Being a writer, I of course love books. My favourite downtime is picking up a good Biblical history novel and entering the lives of people who lived in the Bible, faced challenges, and found their hope in God. During this season of disruption and change, I have found it hard to read – to settle my mind and heart enough to simply enter a story, let alone enjoy the story. I often found it too painful to engage in their story when there was so much going on in mine.
Yet, it is impossible for books to disappear completely from a book lover’s environment. And five books, in particular, accompanied me this past year. These were books that spoke truth to my heart, helped me untangle the lies from that truth, exposed my heart and offered hope, and gave me perspective on the role this season plays in God’s creation of new wineskins.
- Living Fearless. Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of God by Jamie Winship
- Hinds’ Feet on High Places. An Engaging Visual Journey by Hannah Hurnard
- Les Misérables. An Engaging Visual Journey (Abridged) by Victor Hugo
- Daily Light for Everyday with Anne Graham Lotz
- My ESV Bible (17 years old and rebound at the beginning of this disruption)
So why these books? Some of these books, like the Bible, travel with me everywhere. Some joined my son and me on his educational journey this past school year, and one was recommended to me and became pivotal in allowing His “good work” in me this year. Join me for a quick overview of these books. You may be inspired to join me!
Living Fearless. Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of God by Jamie Winship
At the root of our reactions to disruption and our emotional battles are fear and shame. Author Jamie Winship, through testimony, humour, and humble frankness, shows how all our decisions and reactions point to these two roots. And I would agree. Fear and shame have reared their heads, revealing their true depths in me, through this past season. It has been overwhelming. But I discovered there is freedom even in just admitting this and then confessing it to the Lord. He can begin to work out further freedom from there because this book is much more than that. It is a journey with the Lord to discover identity. I sense that alongside Jesus, knowing my identity can keep me “plumb” with my eye on the prize.
This book has been a long, slow and greatly interrupted read. Yet, that is okay. I keep coming back to it over the months, and this slow process has brought me to 90% of the way through the book as of this writing. The signs of fruit have been twofold: untangling lies from Truth and growing in listening to the Lord speak to me regarding my unique identity. This is a book that truly engages the follower of Christ, or anyone who needs to hear from the Lord about who the Lord has wired and created them to be.
Hinds’ Feet on High Places. An Engaging Visual Journey by Hannah Hurnard
This past late fall into winter was the second time I have read this rich allegory about Much Afraid and her path to the High Places. The first time I turned the pages of a small pocketbook found in the used section at the back of a Christian bookstore. That copy is packed away somewhere, so this beautiful version was purchased for my son and me to use for a literature unit.
This time around, the imagery of Much Afraid’s journey with the Shepherd held far more meaning and understanding. Rich with scripture and allegory, we both found her journey gave language to our difficult season. It also gave us hope that there was purpose in the loneliness, the fear, the storms, the loss. It reminded us that we were not alone. It gave understanding to the role of sorrow and suffering. And it stirred my longing to know the Shepherd and to reach the High Places as well.
Les Misérables. An Engaging Visual Journey (Abridged) by Victor Hugo
Years ago, as a teacher new to my profession and mission, I watched the stage production of Les Mis in downtown Toronto. My heart was so moved by the theatre, the message of redemption, and the seeming tension between justice and forgiveness in the story of Jean Valjean that it has never left me. It’s been on my heart for many years to revisit the story – in print this time- and I sensed that my son was ready to dive into these Biblical themes amid the turmoil we’ve been thrown into.
This abridged visual publication added a layer of warmth and comfort as we read aloud, cozy under blankets, and analyzed and discussed the complexities of this vast story, from its characters to its rich Biblical themes. Reading this together also added a layer of discomfort as we explored the role that darkness plays in people’s lives, leaving them as the objects of injustice. Yet, seeing that darkness was wonderfully contrasted with the role of mercy, grace, forgiveness and restitution, showcasing the goodness of God through people.
This book will allow us to look back on the winter months of this heavy season and see a beautiful memory woven through it. And maybe someday we will watch the stage production together.
Daily Light for Everyday with Anne Graham Lotz
My copy of this small book is black with the inscription: “Presented to my beloved friend Annetta – 9 February 2022” inside the soft cover. I’ve been using it almost every day since, and it’s been a faithful companion to my Bible and journal every morning. With both a morning and an evening reading, this little book is simply a collection of verses gathered around a theme verse. That’s it. Just verse by verse set side by side, calling the reader to ponder and explore.
I have fallen into the habit of journalling to the Lord first, and as my thoughts, worries, praises, and needs pour out of my heart and onto paper, I am ready to hear from the Lord. Reading both the morning and evening readings at once, I have been touched and amazed by how often the collection of verses is exactly what I need to hear. I am in awe of how often a verse or two are like a direct reply or promise for a cry of my heart or a need. Adding those “replies” to my journal entry, I leave room for any Hebrew or Greek words and meanings I discover.
And so, the Lord and I have had these gentle conversations throughout many seasons, not just this recent one.
ESV Bible – Rebound June 2025
We need His life-giving Word, don’t we? No matter what the season, what we are facing, where our heart is at, His Word is from Him for us. Are there days where it is “just words?” Are there days where I don’t even open it? Yes. But it is waiting for the next day, or next week or month.
Shortly after we were married, my husband gave me this Bible. I remember feeling lost trying to find my way in it. Same WORD, different version, different layout. Over time and use it became familiar…just right. All my notes remind me of things revealed over those years.
Now, as I reflect on the words above, “Rebound June 2025.” I sense that timing is not by accident. My original cover was worn, hanging on by a thread, wearing away. It wasn’t holding the pages together. I needed a new cover to contain those precious words and pages, with all my notes. Around the time I made the decision, after lots of research and inquiries, a new, hard thing began entering our lives. I got the call that it was finished and waiting for me around the time when it felt like our lives had fallen apart and we were being forced into a new season.
I eagerly collected my “new” Bible, yet with trepidation. I missed my old cover. What would this cover feel like? I soon found my new cover was hard and stiff, unfamiliar, kind of like our new season. But, like a new wineskin, it has become supple through use: seeking out His truth about all the nuances of the darkness we were in.
I needed this Book over the past months. I need this Book today – desperately. I need the entire Book, cover to cover. No matter what season you and I are in, His Word is life, and it speaks to us: revelation, instruction, correction, hope, comfort, praise… And with patience and time, we can uncover the layers for ourselves and step into the new things He has for us. Amazing.
Are there certain books that have been a companion during your hard seasons? How did our kind Father use that book to encourage and build you up in Him? I’d love to hear this piece of your story.
