The idea that change could be a good thing is a strange concept to me. Oh, I know it is part of my story. That it is a very REAL part of life. But a good thing? I’m not sure I buy into that theory.
I know sometimes change is good. When I plan the change, that is good. Those changes are fine.
But change I don’t plan, change that happens and I am not consulted, well, I’m really not interested in those changes.
And to completely and totally embrace change. Whether it is my idea or not? Ugh. No thank you. That is for someone else.
I’ve endured a lot of change in the last year.
And I have decided that change is not for me.
Then I read Kristen’s book. I have mentioned it a couple of times on this blog in the last few weeks because it is so good.
I’ll tell you right now that Kristen’s publisher sent me an Advance Reader Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review of the book. I can tell you that I honestly LOVED. THIS. BOOK.
I have loved Kristen, the blogger, for several years. Kristen, the author, commands a whole new level of respect.
Having experienced many changes in her own life, in this book Kristen shares how she has lived through, learned to adapt to and even embrace change. She has gifted the readers with beautiful, sometimes painful lessons that will help us believe that change can be a good thing.
On page 148 she writes “Bravery is not the absence of fear but following God through
the fear as you believe God’s promises. It’s holding on to the facts of our
faith more tightly than to the fears for the future…It’s believing change is
not in the way of God’s plans for us
but on the way.”
If I can begin to embrace the idea of letting go of the fear of change in exchange for the believing God’s promises, then I can begin to move forward in realizing that change is something to embrace.
Some of my favorite quotes…
“God doesn’t want us to worry about the tomorrows of change because he wants us to see all the ways he’s taking care of us today.” pg. 83
“This is a God-reality for all in his creation: God pays attention.” pg. 83
“I look to the horizon and pray, “I trust you, God. I will trade my what is for what will be because you know what’s best for me.” also from pg. 83!
And from page 130 “when change comes, why wring our hands when we can cling to grace?” Yeah. That.
This book is rich in wisdom and insights about learning to not just live through change, but live WITH change, in a way that reflects our belief in and of a sovereign God.
Kristen Strong is a tall, lovely brunette that hails from Oklahoma, lives in Colorado but has lived in a lot of different places. When she meets you she will give you a smile as big as Texas and a hug to go with it. I know. I’ve had the honor of meeting her in person!
Learning to embrace change…
I am pretty flexible with change … unless it is one of these really hard ones.
Fondly,
Glenda
I'm going to start reading the book this weekend. I am excited! I've been through so many changes myself these last few years. I am sure that I will be challenged as I read.
I love Kristen's writing as well. Thank you for sharing her book today. I'll look for a copy and read it as well.