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It's Not Supposed to be This Way Lysa Terkeurst

 I just finished this, and I'm probably going to immediately reread it.  There is an openness and rawness in Lysa Terkeurst's voice throughout this text that resonates authenticity and vulnerability.  Instead of throwing herself (or you) a pity party, though, she responds with compassion, empathy, encouragement, and God's Truth.  Whatever your "it's not supposed to be this way" is, Terkeurst's reflections and message is for you.
Image result for rachel held evans Inspired

Inspired by Rachel Held Evans

 I was hooked before I ever finished the introduction where Evans discusses growing up in the church and being the subject of leadership meetings and interventions!  Preach!  

 If you have ever struggled and wrestled with the stories in the bible and how to read them, tried to tamp down your doubt, or forced your literary eye to go blind as you read the bible, Evans is speaking to you.  I am a literary scholar (that sounds very arrogant, but please don't read it that way) who grew up in the church.  The more I studied literature, the more how I read the bible changed.  I struggled with that for years because it seemed almost blasphemous.  Evans does a masterful job of discussing the genres of the bible and incorporating amazing scholarship into her discussion.  

 This is a beautiful and refreshing discussion of the bible as literature and what to do with it.

 Jesus Feminist

Jesus Feminist by Sarah Bessey

 I've had such interesting responses to this title alone! Ha!  Regardless of your political leanings, church affiliations, or beliefs about gender, I would strongly, strongly encourage you to pick up this book.  And, if you are a woman, please, please pick up this book.  

 Sarah Bessey does a phenomenal job of illustrating Jesus's view on women, and it just might not be what you think it is.  This is not a pro-woman but anti-man, women vs men discussion at all.  It is an amazing discussion of Jesus and women and life that will speak to you on so many levels. 

 Rising Strong - AudiobookThe Gifts of Imperfection (ebook)Image result for brene brown i thought i was the only one

Brene Brown (All of her books)

 I can't say enough good things about Brene Brown's amazing work with shame research.  Brown speaks to the soul, to the very depths of who you are, how you respond to disappointments and shame, and why you react that way.  Her balance of research-based and anecdotal writing has a depth of authenticity that is unmatched.  Wherever you are in your life, whatever season you are in, Brown will speak to you.

 Image result for the land between jeff manion

Jeff Manion does a great job of teaching through a mix of personal anecdotes, bible study, and other's stories.  He discusses that land between we unexpectedly find ourselves in at times, and he does so through the lens of the Israelites.  A great read for anyone in the wilderness!

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