Last week I opened up and shared about my complicated miscarriage that occurred simultaneously with Michigan’s stay-at-home order. I shared about how God has been using this trial to draw me closer to himself. I am already thankful for the work he is doing, even though it has been hard.
I also wanted to share another aspect of this difficult season of life… something I am incredibly thankful for. As I waited for my miscarriage to end, I spent a lot of time in bed. Some days it was because I was in pain, and other days it was because I was completely fatigued. This offered me a lot of time for reading.
I don’t like to sit still for too long. I love to rest, but when “rest” continued for weeks upon weeks… well, it was hard for me to do nothing. So, whenever I was feeling up to it, I would get out a book and read it. Sometimes it was something already on my bookshelf, sometimes it was a book a friend recommended, and sometimes it was a classic novel I had never ventured to read before.
Below is a list of the seven most inspiring books I read this spring. In a time when I was limited physically (because of the miscarriage and the pandemic), God used these books to do a work inside of me. They have inspired me, encouraged me and challenged me.
I am praying that the Holy Spirit will help me to make lasting changes inspired by these books. I am passionate about each one of them, and I hope you will consider opening up at least one of them.
Glory in the Ordinary: Why Your Work in the Home Matters to God by Courtney Reissig
This book was a beautiful reminder that the work I do in my home is not mundane or meaningless. It was so encouraging, and it made me reevaluate some of my priorities in my home.
12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You by Tony Reinke
For many years I have felt controlled by my phone. I hate the mindless scrolling of social media and even news. I don’t like the way it makes me feel. I have known for a long time that I am missing out on life by looking down at my phone.
What I really loved about this book is that Tony shows us all the ways our phones are affecting us, and he leaves it to the reader to decide what he or she is going to do about it. I have been inspired to make so many changes with regard to how I used my phone, so that it is a useful tool and not a hindrance.
Compared To Who? by Heather Creekmore
This is NOT your typical, “I know you struggle with body image, but God made you beautiful, and you’ll always struggle, but it’s okay,” type of inner beauty book. Nope, Heather digs WAY deeper.
She gently and lovingly shares that our struggle with body image comes from our deep-rooted idolatrous desire to be beautiful. This requires repentance and a change of heart. Simply knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made is not enough… we need God to help us make lasting change by getting to the heart of why we struggle with the way we look.
What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
Please be advised that this is not a Christian book, and therefore there is some language and adult themes. What I loved about it was that it made me stop and evaluate the person I have become since I got married and had a child. I didn’t like some of the ugliness I saw, and I am glad this book came my way, because it has inspired me to seek to become more Christlike.
Coronavirus And Christ by John Piper
This book was a really encouraging reminder that God is on the throne, not the coronavirus. It encouraged me to use my time, and this virus, wisely.
Love The Home You Have by Melissa Michaels
I randomly stumbled upon this book while browsing the Libby app. I had never heard of Melissa Michaels, but apparently she is a pastor’s wife and home decor blogger. I read this book and fell in love with her!
My biggest takeaways were: Acknowledging that my home is enough, even in its current imperfect state; having the freedom to decorate the way I want to, and not the way Pinterest tells me to; and making sure my home serves my family well.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
There were so many good moral lessons in this book. Plus, it made me realize how blessed I am with the life God has given me. I have so much to be grateful for. The March sisters reminded me to cling to God and hold my family close. (Side note: The newest film adaptation is AMAZING. Do not delay – watch it tonight!)
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