Page 36 - November-December Together

TOGETHER NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2021

Books for Everyday Life
BOOKS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE

with Fiona Lloyd

New titles to encourage spiritual growth

8 Habits for Growth by Darryl Dash behind these. Hill frames his ideas in terms of is a child-like delight
responding to the call of Jesus and examines and wonder as he
My first two books this month are similar in
purpose, although different in style. 8 Habits what this entails for the modern disciple. The describes some of
book makes it clear that following Jesus is costly
the more intricate
for Growth, by Darryl Dash, looks – as you
might expect from the title – at key habits that and helps us to recognise the implications for aspects of creation or
contemplates the over-
our daily lives. There are challenges around
can help us mature in our faith. This includes
obvious practices such as reading our Bible committing ourselves to Christian fellowship arching story of God’s
redemptive plan. This
and engaging with our society. Hill encourages
and worshipping alongside others. However, Fiona Lloyd
Dash also discusses topics such as caring for us to ‘… demonstrate that what we proclaim is not simply a book of
technical arguments, but rather one that points
is true, going beyond shotgun evangelism to a
ourselves; something which is often easy for
busy Christians to forget about. living embodiment of the gospel in our lives and to the joyful reality of a relationship with God.
communities …’.
8 Habits for Growth has an easy-to-read layout, There’s also a chapter on specific practices Music of Eternity
by Robyn Wrigley-Carr
with each chapter broken down into short sub- to help the reader grow spiritually, although
sections interspersed with plenty of practical this is more a starting point than an in-depth Advent will soon be upon us, so I’ve been
advice. There are questions to consider and programme. While the content is more ‘wordy’ reading Music of Eternity, by Robyn Wrigley-
activities to try. I particularly liked the way Dash than in 8 Habits, I found Hill to be a clear and Carr. This is a set of meditations based on some
encourages the reader to work on one thing at engaging writer, and there is much food for of the writings of Evelyn Underhill and is the
once, and also his frequently repeated reminder thought here. Archbishop of York’s Advent book for 2021. The
to set ourselves achievable goals. He notes that book is divided into four sections – ‘Welcoming
‘It’s better to take small actions consistently than Why God Makes Sense in a World That God’s Coming’, ‘Awaiting God’s Coming’,
to take big actions occasionally.’ Doesn’t by Gavin Ortlund ‘Recognising God’s Coming’ and ‘Embracing
The author’s expectation is that the reader will Why God Makes Sense in a World That Doesn’t, God’s Coming’ – and focuses on these themes
rather than specific Bible readings (although
gradually work through the whole book, building by Gavin Ortlund, is more of an apologetics text. excerpts of Scripture are scattered liberally
new habits one at a time. My personal view is This is a good read for anyone wanting to think throughout each part).
that this would also be a useful book to dip into about how and why our faith stands up to scrutiny.
for those who want to focus on developing a Ortlund has clearly read widely around this topic, Through this book, Wrigley-Carr encourages
particular practice. quoting atheists as well as believers, and he does us to slow down and make space for God,
his best to respond thoughtfully to some of the understanding that He does not always appear
Deep Roots of Resilient Disciples accusations that have been levelled at Christianity.
by Rick Hill in ways we might expect. As we allow ourselves
There are lots of big concepts in here, so it’s to become more sensitive to the guidance of the
Another book that looks at practices to help worth setting time aside to read through this one Holy Spirit, we are more aware of what God is
develop and sustain our faith is Deep Roots of carefully. What struck me most about Why God doing in us and around us. The fourth section
Resilient Disciples, by Rick Hill. However, the Makes Sense, however, was Ortlund’s evident deals with our response to this, and how a
author also spends time examining the principles passion and enthusiasm for his subject. There deeper understanding of God should affect the
way we live.
As I read Music of Eternity,
numerous phrases leapt off
the page at me, any one
of which would be good to
sit with awhile and ponder.
Wrigley-Carr reminds us that
‘Cultivating a spirit of Advent’
is essential, for our spiritual
lives depend on God’s
perpetual coming to us’,
which is a powerful reminder
of our need of God as we
approach the Advent season
once more. This is a book to
read slowly and to savour as
Jane Walters is the
we reflect upon the mystery of
author of ‘Too Soon’, a
ISBN 9781540964090/
ISBN 9780802423658/ ISBN 9781838164126/ mother’s journey through ISBN 9780281085507/ the incarnation.
miscarriage (Jane Clamp,
SPCK/Robyn Wrigley-
Baker Academic/Gavin
Moody Publishers/Darryl Timeless Publications/Rick SPCK). She writes for UCB radio and BRF and blogs for the Association of Christian Writers, of
Ortlund/PB/204 pp
Carr/PB/160pp/£10.99
Dash/PB/208 pp/£11.99 Hill/PB/£9.99/Distributed which she is Vice-Chair. She heads writing groups in her local Norfolk area as well as writing
36 36 by KCLCT retreats further afield.