Reading offers an abundance of understanding. Just as writing has become my method of stitching together my moments and days, reading has laid itself out like the backing of a quilt to show me there is an order, a framework, and a support for all I try to conceive.
There are many books that have taught me foundational truth, but the Bible is my daily friend. I did not include it in this reading list because it is much more than a regular book for me. In it I find confidence and clarity, it sets still what has been chaos, and aligns what was offset by the bumps and stumbles of daily life.
When I sit down with the Word of God, I sit down with Christ. In Him I find the perfect order of joy and peace, and I rest in the simple reminder that I am not God, and He is.
Proverbs urges me to say to wisdom, “you are my sister.” I know why. Sisterhood encompasses a oneness, a way of thinking that stems from the same reverence for, and security in, a mutual Father. My sisterhood with wisdom ensure that I follow in her path, and rely on her comfort. Wisdom cannot exist with pride, and therefore must be in constant conversation with understanding. I am honored to be included in their communion and through Christ and His Word I am given kinship with wisdom and hold tight to the affirming hand of understanding, finding her to be my intimate friend.
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” And call understanding your intimate friend;
Proverbs 7:4
The books on this list have been helpful to me as I strive for wisdom and understanding:
Shadow of the Almighty -Elisabeth Elliot
My mother gave me this book when I was a teenager. It was an older hardcover copy, and I read some of it, but didn’t really ingest it until I had moved away from home and, feeling very homesick, grabbed the book looking for some purpose or meaning in it’s pages. I found it. Here I saw a young man with passion for God living as if nothing else mattered. Jim Elliot, through his journal entries collected in this book, showed me that there really are people who will give all for the gospel of Christ. That there really is a road that I could walk that isn’t full of excuses, and justifications for living for myself. That book, read alongside Scripture, set my feet along a path of joy and adventure, that I would never have dreamed up on my own. I highly recommend, especially for young people.
The Best Yes -Lysa TerKeurst
This book communicated well a conviction that had been growing on my heart. The idea that we are too busy is a theme that seems to lull the Christian into uselessness. What are we so busy doing? Is it kingdom productive? Lysa TerKeurst lays out ways to measure and filter the things that take up our time, while showing us that what we say “yes” to for one person’s “urgent” need, may be hindering us from saying “yes” to the Holy Spirit.
This book encouraged me to continue saying “no” to the things that weren’t in harmony with the specific things God had called me to.
Daring to Live on the Edge -Loren Cunningham
I read this book as a young wife, and again to my kids while homeschooling. The stories of how God miraculously took care of people in His service are humbling and exciting. It’s full of easy to understand principles and examples of service and faith that have inspired me and now my kids as well.
God’s Smuggler -Brother Andrew with John & Elizabeth Sherrill
I had heard of Brother Andrew for many years, but had never been interested in this book. I really don’t know why, but I thought it was probably boring. I was very wrong. The boys and I were immediately drawn in to the story of Andy van der Bijl‘s childhood and how mischief and stubborn determination would serve him later as seeking the kingdom of God showed him the adventure he was born for.
Every Day I Pray for My Teenager -Eastman Curtis
This book was loaned to me from a friend and when I saw it’s merit, I immediately ordered not just one for myself, but a dozen, so that I could give them to the group of moms in my life group. I stressed to them the importance of this. “Pray prophetically” I had been urged when my boys were small, and now I urge others. Do not simply make requests to God for your children, remind Him of His Word and His promises for your children. This book gives you tools to do that. With Scripture on each page, and a prayer written on the facing page that uses those Scriptures directly in the prayer. I highly recommend any parent to get this book, long before you have teenagers.
Sacred Marriage -Gary Thomas
I found this book by chance while doing a little window shopping on Amazon. I think it’s become my favorite book on marriage. The tagline is especially compelling. “What if God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy, More Than to Make Us Happy?” The book is full of examples of couples who struggled, but learned the beauty of faithfulness in the struggle.