Feathers of Hope

Sharon Garlough Brown is back with a new novel. Feathers of Hope is a sequel to her previous book Shades of Light and both are in the tradition of her fabulous Sensible Shoes series.

Feathers of Hope focuses on grief in various forms and for a variety of losses. Depression, panic, and anxiety are also noted. As the main characters wrestle with loss and interact with other individuals throughout the book, Brown leads readers through a spectrum of emotional responses to the issues raised through the story. As in prevous works, Brown does not hide the very real concerns of both Kit, who functions as a spiritual director and retreat leader, and Wren, the young woman who lives with her. Several new characters play a more prominent role in both as individuals who add to the range of emotions exhibited and who provide wisdom and clarity--or both. I am hopeful that these new characters may play a role in future works. The topic of racial justice is introduced in this work as well.

As in the previous work, art and specifically the painting of Vincent Van Gogh play a major role in the story. An accompanying study guide is available that provides scripture readings, reflection questions, and opportunity to reflect on the painting mentioned. Feathers of Hope is a marvelous story to read straight through for enjoyment and then to read a second time with the study guide which will provide a much richer experience. Highly recommended for reading by individuals or for a book group.

I received a complementary copy from InterVarsity Press via Net Galley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

Be Kind to Yourself!

It can be so difficult to be kind to yourself. Often the words we use in our self-talk or our lack of taking time for ourselves to rest and rejuvenate are exactly the opposite of what we would say or encourage anyone else to do. I think we have heard the acronym JOY, put Jesus first, then Others, then Yourself so often that in many respects we feel guilty being kind to ourselves and feel that it is not what "good Christians" do. Well, hang on to your hats, because this brand new book gives you permission and encouragement as well as specific ideas on how to Be Kind to Yourself!

To many readers, the name Cindy Bunch is not unfamiliar as she is the associate publisher and director of editorial for InterVarsity Press and is particularly involved in their Formatio line of spiritual formation books. As such she's been around the publishing business for a long time, but Be Kind to Yourself is her first book she has written beyond LifeGuide Bible Studies. One of the first things you notice about this book is that it is a "doing book" rather than a book to simply read. Throughout the book from p. 7 to near the last page, Bunch highlights a variety of practices in which the reader can engage. These practices are so important that there is an index of them at the back of the book. Trying to add all 41 of these practices to your life at one time could be kind of overwhelming. For this reason, I suggest that this is a book you will wish to dip into often as a treasury of ideas to implement as needed instead of adding all of the practices to you to-do list. However, the one practice you will want to implement that is referenced throughout the book is a version of the Daily Examen.

Throughout the book Bunch comes back to the questions of "What's bugging you?" and "What's bring you joy?" It so refreshing and freeing to be able to acknowledge what bugs you and you can do so using this 30 Days of Awareness download that Bunch has made available. Dwelling on those items can be detrimental but stuffing them down and never admitting them can be equally so.  After introducing these two questions, Bunch uses them to introduce each chapter. Each chapter begins with an episode from Bunch's life which is used as a springboard to demonstrate how she became with familiar or has used a particular practice in her life and how you can to. When introducing the various practices, Bunch frequently mentions a book or resource in which more information can be found. I have a feeling that I will be returning to many of those familiar titles or locating titles that were new to me.

I highly recommend this brief book. Be Kind to Yourself is a book you will return to frequently as you consider and use the various practices described. It would be a great book to work through with others and to share your experiences using the various practices. This book is also highly recommended as a book to gift to others in your life.

A Feast for the Soul

Recently, I had the opportunity to read the book A Feast for Hungry Souls: Spiritual Lessons from the Church's Greatest Masters and Mystics. After introducing the importance of learning from those who have gone before u s, Susan Muto takes on the gargantuan task of introducing readers to 30 different spiritual giants who have impacted Christian spirituality. She divides the books into several parts focusing on Ancient Masters, Medieval Masters, and Modern Masters. Most, but not all, of those included are Catholic and are frequently saints. However, John Wesley and Dietrich Bonhoeffer are also included.

In each chapter Muto skillfully provides brief biographical and historical information regarding the master being discussed. Drawing from their own writing, she emphasizes what they contributed to Christian spirituality. Each chapter concludes with several reflection questions focused on how the reader plans to engage further with the content as well as additional suggested readings. A Feast for Hungry Souls can be used in numerous settings. For individuals who are not very familiar with the saints listed or who are looking for an introduction to them, this book is perfect. In fact, I would encourage readers to consider using this book as a springboard to then read the writings of each master profiled. Because Muto makes sure to include historical information in addition to spiritual, this work would serve marvelously as a companion text in a church history class or in course focusing on the history of  Christian spirituality.  This book truly is a feast for those who will take the time to thoughtfully work through the contents. I anticipate pulling this book off the shelf frequently.

I received a complementary copy from Ave Maria Press via Net Galley. I was not required to provide a positive review.

Shades of Light

As I had previously encountered author Sharon Garlough Brown via her Sensible Shoes series, when I had the opportunity to review her newest book Shades of Light, I jumped at the opportunity. Shades of Light is a multi-layered story which focuses on a young woman, Wren, and her life-long friend, Casey, who both are mentally ill particularly depression but also anxiety and suicidal ideation. Their experiences and choices throughout the book such as being in a psychiatric hospital, receiving counseling and spiritual direction, and simply trying to continue living end in drastically different ways. Several other characters throughout the book have also had experiences with mental illness and share their experiences and healing with the main characters. This use of older, wiser individuals who pour into her helps to make Wren feel not so alone and to know that others also belong to the "community of suffering."

As a Christian book published by InterVarsity Press, Shades of Light addresses Christian responses to mental illness. Brown includes the wide variety of perspectives Christians have concerning mental illness. These range from full acknowledgement that mental illness is real and caused by a chemical imbalance to those who feel like mental illness is due to unconfessed sin or simply the need to pray harder. Brown's very real depictions of the cruel statements made by individuals who misunderstand these issues may make you angry. I know I was. Readers will be reminded that Christians who experience mental illness are not less godly because of their illness and that many individuals with whom they interact on a regular basis may be experiencing or have experienced mental illness.

Throughout the book, Wren uses art and especially painting as a way of processing and coping with her illness. She is particularly entranced with the art work of Vincent Van Gogh who is frequently referred to as simply "Vincent." Sharon Garlough Brown very carefully and deftly weaves in the story of Van Gogh who also struggled with mental illness and his Christian faith. Reading Shades of Light may cause readers to seek out Van Gogh's paintings, letters, and additional information about his life. Anticipating this, Brown includes a list of several books about Van Gogh for further reading and the paintings mentioned throughout the book.

While Shades of Light is not a sequel to the Sensible Shoes series, there are a few cross-over characters, particularly Kit, and the story also is set in the fictional town of Kingsbury, MI and largely at the New Hope Retreat Center. Like the previous series, spiritual formation plays a central role in the story. The characters participate in a wide variety of spiritual formation activities which demonstrate that there are multiple avenues to interact with Christ and grow your spiritual life. Different people and different times frequently require different paths. Brown does an excellent job of reminding readers that spiritual formation is not a "one-size-fits-all" solution. Many readers will be intrigued by some of the various options mentioned. Specifically, while many readers may be familiar with lectio divina, Shades of Light introduces the concept of visio divina or using art in prayer. Additional practices mentioned include lighting a Christ candle and the prayer of examen, specifically consolation and desolation. In addition a study guide is available for this wonderful book. The study guide combines reading the book, interacting with scripture, reflection questions, and other spiritual disciplines. The study guide would be best utilized in a group setting although individuals would find it useful as well.

This book is highly recommended for individuals who have experienced or know someone who has experienced mental illness. Counselors and others who work in the mental health field will also benefit from reading Shades of Light.

Disclosure: I received an early copy of this book as a member of the launch team. As such I purchased the book and was not under any obligation to provide a positive review.

Redeeming Your Memories

When was the last time you paused to really think about your memories? Everyone has them and our memories--both good and bad--are so important to who we are. However, many times we do not stop to think about all of the stories that make up our past and impact our future. Casey Tygrett's new book As I Recall: Discovering the Place of Memories in Our Spiritual Life published by InterVarsity Press sets out to change how you interact with your memories.

Frequently, we only wish to engage with our happy memories. The warm fuzzies of life or the mountain top experiences are important, but sometimes we benefit from or learn more as a person from the not so great memories. Often, the times when we completely blew it are the memories that God uses to teach us and help us grow. Tygrett uses psychology and spirituality to show how memories help us to grow as a person and a Christ-follower. He particularly emphasizes the importance of redeeming our memories instead of pretending they do not exist. Tygrett uses a wide variety of imagery to refer to memories and frequently uses the motif of shells and collecting seashells. Another image which particularly resonated with me was drywall and that you can't put up new drywall over a mess without cleaning it up first."

Casey's strengths as a spiritual director and Bible teacher shine in his book. Throughout the book, Tygrett moves easily from psychology topics and brain research related to memories to Bible teaching and spiritual exercises. Along side these researched, teaching portions, he transparently shares many stories of his own life and memories as well as stories from his ministries. His tone is very conversational even when referencing researched sections. His writing style and sharing from his own life experiences creates a very readable and engaging book that you might be tempted to read straight through. However, failure to stop and put the "Pauses" that included at the end of every chapter into practice would be a huge mistake. These spiritual exercises help you to process the content and truly serve to help you redeem your memories to further your spiritual walk.

As I Recall is a marvelous book you will want to add to your collection. You will wish to dip back into the riches frequently and will find it useful to engage in the "Pauses" on a regular basis. Individuals who work as counselors or spiritual directors will wish to encourage others to read and work through this book. Small groups who know each other well and are willing to be vulnerable with each other may find this book helpful to read together as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book As I Recall via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. I am also privileged to have known and interacted with the author while he was a student.

Sensible Shoes Series: Spiritual Formation Plus Story

Recently, I received a review copy of An Extra Mile by Sharon Garlough Brown. Noting this book was the fourth book in a series, I decided I wanted to read the whole series in order to better understand the story. I'm very glad I did as I proceeded to read the entire four book series in just over a week and the whole story is really necessary to reading the fourth book.

This series is unique in that it combines a wonderful story with spiritual formation exercises that are included right in the midst of the book. The premise of the series is that in Sensible Shoes, four women meet when they each individually sign up to attend a multi-week spiritual journey group. The four women are quite disparate in their life stages and station but through the books come together to form a small group of sorts. The story follows each woman both individually and as a group centering on how they are being changed as a result of their spiritual journey and the spiritual exercises they are doing. The exciting aspect of having the spiritual exercises included is that the reader not only reads about how the exercises are life transforming for the character but also has the opportunity to experience life transformation as well.

As mentioned previously the characters in this story are quite disparate and most likely would have never met and definitely would not have formed a small group if they hadn't met at the spiritual journey group. The characters range from a young newly married PhD student, a single associate minister on sabbatical, a widowed empty-nester who recently buried her mom, and a mom in the midst of a messy home life and subsequent divorce whose story resembles that of the Samaritan woman at the well. The college age daughter of the empty-nester appears prominently in book two, Two Steps Forward and book three, Barefoot, and as a main character in book four. As noted before, they are a random group of women and as they initially meet some of the characters exhibit disdain towards others based on prior experiences, but over the course of the books they women form extremely close bonds that go well beyond friendship. In addition to the main female characters, readers are introduced to their families, the men in their lives, and numerous other characters that cross their paths. As they all live in the same town, they find they know many people in common which serves to increase their close bonds.

As noted previously, I read these books in just over a week. I will admit that while enjoying the spiritual formation aspect, during this first read, I concentrated mostly on the story which draws the reader inside. Although there are four books, the techincal time span of the series is just over 9 months although the author skillfully uses flash backs to weave in the story of each woman's life. During the 9 months in which the books take place, even though the women have just met, they travel with each other through nearly all of the major events a woman can experience which made me have difficulty putting them down (hence the really rapid reading). While reading, I rejoiced and weeped with the characters. I enjoyed that the characters in the book are real and are working through significant life issues and wondering "God, where are you in this situation?" or "Jesus, how can I follow you when I've made such a mess of everything?" These are definitely not "fluffy" reads by any means. A particularly poignant section for me was reading about the premature birth of a baby and remembering feeling the exact same emotions when my own children were born premature. Having read the books initially for the story, I look forward to re-reading the books more intently for the spiritual formation. I want to journey with the Sensible Shoes ladies once more as an active participant in their spiritual journey.

Author Sharon Garlough Brown draws upon her experience as a spiritual director and retreat leader throughout these books. Her website provides information on her speaking schedule and suggested resources related to the books. I highly encourage women's groups to read these wonderful books in a study or book club setting. Many women will find these books are their first introduction to the concept of spiritual direction and will desire to locate either a spiritual director or spiritual retreat opportunities. The books also kindle a longing for the tight relationship these women have.

Having journeyed with the characters in this book, I must confess to being sad that An Extra Mile is the last book in this series. There are many loose ends to the story that simply begs a further installment in the series. I hope author Sharon Brown will continue to write.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the fourth book, An Extra Mile, free from InterVarsity Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Dictionary of Christian Spirituality

Dictionary of Christian Spirituality, just released by Zondervan, is another wonderful addition to their growing line of reference works. General Editor, Glen G. Scorgie of Bethel Seminary San Diego, along with Consulting Editors Simon Chan, Gordon T. Smith, and James D. Smith pulled together over 200 contributors which include most of the top names in the field of Christian spirituality/spiritual formation.

Upon hearing dictionary, individuals usually think of an A to Z list of terms and subjects. Dictionary of Christian Spirituality includes this and so much more. Upon first opening this volume, readers will find the first 240 pages of the book actually consist of 34 chapters which introduces major concepts and provides a brief historical introduction and insights into the future growth of this field. Each chapter in this section titled “Integrative Practice” is written by experts in the field and includes through works cited and further reading suggestions. This section would lend nicely to being used as a textbook for an introduction to Christian Spirituality class.

The remainder of the 850+ page volume contains standard entries on every topic one can think of concerning Christian spirituality and many more. Topics include not only historical and current spiritual masters, spiritual disciplines, and a variety of theological concepts but also a variety of topics related to the fields of Christian counseling. Careful attention has been made to include a broad cross-section of topics from around the globe and from many theological streams. Each entry is a minimum of one column long with several extending to several pages in length. Each entry is signed and most include suggestions for further reading. Extensive see also suggestions are included to assist readers in making the most of this book.

The combination of the typical dictionary entries and the integrative practice section makes this volume useful for a variety of contexts. As indicated previously, this volume would be highly useful as a textbook. However, unlike many textbooks, at the end of the course this volume would continue to be valuable as a reference tool. Users will find themselves reaching for this volume repeatedly as a companion when reading other works or preparing lessons and sermons. Dictionary of Christian Spirituality is highly recommended as a inter-disciplinary work which will be useful to anyone who is serious about becoming more like Christ.

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Zondervan (via Koinonia blog) for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.