Truthful Reads Update

Several months ago, I shared about some of the truth-filled books that I’ve been reading or was about to begin. I finished almost all of them since then and have started reading more, so I wanted to share an update with you!! Maybe you’ll find a good book or two to read along the way. ;)

Eve in Exile

First up is Eve in Exile by Rebekah Merkle. My first thoughts are that I’m glad I read this book and I did learn from it; however, I wish the author had been kinder and more gracious in the way she chose to communicate her points. With that said, I sincerely appreciated that the author took the time to write a book about how Christian women can interact with modern-day feminism and gives many suggestions for how women can make lasting impacts in their communities and society beyond. I love that she says women have a unique and profound influence when they begin making changes in their homes, but their work does not need to be limited to their homes; it simply starts there and overflows outward in faithful stewardship of the gifts and provisions the Lord has given.

Messy Beautiful Friendship

I also finished Messy Beautiful Friendship by Christine Hoover. This book was my absolute favorite, and I can’t wait to read it again. Not only did I find the examples and practical advice readily applicable for my current (and future) friendships, but it was so helpful to be able to process my old friendships (or friendship attempts) in light of the biblical truths the author discusses. I finished the book feeling renewed, free, and motivated to keep pursuing both easy and hard friendships alike, despite past hurts or feelings of bitterness. Truthfully, meaningful friendships always take hard work and effort. This book was such an encouraging lesson in what that hard work and effort can look like on an everyday basis. I highly recommend reading this! :)

True Feelings

True Feelings by Carolyn Mahaney and Nicole Whitacre was such a good read!! What a refreshing explanation for how emotions are a response to what we already believe to be true. As a result, our emotions are true in the sense that if we feel anger, we really are angry. However, the catch is that our anger may not be based on something truthful, which would mean we aren’t necessarily right in feeling that emotion. This way of approaching emotions has been so helpful for me as I continue to pursue God’s truth daily. It has helped me to be slower in feeling justified in my emotions, more careful in processing them, and even more patient and understanding as I interact with the emotions of others.

Life Together

Lastly, I had started reading Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, but I only got about 20 pages in. It takes me a bit longer to read than the other books, because it is a translation from another language. The read was so good and very encouraging though. My favorite line continues to be, “It is not simply to be taken for granted that the Christian has the privilege of living among other Christians.” Since starting it back in February, I’ve come across so many other books that I’m eager to read. So, I’m not sure if I’m going to keep up with this one or save it on the bookshelf for later. ;) I’ll let you know if I do end up reading it.

Anyway, I’d love to hear if you’ve read or checked out any of these books, as well as any book recommendations you might have. I’ll do another Truthful Reads post once I have my next set of pastime books lined up. :)

Much love until next time,
Christy