These past few years have been some of the most interesting, to say the least. We’ve seen the entire world deal with mandatory vaccinations, a global pandemic, social injustice and political uproar that’s shaken our world to its core. In the event of the unfortunate unfolding, I can only ask myself how are we to deal with the immense pressure of the times. Cokesbury was so kind to send over some books to help us cope in these hard times.
Since I was a little girl, I’ve always loved going to the bookstore and I recently stumbled upon Cokesbury which is an online resource bookstore for the Christian journey. Cokesbury is a part of The United Methodist Publishing House and serves United Methodists worldwide and a greater Christian community. Additionally, I love that their mission is to provide over 300,000 resources to deepen others’ knowledge of God through Jesus Christ.
Inspiring Uplifting Books To Read
- God and the Pandemic, by N.T Wright – In this book the author N.T Wright brings on a deeper look into the COVID-19 pandemic and what God might have to do with it. With only 5 chapters and enough pages to get through in one sitting; he graciously guides you through the Old Testament, New Testament and Jesus & The Gospels. Alongside, practical information on where we can go from the onslaught of the Pandemic. Great read for a more biblical perspective of the pandemic at hand.
2. Fierce, Free and Full Of Fire, by Jen Hatmaker – The author amps you up and pulls you out of your cave in this one. She really tackles being confident in simply being yourself. Calling the depths out of women is what this book is about. With each chapter and section, she breaks down all the burning questions we often ask ourselves; Who I am? What I want? And how do I connect? After all, embracing our wild selves is more freeing than anything
3. Meant For Good, by Megan Fate Marshman – This book will meet you where you are and remind you how God is always with you. I love how the author based this book on the scripture Jeremiah 29:11. She gives practical advice and encouragement to remember and acknowledge that God’s plan for you is perfect and on purpose. This book will encourage and uplift you to hear God’s voice more clearly. It will push you past your limits of what it means to be meant for good. Absolutely a must-have!
4. Embody, by Karoline M. Lewis – Want to learn how to lead with integrity in the Church? Karoline breaks down five keys needed to lead with integrity such as accompaniment, attentiveness, authenticity, abundance, and advocacy. In our world today, a look into what real leadership is could help us feel at ease.
5. Adore, by Sara Hagerty – As one of the uplifting books to read, I’m falling in love with this one with every page. This simple practice of experiencing God in the middle minutes of your day is just the book we need to get through tough and pressing times. Sara gives practical exercises on adoring God in the thick of life’s demands. She also takes you through the characteristics of God and how to adore him by his attributes. After reading this, your heart, mind and spirit will be open to see and communicate with God in a new way.
6. Jesus Calling 365 Devotions with Real-Life Stories, by Sarah Young – I love the Jesus Calling devotionals and this one by far is my favorite to help others through tough times. If you’re unfamiliar, these devotionals are designed to be read as if Jesus were talking to you himself. This new edition of Jesus Calling is composed of personal journey entries from the author and real-life stories from her readers. It’s practical and truly transformative. Jesus Calling invites its readers to experience peace in the presence of Jesus Christ.
7. 100 Favorite Bible Prayers – This cute little book is perfect and an additional pick me up when you’re feeling down and out. Because the word and prayers refreshes our soul. You can use this as a daily devotion with guided prayers for every situation of life. Prayer is our communication with God. For the most part, this is a great book to talk with Him about in pressing times.
8. Rally, by Britney Winn Lee – I’ve never read a book so pertinent to the times than this one right here! Rally offers prayers centered around Jesus and Justice. If you have a heart for prayer and seeing the issues of social injustice turned then I’d suggest you read this book. The author writes her own litanies which are a set of prayers that involve the community or a group of people. It’s designed to pray out loud in and for your community about the issues of this world. With little over 50 litanies, you don’t want to skim through this book but simply savor and pray aloud at the designated time.. Rally is what the world needs right now to help soften our hearts, and to use our voices to rally against the matters of injustice.
9. This Too Shall Last, by K.J. Ramsey – This book tackles suffering head-on not just on our physical bodies but spiritual, mental and emotional state of being. It’s gets real deep and raw throughout these pages. The author seamlessly opens the introduction with IV of medicine in her arm. Moreover, we’ve all gone through suffering and grief, especially within the year 2020. This is the perfect book to regain good mindset when waiting well in some of the most difficult times. I love how she’s finding the good through it all as she too is suffering from a disease.
10. Has Archeology Buried the Bible?, by William G. Dever – If you’re anything into theology and apologetics then this book is for you. The author literally digs deep into bible and archaeological history. As he simplifies complex issues he explores in detail how a reader of the bible can still find relevant truths today. With the growing pandemic and political war, most people have questioned God’s existence. William takes on the naysayers and the ones asking the tough questions with scientific proof.
11. This is God’s Table, by Anna Woofenden – This is a unique story written by the author herself. Anna is a pastor and in this book she talks about the journey God put her on to plant a church in a open lot in San Pedro, CA. She takes you through what community and church mean beyond the four walls. I love her the author has a green thumb and has built her church and the word of God on the analogies of gardening. She easily portrays that church is not all the same. If we come together Tim community, God’s presence and transforming spirit can linger even in a empty lot.
What Encouraging Books Are You Reading?
I hope one of this amazing books have sparked your interest. Head over to Cokesbury today to purchase one of these uplifting books to read or many more other great resources they have to offer.
