17 Comments
User's avatar
Lucy's avatar

I’m struck by the verse in Jeremiah that paraphrased says work first, then pray. I have also heard it said that if you want to do good, look for the work God is already doing and join him.

Shannan Martin's avatar

I loved our conversation, Sarah. Thank you - always - for your generous hospitality. I'm excited to build a better world with you. 🩷

Sarah Bessey's avatar

Grateful for you always! xo

Laura's avatar

I think this expresses some very powerful

Ideas that seem more in line with the gospel

Than much of what I have subscribed to.

Cheryl's avatar

Tears at your last few paragraphs, "What is God? Love!" I've been thinking that a lot lately. Sarah, I've read some of your books, and also Rachel Held Evans' and now will add Shannon to my list. Thank you for the clarity in this article.

Ursula's avatar

I got to be a pre reader for this book and it is absolutely gorgeous. “A liturgy for carrying on” that is so lovely and practical.

Liv Holloway's avatar

Beautiful. So looking forward to this book shaping me and my fam this year, it’s so much of exactly what we need

Jacqui Bauer Tobias's avatar

Thank you for this honest revealing conversation Sarah and Shannon. Your book sounds so real.

Shannan Martin's avatar

Most of my writing is from down in the everyday crumbs of life. That's where the best stuff is!

Dana Rhyne's avatar

Shannan is one of my favorite authors, and I was excited to be on her launch team (even though I don't have that much engagement on my platforms). This book, in particular, really grabbed me, especially the chapter called Hevel. Oof. Holy Alliance is right!

Professer Russell Carter's avatar

Gratitude is overdone by many churches. My local church ends every communications with a reminder for some sort of gratitude pledge, depending on the time of liturgical year. Usually its just don't forget your gratitude offering this week.

ABink's avatar

YES, pleeeease!

… can we all find the joy in … “experiencing a counterweight right now that would fall into that basic/ordinary/uncelebrated category” of life … just for our life to know about - in the quietness of our soul … can we bring this back into a normal way of living!?

Olivia Warner's avatar

This was a powerful, thank you! Love the metaphor of counterweights and looking for those in our lives. I can certainly resonate with life feeling heavy lately, and it would be dishonest and unhelpful if I ignored all the hurt/disappointment to just glibly "be grateful." Yet wallowing in the bad only doesn't help either. This has given me a lot to chew on!

Karen's avatar

it is such a powerful and practical book. She doesn't shy away from the weights....nor from sharing her counterweights.

Kathy Bleam's avatar

I’m definitely buying this book. Thank you for sharing, Sarah❤️

Diane Frisone's avatar

Thankyou for introducing us to this beautiful woman and her amazing concept of counterweights. It’s so eye opening, refreshing and recalibrating. It is one of the best philosophy’s I’ve ever heard. Who is God. He is love!!!!!🙌🏻❣️☀️

Cheri Cornn's avatar

I just ordered this book. I cannot wait for it to arrive.