Most weren't looking for a faith that provided all the answers; they were looking for one in which they were free to ask questions. ![]() I am delighted to have chosen this book as part of my reading life this year. Written by Rachel Held Evans, it's a story of her life of faith, but especially of her struggles to hold on to it. Especially when she began to have doubts and questions that didn't get resolved. I highly recommend it if you have ever had a crisis of faith, or walked away from your faith for a time, as I did. I can't always say I feel closer to God - the doubts often return - but I think I'm finally beginning to understand that it's me who's moving, not him. Like salvation, evolution is an everyday process. I'm still changing & I always will be. -Rachel Held Evans I loved getting to know her journey, but loved even more that the book didn't end with everything wrapped up tight. Reading between the lines, she points to living with the questions, living with your doubts, and taking them all straight to God. I think the frustration that can come from wanting certainty can lead to wanting to walk away from faith. But from my own experience, doing that only leads to more uncertainty, or that's what happened to me, anyway. Reading her book encourages me to let go of trying to find absolute certainty and be okay with the questions. But to not give up on faith or on God. If you have read her book, I'd love to know your thoughts at the end! If you haven't, does it seem like a book that would appeal to you? Do you like reading faith books, too? Get access to my lifestyle library. It includes posts about growing your faith, meal planning on a budget, hygge at home, perfecting your morning routine & other lifestyle topics. See you next time! Love, Jeanine Have patience with everything that remains unsolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms & like books written in a foreign language. Do not now look for the answers. They cannot now be given to you because you could no live them. It is a question of experiencing everything. At present you need to live the question. Perhaps you will gradually, without even noticing it, find yourself experiencing the answer, some distant day. - Rainer Maria Wilke
12 Comments
I NEED to read that book and share with my granddaughter. Alex wrote a very long blog about how faith got her through some very rough times and that's how she come up with her daughter's name is, Lia Faith. I would love to have her publish an ebook so others in her shoes may see there is hope.
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4/11/2019 07:49:35 pm
I agree, Martha - she should write a book and inspire and encourage others. And I highly recommend this book for anyone who ever struggles with doubt. She makes it seem so normal.
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4/11/2019 11:24:52 am
I've seen her name on books but have not picked one up. This looks like a good one. Nice review.
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4/11/2019 07:50:38 pm
It was the same for me, Bonnie! But finally, I decided to read one, and now have read 2 1/2. Still planning to get back to the third one, too. Thanks!! :)
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I’m not a big reader of faith books - but this one might be interesting. I’m a control freak and I like “everything wrapped ups tight”, Allowing myself to “let go and let God” is difficult for me. And after my husband passed away - I couldn’t help but wonder where God was. Oh, I’ve come around, and learning to trust God more - but it’s been long journey.
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4/11/2019 07:54:42 pm
Eydie, I can relate to so much of what you've said! I also like certainty and have had a hard go with doubts and questioning and having to give up on being completely certain. But I've been so surprised at how much stronger my faith has become since I stopped trying to fight off my doubts. It's been a long one for me, too. But I know it has to have been all the more for you, with the loss of your husband. So sorry for your loss!
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4/11/2019 04:09:42 pm
I don't usually read faith books, either, because, too many of the time, they are written by tall, gorgeous women who marry young and who talk about some brief crisis of faith. This one sounds better, like something that I can relate to, as opposed to something that makes me feel more inferior than I felt before I picked up the book.
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4/11/2019 07:59:03 pm
Girl! You are so right. Those books get to me, too, because it all gets wrapped up so nicely and then there's me. But lately, I have been finding books where it doesn't have to end perfectly and you can still be there with your faith exactly as it is. Come as you are is supposed to be the idea, anyway, so I like the books that seem to get that, and this one does. After this, I picked up two more of hers.
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4/11/2019 08:16:04 pm
Your blog is one that I look for each day. You never fail to impress. I had a crisis of faith for many years to the point where I almost became an agnostic, I will get that book. I am not there yet, but maybe this book will bring me back. Incidently thank you for reading my blogs. I am new to this and I don't do it well, but your encouragement helps.
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4/12/2019 02:08:19 pm
I'm an avid read and author so I love learning of new authors. Especially when the author can share their live on paper. On my list. Thank you.
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