Giveaway now closed; winner announced below.
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Jen Hatmaker first challenged, inspired and moved me in her book 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess. Before I even got through the introduction, which is where I first learned about Interrupted, I was rethinking the way I live, the way I love, and how God might expect me to do both.
I knew I
- The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne
- Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt
- Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God by Francis Chan
- Under the Overpass: A Journey of Faith on the Streets of America by Mike Yankoski
- Safer Than a Known Way by Pamela Rosewell Moore (which I read as a teenager, but deserves a spot in this list)
Jen's "experimental mutiny against excess" challenged God's leading in my life and Interrupted brought the conversation full circle. The wrecking of my comfortable Christianity started years ago and now has new meaning and clarity. The conversation isn't finalized, but it's definitely progressing.
In the foreword, Jen's husband Brandon writes that missional living is about "intentionally living the gospel wherever you are."
As I think about all the books I read that inspired me on missional purpose-filled epic living, and the resulting tension I had between following Christ and my place in church, and the tension I felt in staying home with young kids vs. pursuing my passion--well, I realize in this one statement from Brandon that I missed one point about the Gospel: "...wherever you are."
I believe Jesus meant "Go into all nations." I also forget He did that Himself one town at a time. And I forget that right here where I am is part of "all nations." I forget that Jesus Himself had a short intensive 3-year ministry--and that His life leading up to that point mattered, and His mother's role preparing Him for that ministry mattered.
These aren't excuses to stay comfortable where I am--because I've said it before that I
Following Jesus will likely lead our family to uncomfortable places, relationships, and sacrifices. Following Him will also most likely look mundane in the day-to-day grind. And I have struggled to accept that version of "non-epic" living. It might not be included in the Gospels or its own book, but it's an essential part. It's necessary and important and special. It matters.
How I treat and talk about my kids and husband and friends matters. How I talk to and about my neighbors (and that I interact with them at all) matters. How I spend my time at home raising my kids, how I run our household, how I get involved in community and church, and that I do it all intentionally and missionally for the Gospel matters. This is where Jesus is currently using me to make a difference in the world. And it matters.
That's the context in which I read this book. I used to crave some epic adventure--to be used in big ways for God's glory. And Jen's words helped further my conversation with God on that. Her words deepened my understanding of service and salvation and bringing the Gospel into the world over and over starting with my own neighborhood.
What you take from her book will likely be entirely different depending on your current season of life and God's leading for you. (Because, despite the encouragement I got as a stay-at-home-mom, her book has nothing to do with that.)
Read the book and find out for yourself how God will use Jen's words to equip you. Enter below to win my copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers, or purchase it >> here.
I'll leave you with one more thought from Brandon that describes the tension and hints at the resolution. (Sorry, Jen. I promise your words were powerful, too. Honest.)
If we're in the church for years yet aren't full, are we really hungry for more knowledge? In our busy lives, do we really need another program or event? Do we really need to be fed more of the Word, or are we simply undernourished from an absence of living the Word? Maybe we love God, but are we loving others? If our faith is about us, then we are not just hungry--our spirits are starving.
Learn more about Jen and her book Interrupted >> here. You'll also find a link-up of other reviews from her "Interrupted blog team" >> here.
Who's ready for a giveaway?!
Enter this Interrupted book giveaway one of three ways...
One entry given for each item completed.1 | Answer the following in the comments below: What would you struggle to give up if Jesus wanted to use your life to make a difference in the world?
2 | Share about this giveaway and/or the book anywhere online with #interrupted, and leave a link to your post in the comments below.
3 | Subscribe for my Support for Your Journey e-mails (and receive the free Simple Road Map) >> here; let me know when you've done so below. (This is an easy entry if you've already subscribed; just let me know in the comments!)
Giveaway open thru Mon Aug 18 10pm CST. Check this post Tue Aug 19 to find out if you won!
Congrats Shelly Hartl! You are the winner! Contact me at beginnerbeans /at/ gmail.com to claim your prize.
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related faith posts:
The Power of His LoveIf You Feel Like Quitting Church, Read This First
Your Family Needs You to Be Courageous
Safer Than a Known Way
*note: This book was received from Tyndale House Publishers. Everything shared here is my own experiences and honest opinions. Thank you, Jen and Tyndale for this great book!
