but you don't have to take my word for it...

I have a Reading Rainbow book recommendation. I was asked to preach at a church during Lent and this congregation was basing their sermon series on Max Lucado's latest book, Fearless. My favorite book of all time is Lucado's, You are Special. Sure it's a picture book, probably geared towards 12 year olds, but every time I read that one I am convicted and reminded to stop this insane attempt to live my life for the approval of others.

Strangely, I've never read any of Lucado's other books. (Like the grown up kind, geared towards adults...) But this was a great read, full of stories and lots to chew on. I was happy that writing the sermon for this church forced me to read something I probably wouldn't have picked up on my own.

The book is all about living life with less fear. My word for the year is Trust, and I think about this often. Especially having a baby inside of me that I constantly have to Trust is growing healthy and strong. Fear can seep in amazingly fast if I let my mind wander, but I refuse to waste my time on what-if's. I choose trust.

The back of the book says, "Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, and doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, when you could trust more and fear less. Can you imagine your life without fear?" Just think: we are invited and asked by God himself to Fear Not. God has called us to Trust.

It's a good read, and was full of opportunities to give my fears over to the one who invites all who are weak and heavy laden to come to Him for rest.