The Books that Shape Us
Unlock the transformative power of literature with our latest blog post, "The Books That Shape Us" by Kate Bosch. This inspiring piece reminds us that books not only entertain but also mold our beliefs, experiences, and even our faith. Discover how the right stories can resonate with your God Dreams, fueling your mission to grow the Kingdom.
Kate shares her personal favorites
In You’ve Got Mail, Kathleen Kelly wisely says, “ When you read a book as a child, it becomes part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does.” While I adore Kathleen Kelly and a firm believer in the impact a book has on a child, I am here to argue that this quote isn’t entirely true. I believe that books have a way of becoming a part of us at any age, at any point in our life!
In preparation for our Book Lovers Event, I grabbed a few of my favorite spiritual discipline books that have impacted my life over the years. Once I had them all in this cute photo worthy stack, I realized that these are not just books written by some talented and God-ordained authors. These are books written by my mentors!
Donald Miller was the first voice other than Jesus that spoke into my life as a new Christian at 18, teaching me that my life is not a story about me at all.
Then Anne Lamott breathed fresh life into my bones with her raw and beautiful words to break the religion off of me and enter into this new and real relationship with God.
Stasi and John Elderedge were two people that helped my husband and I begin our marriage with grace for each other and ourselves.
Mark Batterson taught me how to draw circles around big prayers and to believe that they would be answered. While house hunting for our first home, we fell in love with one particular house. For months I drove my van filled with 3 little boys in a large circle surrounding the house. Repeatedly. We prayed for the house, our future neighbors, and our life there fully believing it would one day be ours. We have lived here for eight years now!
Bob Goff taught my entire family how to lead with love. In fact, he was a critical voice in my husband’s decision to leave a job he knew God didn’t want him at any longer. He had a work trip with a long flight ahead of him. Currently the only author that could hold his attention was Mark Batterson, but he had already read every one of his books! He came to me asking for a recommendation. Without hesitation I handed him Love Does by Goff. After a week away, he finished the book, and came home believing it was time to go. The Lord used Bob’s words to encourage Ethan to take the biggest leap of faith in his life.
Shauna Niequest taught me how much better it is to be present rather than perfect, how to lovingly create boundaries and that saying “no” is just as important as saying “yes”.
Lisa Terkeurst, as seen in the photo many times, has shown up in my life at just the right moments to speak truth and wisdom into some of the hardest and loneliest times of my life.
John Mark Comer taught me the value of slowing down, this life is not a race, and discover the undeniable beauty in real rest.
I could go on and on and on.
But, I’ll leave you with this. A good book at the right time can shape the rest of your life! Even if you don’t agree with everything that is written on the pages, I would challenge you to always keep reading. Line up the words with the gospel and allow God to use the power of words to disciple you into who you are meant to be and what you are meant to do. Let him use these tools to build his kingdom, right in the palms of your hands.
⁃ Kate