Before I ventured onto the World Race, it is easy to say that I did not find reading enjoyable. It was a rather mundane task and something that I viewed as a waste of time when I instead could easily watch the movie version of whatever could be read. In fact, I was in such staunch opposition to reading that I got into funny and sarcastic little exchanges and debates proving that a library was a waste of taxpayer’s money. However, when the World Race began, there frankly wasn’t anything else to do. One thing future Racer’s will learn within their first month is that they really won’t have enough money to do something remarkable, or even ordinary for that matter, each off day. So to books they shall turn, and so did I! So I want to take sometime and recommend future Racers, as well as current and alumni Racer’s, five of the books that I have read this past year.
Wild At Heart
The first book that I read on the Race to completion, and possibly in years, was Wild At Heart by John Eldredge. The main audience of this book is to men, but women can read it as well. In the book, Eldredge shows the true identity of what makes a godly man, a godly man. When I read this book, I honestly can say that I truly was not sure as to what it meant to be a godly man. I had my examples and role models of course from my life, but I was unaware of the elements that made a man who he was. After reading this book, I can sum it up to the word : identity. Who am I? What defines me? And most importantly, How do I get there? were all questions that I was asking myself coming into this book. With each chapter, I became more aware that it all comes down to another word: Sonship. I recommend this book to every Month 1 Racer because it will set the basis and foundation to what you are trying to achieve for your Race and I want you to ask yourself, as you are reading this, Who are you going to be for the next 11 months?
The Hobbit
Honestly speaking, this book was probably my favorite out of all of the books I read over these last 11 months. You see, me and Bilbo are very similar to each other, and I feel that you would possibly relate to the noble Hobbit yourselves in some capacity as well when you read this book. Before his incredible journey, Bilbo was a creature of “perfected” acts of habit, not wanting to do anything that would threaten his daily routine in the slightest. In fact, when presented with the opportunity to join in an expedition to The Lonely Mountains, in the company of dwarves trying to reclaim their homeland no less, he calls adventures a “Nasty disturbing uncomfortable thing! Make you late for dinner!” Reading this book, reminded me of how far God has indeed brought me from being the same person Bilbo was, not willing to go anywhere uncomfortable or unpleasant, to now finishing the World Race and being forever changed like Bilbo was when the book finally finishes.
The Art of Listening Prayer
Before the World Race, my knowledge of the Holy Spirit was very minimal. Reading this book was basically a Holy Spirit 101 class for me. The reason why I recommend this book is because it’s actually a devotional to be taken a day at a time. I know for some people, the Holy Spirit is a rather sticky situation, even among Racers. Some might believe that the Holy Spirit can’t actually talk to us, and some might feel, and even fear, that they can’t actually hear Him speak to us. This book was the second most important book of my Race after Wild At Heart because it showed me that, yes, God is wanting to have a relationship with us and actually speak with us in a personal way. If you do choose to read this book I encourage you to read it with a heart to know Papa more. Go into reading this book just as you are and please do not feel that you are inadequate or failing in any way. Read it with in the mindset that you are communicating with your Father in Heaven who loves you dearly. It could change your entire Race and life.
Spiritual Slavery To Spiritual Sonship
You will either love or hate this book. I feel that there really is no middle ground. Even I kind of hate it haha. But the message of this book is truly amazing. Ask yourself right now this simple question: When you look at yourself in the mirror in the context of God, what do you see? If your answer is anything other than son or daughter of God, then you need to read this book. The greatest lesson that I learned in these past 11 months was the realization that being a Christian is great and all, but to be a son/daughter of God is something else entirely.
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
Finally, the last of the five books I will recommend to read is of my personal hero Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Going into Month 11, I promise you that in some way, shape, or form, you will start to ask yourself questions similar to What am I going to act like when I get home? and whether you have an idea of what you will do or not do, this book will inspire you to be bold in your relationship with Papa. For those who are unaware of who Dietrich Bonhoeffer was, let me share with you. Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor in the early 20th century who adamantly opposed Hitler’s Germany on every level. He is most well known as the pastor who was part of several assassination attempts on Hitler’s life and was martyred for his actions against one of history’s largest villains. His importance though cannot be minimized by his failure for ending Hitler. He is regarded as one of the most influential and important theologians of his time and his works were essential in shaping the worlds view of God in the years after his execution. His quote, from The Cost of Discipleship, “When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die” was the most groundbreaking thing I had ever read, and was one of the ways God radically changed me from who I once was. I recommend the reading of this book to show everyone that we all can be what my first contact on the Race called a “world changer”.
In total, and still counting, I have read fifteen books since I set out on my World Race. Some where light hearted and inspiring like The Hobbit, and some where gut wrenching books that helped change my life forever, like Spiritual Slavery To Spiritual Sonship. Obviously I cannot guarantee that you will receive the same revelations that I had from reading these books if you so choose to read them. However, I pray that you grow in your faith in ways unforseen through whatever books you choose to read.
