196
“What if we really figured it out? That gratitude, for the seemingly small and insignificant–this is the seed that plants the giant miracle in the midst of it all.” – Ann Voskamp
12 comments
Her book turned me inside out. The beauty here is painful in its intense exquisiteness. It’s almost as if you can only look for a moment, then you must look away and absorb what you witnessed. Ann Voskamp completely bares her soul to us in Love. The all consuming fire of His Love asked her to place herself on the altar and die for Love. And she obeyed. This is the telling of that supreme sacrifice. To read it is to witness this holy transaction, as she places her heart on the altar and allows Him to burn it completely up. All so He can give her a new heart. A heart that reflects clearly the Face of her Beloved. And as we witness the birth of this heart, we are challenged to walk the same path. Will we die to ourselves so that we can contain the Father’s Love in such a pure form? Will we let Him give us a heart that reflects His Face?
I can’t wait to read it and have heard the same as what you’ve described. Your description, by the way, surely competes with the beauty of her words!
You will love it so much. It has challenged me in so many ways. I have been buying copies as gifts because I just want everyone in the whole world to have their own copy. You will have to tell us what you think after you read it.
Antbed, I was wondering if you could tell me whether this would be a good book for a person struggling with their faith. There is this “friend of a friend” I know and she lost her baby 10 years ago and has since had 3 children but the bitterness she feels toward God and even Christians is still very intense. She admits she wants to embrace Christianity but can’t move past this immense hurt.
O.k., I don’t want to go on and on but I have read the first chapter online and am going to order for myself(it’s backordered everywhere) and when I read that chapter I thought of her. Since you have read it I just wondered if you would suggest I order one for someone hurting like this or not.
Belinda,
The book specifically talks about Ann Voskamp’s anger/bitterness/disappointment with God because of the death of her sister when they were children. This tragedy almost destroyed their family. So the topic is definitely applicable. And if your friend has expressed her desire to be able to embrace Christianity, it could definitely speak to the issues she is dealing with. The thing that is so very powerful about this book is the complete transparency and honesty in her explanations of her struggle and the ability to watch the process the Lord gently walked her through to bring her to complete healing and joy. Definitely pray about it and ask the Lord if and when to give it to your friend. Hope that helps.
Thank you, very much. That definitely does help and I will be praying about it.
Kelly,
I do not have a way with words as your first commentor but I loved this book! I am towards the end of it and I am going to go ahead and read it again! I have recommended it to a few friends and we keep calling each other and saying, “Have you read this part yet?”. You will not regret buying this book.
Sarah L.
oh… I can’t wait to read it!
Have you heard of the incourage book club using her book. Chapter one should be read by Sunday. Ann will be joining via videos and hosting discussions. Just an FYI. The web address is :http://www.incourage.me/category/bloom
I am also reading this book and planning to participate in the book club at Bloom. Ann’s words are so deep and so real. I can only read it in bits and pieces. It cuts to the heart, but points us to the healer.
This book is amazing! Life changing. I am going to reread it when I am done. It is a book that takes time to slowly chew and digest and savour. I will be buying several copies as gifts and a copy for our church library. This book has made me feel completely undone. Thank you Ann for your beautiful words of healing and hope.
I was wondering if anyone had any other thoughts on this book, doubts or warnings about it? I had it on my wishlist to purchase until I read a couple of reviews, now I’m not sure.
http://www.lighthousetrailsresearch.com/blog/?p=6604
Kelly, have you read it and had any misgivings about it?