4 Powerful Books to Make You Think, Grow and Feel

Let’s talk about powerful books, the ones that make us think, wonder, learn, and feel. I’ve got four good ones this month, all very different.

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Here’s what I read this month:

Prayer Book of the Month: Everyday Prayers for Thanksliving by Julie Kieras

Every month this year I’m reading a book about prayer, and it made sense to focus on living a thankful life this month. This small, journal-style book has been perfect because I am not overwhelmed by it. There are scriptures, questions, prayers, and even places to take notes.

Something I loved: It was good to focus on gratitude without it feeling contrived or cheesy. Sometimes I struggle with gratitude, but this book helped me focus on God.

Thoughtful Book I’ve Been Meaning to Read for Ages: Leaving Church by Barbara Brown Taylor

This book has been lingering in my periphery for ages. Since leaving my church last year and spending time in healing prayer, I was finally ready to consider Taylor’s words and experience. This was not a book to rush through. It helped me think about church and our relationships with the church in new ways without feeling overwhelmed.

Something I loved: It was calm. Nothing about it felt urgent or wrapped in frustration. It was a thoughtful conversation about a hard subject without being full of strife.

A Book to Help Me Pursue My Calling: On Purpose by Tanya Dalton

It’s been some time since I’ve focused on reading for my work and ministry. This book has been a great re-entry, helping me think about who I am and what God has for me more than just thinking about someone else’s steps to success. I don’t want to forget how to pursue my simple calling.

Something I loved: “If you want to see a clear path of where your life is heading, take a good look at the daily choices you are making.” This seems like a very good place to start.

Fiction Book that Made Me Wonder and Believe: Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

This book made a Bible story come alive. While I don’t usually love historical stories, this Biblical fiction from Afshar was so captivating I couldn’t help but stay up late at night to keep reading. Exploring the story of Rahab was something that will stay with me forever.

Something I loved: “A woman needs to feel safe in love. She needs to know her husband accepts everything about her and still loves her. To be known through and through, including the failures of her past, the shortcomings of her character, and still be loved, that’s the Promised Land of a woman’s heart! That’s where she finds rest.” This quote made me feel seen and understood.

Author: Rebecca Hastings

Rebecca is a writer and speaker encouraging women to find real faith that works in real life. A wife and mother of three in Connecticut, she can often be found typing words, driving her kids places or wherever there is chocolate.

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