Many of us are careful with our money…
Here’s what I want to know.
I want to know what it means to give.
I mean really give.
My husband and I have been reading a book called Irresistible Revolution, by Shane Claiborne.
This author is completely challenging the way I think…
About my life and my priorities.
About what I have and what I do with what I have.
About who Christians are and what it really means to be the church.
So many thoughts are really swirling around in my head (I know, scary…).
But I’m really questioning…
What does it look like to truly give of yourself? To be Christlike in a world that is full of materialism and greed?
What kind of world might we live in if we all start looking outward more? If we rely on God for our basic needs, and let Him use us to meet the needs of those around us?
I think that many (most) people already think that they are doing enough. And some people are really just doing nothing.
But really…REALLY…what might happen in this world if we all just let go of all of our stuff and just became givers?
I would love to hear your ideas on this topic.
Please walk this journey with me and let’s examine this together. I highly encourage you to read this book.
I want to be a part of this irresistible revolution…in which we begin to understand what it is to give like Christ gave of himself.
As I continue to read this book, I’ll be posting more of my thoughts, questions and suggestions…
But I would really love it if you have read this book or are interested in reading it…for you to join in the search to help “figure it all out”.
God is calling us to something more…what is it?
[tags]giving, being Christlike, encouragement[/tags]
lindsay edmonds says
Wow! Sounds like a good book. My husband and I have definitely had a vision to be givers and that has been the reason for our simple living, but this sounds very inspiring. I just finished Quest for More by Paul David Tripp on a similar topic. Very challenging call to live for something bigger than ME! We need to keep reminding one another of the greater purpose in life.
BarbaraLee Malikowski says
I ask the Lord to let me be open about that. On Easter my dd was over with her family. They brought her b-i-l & 2 kids with. They are having a rough time. But I figured this is one of those times to open your doors and feed the hungry.
Char says
I’ll be getting the book. I look forward to more discussion on this topic!
Bye Baby Bunting says
Sounds like I great book, I will have to check it out!
Kate says
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. My husband and I have both read the book two times. The first time we borrowed it from the library, the second was when we purchased it because we just wanted to be able to read bits and pieces whenever we wanted. I am so excited about following your journey as you read and commenting.
You are right. The book is so very challenging and it does just seem to make you stop and think. The second time through, I had to have a notebook with me at all times to copy down convicting or encouraging sentences. My husband is especially fond of reminding me “What Shane said…”
I want to be able to apply Christlike philosophies in my every day life. Here is a favorite qoute of mine from the book: “But then you start to think there must be more to Christianity, more than just laying your life and sins at the foot of the cross. I came to realize that preachers were telling me to lay my life at the foot of the cross and weren’t giving me anything to pick up.” (p.38) What an interesting thought. I know my assurance of Heaven comes only through Grace, and not by works or deeds, but is that any reason to not do what I can when I can? We only buy Fair Trade coffee now. We do not buy certain products with unfair business practices.
As wives and mothers, we are in no position to do anything like what Shane
has done with his life. Yet we can still be “ordinary radicals,” creating our own small “irresistible revolutions” within our hearts and our homes. I’m not 100% sure how we can do this, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.
If you haven’t yet read about his time with Mother Teresa, let me tell you you will never be able to forget it!
I hope you have a blessed weekend. I’m sorry for rambling in your comment section. I was just so excited to be able to discuss this book with someone. YEAH!!
Christine says
I am from Philadelphia, and I went to college across the street from the school he went to.
Shane helped start an a amazing orgainization(the simple way) that lives as simple christians in a very bad neighborhood of Philly. Don’t let him fool you though his ideas are revolutionary and wonderful. Remember that you are called to give until it hurts, but not at the expense of your children/self. By all means be uncomfortale with what he says, it is a challenge to be revolutionary, but I wouldn’t suggest that you sell you home and join the simple way..
Another World is Possible says
Hey if you’re a fan of Shane Claiborne and his book, then you should really check out the Another World is Possible DVD series. It’s a multimedia project by Shane Claiborne and Jamie Moffett (co-founders of the Simple Way) that emerged in response to their belief that things are not right in the world, and that they don’t have to stay that way. There are three DVD’s, one on war, one on poverty, and one on creation. You can find out more about them at http://www.awip.us.