"Wake Up to Wonder" (Karen Wright Marsh)

TITLE: Wake Up to Wonder - 22 Invitations to Amazement in the Everyday
AUTHOR: Karen Wright Marsh
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2023, (208 pages).
 

There is a joke that talks about the three types of people in this world. The first type waits for things to happen. The second type makes things happen. The third type wonders what happened. The first type is the slacker. The second type is the planner. The third type is the ignorant. From a project management perspective, the joke is a fun way to inject urgency into the team. This book does not deal with project management per se. It is about discerning the exercise of faith, the relevance of hope, and the power of love. It might even encourage us to be the fourth type of person, a wakeful person in discernment about a time to wait, a time to work, and also a time to wonder. Instead of going it alone, author Karen Wright Marsh collects wisdom from 22 different sources of spiritual leaders on discernment. From Henri Nouwen, we learn how a man trapped in the cycle of busyness was able to discern his own identity through writing and conscientious reflection. Martin Luther reminds us of the gift of music to learn to sing our faith out loud. Thomas Merton's life of contemplation teaches us about cultivating prayer to become as natural as breathing. Hildegard Von Bingen points us toward personal healthcare to bring the body and soul to be in harmony. That involves deliberate food choices and health awareness. Margery Kempe shows us the simplicity of journeying spiritually by walking and thinking.

"365 Ways to Find Peace" (edited by Marcus Braybrooke)

TITLE: 365 Ways to Find Peace: Meditations & Inspirations
AUTHOR: Edited by Marcus Braybrooke
PUBLISHER: London, UK: Watkins, 2019, (208 pages).

Beauty contestants spout it. World leaders talk about it. Social activists display placards for it. Writers pen their hopes for it. World peace. This book opens with a promise to help readers find peace or some semblance of peace in this often troubled and tumultuous world. Its basic premise is that we all need reminders that "deep stillness and tranquility" is possible. So the author combs widely for snippets and ways to find such peace. With this search for tranquility the main purpose, editor Marcus Braybrooke draws inspiration from multiple religions, philosophers, sacred books, poems, parables, songs, hymns, selections from cultures that range from East and West. All in all, there are 365 writings. Some are as short as a single line while others are as long as a full page.

The 365 selections are subdivided into three categories:

1. The Centre of Being;
2. The Inner Circle of Love;
3. The Outer Circle of Spirit.

Part One is based on the premise that self-love is a vital foundation for relationships. Admitting that it may seem to be self-centered at first, Braybrooke asserts that it brings about a stability that is needed for the building of love outward. The selections are based on elements of true self; self-esteem; inner strength; stillness; inner wisdom; giving; thankfulness; attentiveness; humility; simplicity; wonder; etc. These are the virtues for cultivating a being that is secure and tranquil. Part Two moves on to the Inner Circle of Love, which covers topics of empathy; selflessness; compassion; friendship; family; etc. There is a bigger element of community and loving others. Part Three  is about "Outer Circle of Spirit" which moves beyond the physical realm toward the transcendental.

My Thoughts
For an eclectic collection of works from such a diverse group of people and perspectives, it is hoped that some of these would touch the general reader searching for meaning and peace in their lives. Some readers might try to go through the book thinking that they would find peace. Not all the works could do that. Maybe a few snippets of inspiration might help settle our restless minds. Also, it depends on the readers' personal faith and background. It could be uncomfortable for those who hold a different religious perspective from some of the contributors in this book. For that, I would urge readers not to give up on the book entirely. There are good things to learn from, even though some may not meet our expectations. If something works, then its good. If not, simply move on and not feel too troubled about it.

What is helpful for me is to recognize the diversity of views with regard to the words peace and tranquility. I am aware of the many different definitions of what true peace is. For starters, just see this work as an effort to bridge the gaps between different perspectives, religious thought, and desire for world peace. There is no one size fits all and this book definitely didn't purport to play that role. The hope is that in the reading of these book, if one could find a way toward the peace that one seeks, it would have been a worthy read.

Rating: 3.5 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Watkins Publishing and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"A Gospel of Hope" (Walter Brueggemann)

TITLE: A Gospel of Hope
AUTHOR: Walter Brueggemann
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2018, (200 pages).

There is a sense of familiarity in many Christian books. They are essentially about the Christian faith and perspectives taken from Christ. Yet, there is also a sense of freshness that even when it is about the same old gospel there is a strange fresh new truth to be reminded or to be reaffirmed. Books of hope tend to come into such a category. For hope is always about something fresh, something new, something to look forward to. Such is the gospel of hope. In this compilation of wisdom and sayings from his past sermons and published materials, Richard Floyd does the heavy lifting by putting together Brueggemann's memorable words according to the theme of hope. Brueggemann acknowledges Floyd as one who has "entered" his mind enough to know what he wanted to say most, and his rhetoric enough to know when he is most likely to say it. The gospel of hope has many sub-themes such as abundance, generosity, alternative worlds, freedom, fidelity, faith, justice, Jesus, identity, love, public witness, responsibility, and so on. In our world of short quips and concise statements limited by a tweet, a text, or a FaceBook post, we sometimes use words devoid of contexts. A master with words, Brueggemann's ability to nuance meaning upon meaning with literal devices and rhetoric makes this book a delightful read. With many quotes and quips, readers have many new things to learn. Rather than a series of random thoughts, there is a central theme in all of these: Hope. It is interesting to see how Brueggemann's thoughts can form a picture for the gospel of hope. Beginning with "Abundance and Generosity," we are reminded that hope is about enduring generosity, that the same God who had given us much yesterday and today, is the same God who would provide for us for the future. It is about being overwhelmed with the abundant generosity of God instead of being bogged down by the worries of today. Hope helps us become mindful of "alternative worlds." He contrasts the way we try to secure our future through economic, military, and other forms of human endeavors. Being content with what God has given us and what He will give us should spur us toward an alternative faith that is different from the world. One of the reasons why hope is so often needed is because of the restlessness of the human soul which is masqueraded as anxiety and a desire to be free from what enslaves us. Whether it is anxiety due to fear or fatigue, we must be constantly mindful that the gospel of hope is in Jesus. How? By remembering that what Jesus stands for is completely different from what the world stood for. Hope is sustained by a recognition that God is faithful and God will promise to give us what we need, even when we do not deserve it. God is not limited by anything. His heart is big for anything that we may thrown at Him. Jesus embodies hope. He is hope.

"Billy Graham in Quotes"

TITLE: Billy Graham in Quotes
AUTHOR: Franklin Graham with Donna Lee Toney
PUBLISHER: Nashville, TN: Thomas-Nelson, 2011, (448 pages).

This massive collection of quotes is a treasure chest of wisdom and wit from one of America's most revered preachers and one of the most recognizable evangelical figures in this century. It covers topics from A to Z (Y to be exact). It touches on a wide variety of subjects, ranging from abortion to addiction; Christian living to missions; personal character and political leadership; young and old; and many more topics. All of these quotes grow out of a firm and steadfast conviction: The Bible as the authoritative Word for all of life.

Thoughtfully arranged, the authors of this collection of quotes, namely Franklin Graham the son, Donna Lee Toney, a colleague of Billy Graham, have teamed up to organize many of the classic quotes culled from the great evangelist's many talks, books, writings, meetings, speeches, rallies, and lectures.  Five things grabbed my attention. First, there is that reliance on the Bible as the starting point. That is why, every topic starts with a Bible passage as an anchor for the entire chapter. The quotes are then arranged more in accordance with the Bible verse rather than the title of the chapter. Second, it takes someone with a close knowledge of the man himself to quote Graham within the right context. A book of such nature cannot be easily done from a distance. So often, quotes can be taken easily out of context which risks misrepresentation. Just deciding on which material to pull the quote out from is already a huge task. Third, one cannot help but notice the conviction in each quote. Graham is ready to call a spade a spade without reservation or qualification. For example, he calls Satan point blank as a "crafty and clever camouflager." He fingers out the problem of marriages that lie in people "absorbed only in their own pleasures and desires." He warns us against pride in one of the simplest ways possible:

"Pride comes from looking only at ourselves;
meekness comes through looking at God."

Four, Graham speaks in a manner that convicts hearts. The quotes themselves are weighty and readers will find many moments in which they have to let Graham's convictions challenge the reader: "What about you?"

Five, this book alone brings together the best of Graham all in one book. It reminds us once again why Billy Graham is so renowned, respected, and revered by many people, both Christians as well as non-Christians.

 It is tempting for any reader to just open this book, look at the topic of interest, and then choose the first quote that grabs our attention. My advice is: slow down. Pray and ponder. Reflect and wonder on the Scripture verse at the beginning of each topic. Then slowly peruse the quotes one by one, thoughtfully, critically, and openly. I recommend this book highly for preachers and teachers to use as resource material; the busy reader for a quick meditative quote; and the Christian for building up conviction in the Word of God, and commission to share that Word with the world for God.

Wow!

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

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I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.