Book Review: Unglued Devotional
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
Lysa TerKeurst's Unglued Devotional was exactly what I needed to read at this season in my life. Though not written exclusively for moms, I found each of the short 2 or 3 page devotions to be uplifting and encouraging, often hitting on exactly what I was struggling with at that moment. This book has a series of 60 devotions, applicable and relevant to women of all ages and life stages. In a few paragraphs each day, she shares honestly her struggles, achievements and spiritual lessons that are sure to benefit every reader-- myself included! There is a phrase Lysa uses over and over in this devotional-- imperfect progress. She writes,
"What kept me from making changes with my raw emotions was the feeling I wouldn't do it perfectly. I knew I'd still mess up and come unglued. Sometimes we girls think if we don't make instant progress, then real change isn't coming. But that's not so. There is a beautiful reality called imperfect progress."
As a recovering perfectionist, this phrase resonates with me so beautifully and has changed my outlook on the continual task of seeking a Christ-like heart. I don't always get it right. I don't always live up to my own expectations, let alone the expectations of those around me. But what I must strive for is progress... even if it is imperfect. Lysa goes on to write in that same devotion (day 2), "Imperfect changes are slow steps of progress wrapped in grace... imperfect progress." How beautiful and freeing it is to grab hold of that concept!
Each daily devotion can easily be read in a matter of 5 minutes or less. But I found myself searching my heart for a much longer period of time after reading each devotion. Some days, I would read three, four or more devotions at a time. Other days I just barely squeezed one in during naptime and cleaning up messes. Regardless of the time I spent reading and reflecting one thing was certain: Lysa's writings spoke freshness and life into my soul when I needed it the most. The Holy Spirit's lead is evident in her writing, as it is very Gospel-centered.
I know I am not the only woman who struggles with keeping her reactions and responses under God's control. Afterall, as women, we are at the very core of our being created to be responders. We see that from the very beginning with Adam & Eve. God put it in our DNA to respond to those around us. And by responding in a way that reflects the character of God, we are showing Him to the world around us. I know all of this, the eternal implications of my responses, and yet sometimes, it is still difficult to bring them under the reign of Christ. That's why I particularly appreciated this little bit from Day 23 of Unglued Devotional:
"But sometimes, refusing the pull to come unglued is the only way to prove to ourselves it is possible to have a different kind of reaction." She went on in Day 26 to write, "I'm not gentle by nature, but I can be gentle by obedience. I'm not patient by nature, but iI can be patient by obedience. I'm not peaceful by nature, but I can be peaceful by obedience."
This devotional was wonderfully challenging and encouraging at the same time. It urged me to look at the depths of my heart, evaluate my evil desires, and submit my tendency to come unglued to Christ. As Lysa say, it won't always be perfect. But it can be imperfect progress. I would highly recommend this devotional book to any woman of any age! You can read more about Lysa TerKeurst on her website. You can purchase this book HERE.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
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