I have a life-changing book to tell you about, and a way you can get it for FREE or at a 20% discount. Rock on!
Thanks to reader Zoe Flint who clued me in to Jen Hatmaker’s project of asking 250 bloggers to review her re-release of her book Interrupted. I am excited to be one of the 250 bloggers. I had heard of Jen’s ministry, have been following her on Facebook for awhile and reading her blog, but had not yet read any of her books.
Jen’s second book, 7: A Mutiny Against Excess is actually her most famous. Jen says Interrupted is the book of her heart, so it has been expanded and re-released. It’s the story of how God completely interrupted her Christian way of life, turning her and her family in a new direction.
My friends, you are going to fall in love with this woman. I read most of this book on the plane on the way to the She Speaks conference a few weeks ago. I cannot remember the last time I could not put down a non-fiction book. I devoured it. I talked my husband’s ear off about it on my cell phone while I was driving to South Carolina to visit my friend. I read the rest of the book on my flight home. Then I talked my husband’s ear off about it some more when I got home while I was unpacking my suitcase. I’ve convinced Mike he needs to read the book for himself. You need to read it too.
Jen is real. She is a pastor’s wife who has tattoos, rides a Harley, and hosts poker nights for friends in her neighborhood. She also has 3 children by birth and adopted 2 more (sound familiar?). She and her husband started Austin New Church with the mission to reach people who are not Christians by ministering to them. Going TO them. Not with preaching, just with love in whatever form they need. (Are you getting a picture of why I love this woman?)
Interrupted excited me, convicted me, and challenged me. I can’t wait for you to read it and tell me what you think.
There is one aspect of the book where my views diverge from Jen’s. She teaches about The Last Supper (p.56-58 of the printed book) and Jesus’ words, “Do this in remembrance of me.” The word for “do” in this sentence implies a continual action, as in “keep on doing this.” The word for “remembrance” means “to make real.” Her belief is that as we are Jesus’ hands and feet, this is how we make the Lord’s supper real. We are the body of Christ, broken and poured out.
I see communion as continual and very much real, but in a different way. The work is God’s and not mine. Communion is not just a symbol but a sacred event. God comes to me and offers me life and forgiveness. Something absolutely real happens but it’s not because of anything having to do with me (thank goodness).
Communion – Christ’s once and for all and ongoing redemption made real in my life as I physically accept it. That redemptive work is a done deal with no more eternal sacrifice needed, allowing me to then to sacrifice myself for the good of others. Communion brings Christ’s life into mine so that I can fully live in Him.
Another image I have heard is that of a blood transfusion. Once a father witnessed his child very sick and her very life draining from her. She was even pale and lifeless in color, until she received a needed blood transfusion. Her father saw her color return and life restored. Communion is our blood transfusion.
Except for this difference, I highly recommend this book. It will challenge you to consider the church and your faith in new ways.
So let’s get to the fun part. I have a FREE book to give away! Yeah!
Between today and August 17th, 2014, leave a comment below (and include your email address so I can contact you if you win) and answer one of the following questions: Do you want your life interrupted by God? Why would you like to win a copy of this book?
On August 17th I will draw and announce one winner from everyone who comments. I will mail the winner this copy of the book for free!
You can also receive a 20% discount if you go to www.navpress.com before August 10th and order.
Have you taken our website and blog survey? Now through August 14th. Make your opinion count!
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I love Hen Hatmaker. First learned of her when she and her family did the makeover show of their house. Amazed how real she is. Would love to see her in person too.
I agree, Niki! She shows amazing faith and I love her real-ness.
Often it’s hard to decipher, “Is this what God wants for me?” or is it just what I think I want. My husband, too, is in a very different place in faith than I am and that is a struggle as well. This sounds like a really great book!
I heard about this re-release and thought, this is the perfect book for me. Right now. I’ve been struggling SO much with what next steps to take in life. I feel like my hubby and I are on different pages as far as work and where to live and both in limbo about our future. There are so many directions we can go in, but where does God want us? What is His plan? I need a good wrecking. I’m ready for it. Even if it hurts. Thanks for the review. It’s so neat to hear everyone’s thoughts on it!
Thanks for your comment Lindsay. I can relate to being at a crossroads in life. I pray you and your husband will come to a place of unity and understanding. I know that is what God wants for both of you as you grow in Him. The challenge is Satan works so hard to destroy marriages, too. Mike and I attended a Weekend to Remember conference this summer and they said over and over to tell yourself, “Your spouse is not the enemy.” So good to remember!
I am looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for the recommendation!
Sounds like a good book!
It’s a great book. I’m looking forward to you reading it and hearing what you think of it!
You continue to inspire and grow my friend! I am very proud of the woman you have become in Christ and the woman you are evolving to be through Him! <3
Thank you, Rhonda! 🙂