What a timely book it is! During this global pandemic, most (if not all) people have had to say goodbye to "normal" in one way or another and have experienced some kind of loss, grief, disappointment, fear, anxiety, and/or depression to some degree or another. But what is "normal" anyway? I love this quote by Patsy Clairmont: "'Normal' is just a setting on your dryer." Seriously, even without the pandemic, change is inevitable in our lives. I also love this quote by Andy Andrews: "All people – all lives – are either in a crisis, coming out of a crisis, or headed for a crisis." It's a fact of life. Therefore, it is wise for us to live by faith, not by sight, and to wean ourselves from the craving for and the clinging to what we consider "normal".
So Long, Normal: Living and Loving the Free Fall of Faith is the book that will challenge us and help us do just that." Laura Story is not only a wonderful songwriter, singer, and musician, but also an incredible author. She shares her own personal stories and includes interviews with 3 other families and 2 individuals whose lives have been impacted by saying goodbye to normal. From the very beginning, I could relate to her regarding her experience with the zipline. In college, at a leadership camp, when it was the zipline time, I froze and someone had to push me off :). After getting pushed out from a high tower, it was actually fun gliding through the zipline. Laura uses examples from Bible stories and relevant Bible verses to give readers Biblical principles and insights. In this book, she shows us how to say goodbye to home, self, identity, expectations, and security. She then encourages us to say hello to new life, new vision, new mission, and the unknown, trusting in God and relying on God. Readers are invited to let go of normal and control and to exchange the idols of comfort, familiarity, security, and stability for freedom, blessings, joy, and adventures found in living and loving the free fall of faith, tethered to our faithful, unchanging God, instead.We can face the unknown and the uncertainty with unshakable confidence and peace when we have unwavering faith in Jesus, our Firm Foundation. We believers are gifted with a compass (God's Word), community (Body of Christ), and a constant Companion (God is always with us). I highly recommend this inspiring & refreshing read. I love and appreciate Laura's transparency, sound theology, and gospel-centered worldview. At the end of the book, you will find thought-provoking questions to reflect upon and to propel you into action. Are you willing to let go of normal and be ready for better and greater things God has in store for you? The last chapter includes the lyrics to Laura Story's song, "Hello, Unknown". Wonderful song. You can listen and watch its YouTube video below. This book is also great for a small group study.
About the Author:
Laura Story is a wife, mother, songwriter, worship leader, author, artist, and Bible teacher. Her songs--which have won Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, and Dove Awards--include "Blessings" and Chris Tomlin's "Indescribable." She is the bestselling author of two books and Bible studies, When God Doesn't Fix It and I Give Up. Laura has a master of theological studies and a doctorate in worship studies, and has served as a worship leader at Perimeter Church in Atlanta since 2005. Her greatest joy is being a wife to Martin and mother to Josie, Ben, Griffin, and Timothy.
~I received a free copy of this book via FrontGate Media in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
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