The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God's Goodness Around You
By Shannan Martin
This book is the second book by Shannon Martin. I had read her first book (Falling Free) earlier this year because it had been a pick for my book group, and I enjoyed it. I did struggle with her huge sacrifices she makes for others, as described in her first book. Her ability to give everything up made me feel like I wasn't doing enough for others. This book was easier to digest because she explains that service to others can be the smallest thing. She says she makes a big dinner on Sundays, and even though she isn't that great of a cook, her door is always open for anyone to come over and dig in. Helping people doesn't always have to be an earth shattering task; it can be sharing a pot of coffee and talking to someone. Of course, Martin does amazing things throughout the book and is an inspiration, but this book seemed like it something I could really implement.
I would recommend this book for more manageable inspiration to help others.
Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion
By Greg Boyle
This book was the first book of Father Greg Boyle. I read his other book last year at some point. If you are not aware of who Father Greg Boyle is, he is a Jesuit minister that runs a whole collection of businesses that include bakeries and screenprinting and tattoo removal places for former gang members in California. The company is called the Homeboy and Homegirl Industries. Both Al Gore and Laura Bush have visited there, along with many celebrities. I think Greg Boyle is doing amazing work, but hearing all the stories of young black men and women who have either never felt the love that everyone deserves and the fact that a lot of the stories that he tells end up with someone either dying or getting shot after they have made great strides to better their lives, is just so down right heartbreaking.
I would suggest the book full heartedly, just know it might give you the feels.
No comments:
Post a Comment