It is clear from the first page that Ann is an amazing writer; her descriptive words immediately drew me in. She describes the raw pain of losing her sister and how that changed her family’s view on faith and God in general. But she also talks about her burning desire for something more.
Ann’s journey for God is fundamentally the same as the rest of us. The constant “hunger for filling in a world that is starved.” Questioning God’s sovereignty when hope seems lost. These struggles are real. The world is filled with brokenness, but God did not intend it that way. He intended harmony. He intended communion with us. Ann sums it up best by quoting 1 Corinthians 2:7 ”His secret purpose framed from the very start is to bring us to our full glory.” God’s plan is greater; He is bigger than the pain we feel.
I am deeply encouraged by chapter one. Encouraged by Voskamp’s immediate vulnerability, and encouraged by the hope she seeks to give in the coming chapters. My desire is that, as I read her journey, I too can learn “to fully live—to live full of grace and joy and all that is beauty eternal.”
5 comments:
You make me want to read this book!!! Maybe I will join in on the link-up!
Also, I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! You are so sweet and aren't afraid to share with your readers who you are and the incedible God that you live for. You can read the award post on my blog here:
http://arielonawhim.blogspot.com/2012/09/the-versatile-blogger-award.html
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Sarah! Aren't you excited to read the next chapter?! Hope this book study continues to bless you! :)
It's so encouraging to hear Ann's story right from the first page! I think that makes One Thousand Gifts easier to read, in a sense; she's giving you advice and a foundation for living life, yes, but you see where she's coming from and you understand how she's shaped by her life and the process of actively giving thanks. So excited you're joining in with us, Sarah, and so excited to hear what you think of the rest of the book!
Yes, Ann's vulnerability is something else, isn't it?
And this line is so true... ”His secret purpose framed from the very start is to bring us to our full glory.”
If we empty ourselves He will bring us to glory. Seems so simple. Sigh.
Anyway...looking forward to reading along with you ladies for the next couple of weeks! :)
So glad you found encouragement in this first chapter. I can't wait to see how God continues to use this book in our lives :)
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