Friday, May 01, 2009

lilies and snarky memoirs...

You all may remember a certain blog post I wrote at the beginning of this month about me needing a break. I talked about how I had pretty much felt abandoned and disconnected from God. I also talked about some of the ways He revealed His truth to me. Really, I didn't go into that many details, but I think you all understood what I was saying. Let me just tell you, He didn't stop there. 

About a week ago, I found myself in Barnes & Nobles, just wandering around with a gift card in my pocket. I'd gotten the gift card for my birthday, but hadn't had a chance to spend it yet. (I had been too busy getting ready for the Girls Retreat.) Well on this particular morning, I had alloted myself plenty of time to wander about the bookstore in search for the perfect purchase. As usual, I ended up with quite a stack, but two particular books really seemed to stand out to me. These two:
At this very moment it is late, and I am tired, but I will be coming back to tell you about these books. I am not very far into the 2nd one yet, but I can tell it is going to be seemingly odd, yet complimentary companion to the 1st book that I did, in fact, finish about 15 minutes ago. I don't even want to attempt to express my thoughts at this hour because they are just too big and deep. 

I will be out of town for part of the weekend, but you can expect my next post by Monday. I'll go ahead and tell you, there is no way that I am going to be able to express everything that is going through my mind right now, and really, the thought of trying to is very intimidating. But I will try... because this stuff is just too good not to...

6 comments:

Annie said...

The pictures aren't showing up on my computer screen... What books are they???

jenna said...

Are they showing up now?

The first book is:
Angry Conversations With God: A Snarky But Authentic Spiritual Memoir, by Susan E. Isaacs

The second is:
Forgotten Among the Lilies: Learning to Love Beyond Our Fears, by Ronald Rolheiser

Jessica said...

Amelia told me you recommended these. I've looked at Angry Conversations before but never purchased it. She said I had to. I'm on my way at this very moment! I cannot wait to a) read it and b) read your thoughts on it.

Anonymous said...

Yep, I look fwd to reading Angry Conversations too...

Amelia said...

yes. ma'am.

Susan Isaacs said...

JENNA! Thank you for leaving a comment on my blog! Of course every writer hopes her words will resonate with others. But I feel it even more, when I get notes like yours. I AM SO GLAD that you connected to the book, that it's helping you push through you "middle class pansy white church girl's dark night of the soul." :) It's so hard when we can't hear from God, but it REALLY IS a sign that he loves you and wants you to grow beyond your own ability to hear. (I also heard Mother Theresa didn't hear from God for like 40 years. SO let's hope we're not THAT mature or ready. :) Thanks again for commenting, I want to know how things go for you and for your job with girls ... I don't know how any young woman grows up normal today!

Susan