and He has never failed me up until now. This little cynical Baptist girl has some serious learning to do, but really what I need to do is simply rest in Him. He has it all under control, and His control is far better than mine. Giving Him His rightful place always pays off in the long run. I have a feeling my plans were far inferior to what He has in store for this little family.
Right now my mind knows where it should be headed but my heart is lagging behind. I'm not really sure there's any good reason for my heart to be faltering, but you know I just have to keep focusing on Truth. Right now that's happening through good books and great God-loving friends. Perhaps one day, I'll be the God-loving person I need to be too. Right now, I'm not feelin' it. And, as I've been told, prayer can be just that - honesty about feelings. "God, I'm not feeling it." "I want my way because I can't see Yours." "How could you let this happen"? "Why"? "I'm tired of feeling." He already knows all of this crud, and as ashamed as I am, I'm told to tell him this out loud! So, FINALLY, I did. "God, I don't trust you"!
And, as I type, He speaks back to me words of love and understanding...though I deserve no such thing.
1 comment:
Not long ago I just did Get out of that Pit by Beth Moore. She is an amazing writer and I recommend, if you haven't already, doing as many of her studies as possible.
I have also done Captivating and again, I think it was wonderful.
May God keep you in His Will.
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