I’m two months into my three-month haitus from Christian books and Bible studies. I’ve slipped twice. Once, I got so excited over a conversation about Rob Bell’s book, Love Wins, {yes, I’m probably the last blogger on the planet that hasn’t read it} that I immediately downloaded it and read chapter one before I remembered that I wasn’t reading books! Another time, I couldn’t resist reading a few pages in my new friend, Lynn Morrissey’s book, Love Letters To God. Other than those, I’ve avoided books and studies.
In the beginning, it was a relief to give up other Christians’ opinions, suggestions and insights. Then, it became a struggle because I was so accustomed to reaching for a book every time I didn’t have an answer.
To be sure, it’s a little awkward when a friend invites me to a Bible study, and I decline by saying that I’m taking a break. I feel a little alone in this venture when other bloggers are constantly suggesting different books to enhance their readers’ relationships with God.
However…
Over the past two months, I have experienced God in ways I never before have. I’ve realized He speaks to me in a variety of ways. And since I don’t have my head stuck in a book, I’m free to hear Him speak. What He says continues to rip to shreds the religious box I’ve held onto for years. The way He loves is downright scandalous. The ways I’ve seen Him work would dumbfound the local ladies’ Bible study groups.
In the last two months, I’ve seen, heard and experienced not only the God of the black and white, but of the gray. I can’t wait to see what other shades He reveals to me over the next month!
Hi Rebekah,
saying that, because I am a Christian author for heaven’s sake, and I also LOVE reading the work of other Christian authors. But the truth is that w/ my perfectionistic personality, I can read book after book, looking for the most perfect solution without applying anything, because I always think there is always something better than the last book that I read just around the corner. For some time, I believe that the Lord has been asking me just to meet with Him alone through *His* words in the Bible, and my words in my journal. I’ve never had the courage to do that. Once again, just before this Lenten season, I felt that He was wooing me to do this(ala Mt. 11:28–just to COME TO HIM DIRECTLY), and I longed to obey, but didn’t know if I could. And then…….I saw your post–the one where you said you were doing this! I had found another Christian woman who was attempting bravery when others likely think this idea is a little strange or even wrong. When I told my daughter what I was relinquishing for Lent, she did a double take. After all, why would you give up something that is good for you–like reading Christian books? Wouldn’t it seem more appropriate to give up secular books…..or TV time…..or chocolate?! You get the picture. But if we sacrifice either what God does not ask or else something that is easy for us to sacrifice, then what kind of a sacrifice is that? The truth is that I *love* reading Christian books…..so much that they have become idols. So I just want publicly to thank you for your courageous stance and to say how much it has helped me. I have not read a Christian book since Lent began. It’s nothing short of amazing. I’m going to the Lord alone in His Word and in my journal…..though I realize I am not journlaing enough. I want this to be a time of true confession for me, and I need to make time for that. Over the next weeks as you write here, I hope you will tell us the myriad ways in which God has been speaking to you through this bookless journey. And I just want you to know how much I appreciate your willinginess to obey and to speak His truth. You are precious in His sight and mine!
I’m not sure whether I should feel happy or guilty that *my* book was one of those that tempted you to read during your three-month-Christian-book hiatus, but I just rejoice for all the ways in which God is speaking to you directly without your feeling you have to hear him through others’ words in a book–including mine! I am so grateful for your courageous example, because I can’t tell you how much it has helped me in my own journey not to read. I feel like a heretic or something
Lynn
Lynn, I’m just completely humbled reading your comment. I’m so glad God put us on this adventure together. You said, “I had found another Christian woman who was attempting bravery when others likely think this idea is a little strange or even wrong.” You don’t know how much I needed God to bring someone alongside me in this…because I’ve felt pressure that what I’m doing isn’t quite acceptable. Then again, it seems like most things in my life turn out that way…not quite acceptable to the religious crowd. But I can’t deny the overwhelming presence of God, even now when He seems silent. Thank you for encouraging me! I’m thankful for you!!
Rebekah- Hi! I am a friend of Lynn’s as well. She mentioned your blog, so I thought I’d pop over and check it out. I affirm both you and Lynn’s quest to listen to God’s voice alone through the Word and may ask God for a chance to do so my self…I am focusing on two books for Lent besides the Bible, which I sensed that God was inviting me to…Love Letters to God (Morrissey) and Writing to God (Hackenberg) I am a book dabbler, so it is good for me to take two books from start to finish. Even though I have read Lynn’s book before, I am reading it through again for just such a time as this. I, too, am an avid journaler, so I appreciate Lynn’s heart and passion in this arena.
I will look forward to hearing from both of you the specific ways God is using this “fast” for His glory and revealing His heart and love and grace to each one of you.
Blessings-Kel
Kel, Thanks for stopping by! I can’t wait to finish Lynn’s book. I keep resisting the urge to sit down and read it all the way through.
How interesting that He has led you to read two books that focus on communication with Him. I love that.
More than anything, during this time, He keeps repeating to me that He loves me. Maybe I’ll eventually find the words to share all the ways He’s revealed that to me.
Rebekah, stick to your guns, so to speak. You know that the Lord was showing you to do that, and that is enough. HE is ENOUGH….more than enough. What did Christians do before there were Christian books or Bible studies? Again, I very much stress that those are not wrong (unless they are theologically wrong)…….but they are not necessary pipelines to God, especially if He just wants to speak to you directly from His Word or to your spirit in prayer…..or maybe through what you observe in His creation, the words of a pastor or friend, song lyrics, poetry…….He speaks in many ways, but always in His Word. So, while you and I will most likely read Christian books again, for now, because He has said no, we must obey. I’m just so glad, as you’ve said, that we are in this together. It just helps to know someone else understands, and it also confirms what the Lord showed us independently. Come to think of it, I recall that well-known author Lauren Winner was told during Lent once not to read at all. So, I’m sure there are other Christians giving up reading. You just don’t hear about it much, b/c it is giving up something which is not evil. But it can be addictive, and it can be a filter between you and God if you allow it. Can’t wait for you to share more, if you feel able to/led at some point. So glad that Kel dropped by for a visit. You’d enjoy her blog too at: http://nourishsoul.blogspot.com/ Today, she is talking about one of the books she mentions below that she is reading during Lent. Here she talks about my book: http://nourishsoul.blogspot.com/2013/02/comfort-to-ease-grief-of.html
http://nourishsoul.blogspot.com/2013/02/beloved-dearly-loved-dear-to-heart.html#comment-form
http://nourishsoul.blogspot.com/2013/02/thrilling-thursday-journaling.html
Thanks again for your obedience Rebekah!
Lynn
Kel, I”m so glad you came by and I referred R. to your blog, too. Love making these connex! You’ll love R., and wait till you hear her sing! MOstly, she loves Jesus just like you!!!
XXOO
Lynni