March Staff Picks

This month, I am focusing on some titles that I believe have the power to change you on a very intense level. After reading them, there are few things that won't seem brand new to you. The first one is a novel entitled Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers. Though a lot of authors write retellings of classic Bible stories, never before have I read one that was so moving and involved as this one. It is an adaptation of the book of Hosea, the man who the Lord commands to wed a prostitute. This novel explores themes of obeying God, even though it can hurt, and loving those around you: unconditionally. Often, we would like to think that we do this automatically, but if we were to honestly question ourselves, I believe we would find that the opposite is more often true. "I love you, but less so when you don't take out the garbage." "Neighbor, I love you, except for when your dog barks at night." "The homeless; I love you, but from a distance." After reading this book, you will find yourself asking where your heart lies. Do you obey God? Or do you brush Him off, thinking that you'll "get around to it"?

The next book is a classic amongst women but I have found that though many women have it on their shelves, they have not read it! It is Captivating, by Stasi and John Eldridge. What can be said about this title other than it is truly life changing? In it, the couple discusses the lies that women are told, (and believe!) by an unsaved society. It delves into what it is truly like to be a feminine creature, and how women are the crown and glory of God. Women are not, and never will be objects, and its shameful to be viewed as one, but even more shameful to believe that you are one. There is also a companion journal which makes internalization of the text much easier and allows the reader to express how they feel about what they've just read. Read Captivating, and find your inner princess.

Lastly, there is the new and updated Women's Devotional Bible, written in the New International Version. This Bible is unique for many reasons. First, the devotions within it truly are for today's modern woman and are written by some prominent Christian authors. Also, this Bible has some incredible features. For example, along with classics like book introductions and notes, there are several interesting reading plans in the back that are not simply "Genesis to Revelation in a year." These reading plans focus on lesser known characters from the Bible, issues of womanhood, etc. They lead you to places and offer reflections that you may not have come across on your own.

-Amanda, Eternity Happens