Happy 2024!!! This year I am focused on healing and spirituality. Getting closer to God, and further away from distractions and outside noise. As we know, it is easy to become distracted, to become discouraged, to doubt yourself, and to fall into old habits, but it is also a choice. I choose to change my focus and do things differently, because focusing my attention on myself is when life really gets good!
I am sharing three books I’ve read recently by pastors that will
speak faith, hope, and grace into your life.
Crazy Faith
By: Michael Todd
Michael Todd, is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author. In his book, “Crazy Faith” he shows us that starting small and trusting God even when all the answers aren’t in front of us allows us to move towards purpose. This book takes you through the process of gaining crazy faith, by starting with what he calls, “baby faith.” He reminds us that we are allowed to have big plans, and big dreams, and even if what is in front of us looks nothing like those big dreams, it doesn’t mean that it can’t exist. Michael adds in stories from his life, to highlight how letting God take the wheel can change your life in a big way. He provides reminders to not listen to the naysayers, or doubters, but to listen to the dream that God put in you, and of course he throws in his pastor flare.
A statement that stood out to me:
“The truth is, you can’t build a skyscraper-sized vision on fixer-upper faith, and you won’t experience mansion-sized miracles with porta-potty principles.” -Michael Todd
All Hope Is Found
By: Sarah Jakes Roberts
Sarah Jakes Roberts, is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author. In her book, “All Hope Is Found” she focuses on the word hope, and identifies a multitude of life circumstances that can impact our ability to hope, such as disappointment, shattered expectations, or expecting dread because of operating in survival mode for so long. I think many of us can relate to this, in addition to dealing with negative thoughts like doubt. I have had moments where hope feels lost, especially when it seems that nothing is happening in front of my eyes even after putting in time and effort, but again “nothing” is code for things not happening on my timetable. God’s timetable is completely different from ours. Sarah breaks down the process of getting your hope back during trying times, while offering yourself compassion through the process. Sarah writes exactly how she speaks, which is captivating! She uses personal anecdotes, and bible stories to help move us towards the direction of hope and joy.
A statement that stood out to me:
“The direction of your expectation is crucial to your quest for hope.” -Sarah Jakes Roberts
Damaged But Not Destroyed
By: Michael Todd
Yes y’all another book by Michael Todd! Now you know, that we all carry around some form of trauma, and we have all faced difficult life experiences that impact us to the core. In “Damaged But Not Destroyed,” Michael uses his personal life experiences, and weaves in bible stories to highlight the journey that we must move through to get past our struggles. Some good ole’ acceptance, love, and grace. At the end of each chapter there are questions that force you to reflect and ponder what has hurt you, and acknowledge what areas of your life need to be tended to. This book helps you to start the healing process. There is a corresponding workbook that you can buy in conjunction with the book as well.
A statement that stood out to me:
“The current state of your damage does not determine the deliverance you can experience.”
– Michael Todd
This year my hope for all of us is to truly be our authentic self, to not hold ourselves back, to connect with people just as lovely as us, to be loved, to be accepted, to be supported, to be proud of ourselves, and to live the life we want. Allow yourself to blossom!
Love your girl,
Gabrielle
I also want to read the book all hope is found that is on my list thank you so much for sharing
Thanks for sharing a group of books that can contain a lot of knowlege and steps we can use to move pass and into the present . Look forward to more great books .
Yes! You are welcome, we have to keep growing!
You’re welcome! When you read it let me know what you think.
Thank you for sharing this uplifting message!! I love how it’s focused on bettering your well being while also stepping into the new with faith.
Thank you for reading my post!