eat, sleep, and save the world. Superheros wear many different capes

The successes of the Marvel and DC universes show that the world loves a superhero. You know what I mean, those people who seem so ordinary, until a crisis hits, and then out comes the cape, and they set out to save the world—or at least render the bad guy a lot less powerful than he seems at first glance. Maybe they don’t have the superpowers needed to save the world, but parents of special needs kids fall into the category of super-hero. At least in my book.

                In her latest book, Eat, Sleep, Save the World: Words of Encouragement for the Special Needs Parent (B&H Publishing, 2020), Jamie Sumner shares the world that she was charged with saving: that of her son Charlie, born with cerebral palsy and several other interesting ‘bad guys’.  This is a heart-warming story of how plans go awry, but how we can depend on God to help us through the toughest of crises, whether it’s a one-time thing, or it’s ongoing, and lasts for a long time.

                Sumner allows herself to be vulnerable—both as ordinary human and superhero—and shares her thoughts on the super powers that on a daily basis allow her to get through the crises involved in raising a special needs child.  The 6 super powers, and yes, they are available to all of us are simply as follows (because we all can’t fly or turn invisible): determination, hope, resilience, patience, laughter, and thankfulness.

                She devotes a couple of chapters to each super power, and in each chapter there is another person mentioned. Of course, we hear about Ant-Man, but the main person she mentions as an example comes directly from the pages of the Bible.  For thousands of years people have faced trials, and managed to overcome. Things didn’t always go as they planned, but somehow, they got through the bad times. Even when our human frailties are most evident, God’s grace and power are made manifest.

                I can only imagine what a blessing this book will be to the parents of special needs children who can find the time to read it, but beyond that, it seems that anyone else who reads it will benefit too. It just might help us to walk the proverbial mile in someone else’s shoes.

                As a member of the publisher’s bloggers’ program, I received a copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review, but it is definitely a joy to be able to do to.

                5/5

Don't Overthink It by Anne Bogel

I’ve been there. I spend so much time thinking about something, trying to decide what to day, which way to turn, that by the time I’ve made up my mind, it’s too late. I’ve missed the opportunity. And then the next day I waste time beating myself up for not making the decision sooner.  You might resemble that remark too. With that in mind, Anne Bogel’s book Don’t Overthink It: Make Easier Decisions, Stop-Second-Guessing, and Bring More Joy to Your Life, (Baker Books, 2020) seemed to be just the book that I needed to read, especially during this time when I have way more time on my hands than usual.

                So what does overthinking look like? It depends. It’s different for everyone. It can result in paralyzing fear, an inability to make a decision, a fear of making the wrong decision, even a fear of making a right decision( and then have no excuse for not doing what you know needs to be done).  Maybe it’s spending so much time researching the proper course of action, that you don’t have time to do what needs to be done in a timely manner, and then it costs more in time , money or effort.

                Bogel draws on her own experiences and offers a lot of suggestions for different ways that our brain keeps our body from doing the things it needs to do.  Among her suggestions, are keeping a list of “to pack” things and use it for every trip. This avoids leaving needed things behind, and in many cases helps avoid overpacking.  Or how about making a decision once, and following it multiple times in the future.  Or designate a place in a room to start the cleaning/sorting/decluttering process, get that done—then move left to right.  Or how about this one—realize that some of your friends are really good at (and like doing) some of the things that keep you busy without accomplishing anything, and invite them to help you with that task.

                Simple suggestions that we might all have thought of eventually if we weren’t so busy thinking about what if? 

                Bogel writes with a very engaging style, and this book is full of practical tips, at least one of which will apply to almost everyone.

                I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.  There was no requirement to post positive comments.

                5/5

dreams disasters and the faith to move mountains

Jesus once told His disciples that with faith the size of a mustard seed that they could move mountains (Matt 17:20). And Kristen Welch in her book Made to Move Mountains: How God Uses Our Disasters to Accomplish the Impossible ( Baker Books, 2020) shows us what this looks like in her world.  Welch is the Founder of Mercy House Global, a non-profit that has 3 maternity centers for pregnant girls in Kenya.  This book is the story of some of the mountains that she has seen God move since starting the ministry.

This is a time of uncertainty—the economic markets are dropping so fast and so far that we are entering recession or depression territory, COVID19 has claimed the first life in the county where I live, and statewide the number of people affected is growing exponentially. Top that off with an earthquake last week that ruined one of the buildings that shelters homeless people and also houses an addiction recovery program, and we’re looking at enough disasters to ensure that God has plenty of opportunities to accomplish the impossible.

But, as Welch reminds us, God uses people: people with dreams. And people who couple their dreams with faith can still move mountains.

What are your dreams in the midst of whatever disaster you may be facing? Maybe it’s personal, maybe it’s local, or maybe it’s a something happening thousands of miles away.  Rest assured that God, coupled with your faith, even as small as a mustard seed, is waiting to move your mountain.

I received a copy of this book as a member of the publisher’s bloggers program.