My mom is a Christian (I am not). I really could use a few suggestions for books that are Christian based and Positive. She has had years of struggles, depression, permanent physical injuries, divorce, etc etc. She goes to church almost weekly, used to be Catholic but now just non-denominational. Her personality tends to see the glass half empty instead of half full. She seems to be reading these books lately that deal with the rapture, revelations, the "be good or go to Hell" or the "fearful part" of Christianity. Even though I am not Christian I know there is beauty in Christianity and was hoping of a book that my mom can read that is uplifting, something she can use to view the world, her situation, life struggles in a positive light if you will. I would really appreciate any help! Thanks and I would prefer books that aren't "only Christians get into heaven" types.
Pretty much anything by Max Lucado is good - there is one that takes apart John 3:16 word for word & is great. I believe the name is "3:16" Hope you find something for her :-)
Late answering (sorry), but I would recommend anything by Max Lucado. He's awesome and uplifting. Come Thirsty is a great book for someone struggling with life and searching for more. He also has written some great stuff on heaven and the Cross and stuff. Great perspective.
Two words: Jan Karon. You read 'em, too!
Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen is great. It's real, it's life application stuff. She will really like it.
Here are a couple of books I loved:
'Fearless' - the latest book from Max Lucado is my #1 recommendation. It talks about how if God wants the best for us and works everything out for the good of those who love Him - so if you are in the middle of a storm - know that God is not done yet and He has a plan. Fantastic book!!!
'Hinds Feet on High Places' - it'a an allegory on the path to walk with God and the how the struggles can bring us through to incredible joy
'Epic' - esp good if someone is having hard time - talks about how life is an epic story and our role with God in it.
'The Yada Yada Prayer Group' series - series of 7 books about a group of women who end up in a an assigned prayer group @ a women's retreat in Chicago and end up staying together after the retreat and what goes on in their lives. I sent the 1st 3 books to my mom - who is not religious but loves to read - and she loved the series - definitely a woman's book!!! =-)
'Facing Your Giants' - great book from Max Lucado regarding all sorts of things that can intimidate us in life - and using David's life as an example to helps us move beyond.
Hope these help!
I havent read it but there is a book called "Remembering Wholeness. . ." by Carol Tuttle. It is a mix if Christianity with stuff on the law of attraction and things like that. Your positivity tends to attract positive people and situations, your negativity tends to attract negative people/situations. I have a friend that reads it all the time and says it greatly helped her to let go of negativity and depression and be more emotionally healthy. I don't 100% agree with the book, but if your mom is a negative but Christian person, this may help.
Great suggestions here! I'm going to read some of them!
I personally would not recommend the Shack, not biblically sound(I know it's fiction but I found it very odd) and did not set right within my spirit. But anything by Max Lucado is awesome. Also a daily devotional 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Meyer, Intimate Moments with the Savior by Ken Gire. God's Word is her best bet, His promises are alive and real, free for the taking for all.
You're very kind to reach out to her in this way. Blessings!
A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
It is an incredible book. "This book helps readers understand God’s incredible plan for their lives. Warren enables them to see the big picture of what life is all about and begin to live the life God created them to live."
I highly recommend "Connecting with God's Master Plan for Your Life" and "One Word from God can change your Life".
They are not fictional stories like others are recommending, but they are books that will help your mother get on the right track and change her life for the better.
HI G.,
Sounds like your mom is in a very dark place even as a Christian. My first suggestion would be that she read the Psalms in the Bible. David (who wrote most of the book) went through a lot and his writing is very relatable (if she has an easy to understand version of the Bible).
Also, I would suggest any book by Brennan Manning. One of my favorites is the Ragamuffin Gospel. This book brings such hope and encouragement and allows one to see life through grace oriented eyes (towards self and others).
Another favorite would be The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie O'Martian. This book really helps one to feel that they are not at the whim of all the negativity that's happening in our world, but that we have power through prayer.
Hope this proves helpful.
I just watched a video series by Joyce Myers called, "Love Revolution", I think there is a book too. It is a fabulous series about love in action and really gets you to think outside yourself and love yourself and others.
I agree with anything by Max Lucado. And all my bible study friends love Joyce Meyers. Also the Shack is a fiction book, but I agree really great. I hope she gives some of them a try. There are a lot of great Christian books that focus on God's love and your relationship with Him.
Nothing is as uplifting as the right music. Have you thought about buying her some Christian music to listen to? A CD of hymns would be a good choice. Someone at a Christian bookstore could also help you find a good book or a good music CD.
I know this is a fiction series, but I totally agree with Mary L's suggestion of Jan Karon books. Her Mitford series would encourage and uplift ANYONE!
You are so sweet to want to cheer your mom up!
Yep, the Shack would be a great choice. It's very uplifting, especially for someone who might be feeling down or lonely.
She might benefit from daily insightful-spiritual reading books. These are books that have short 1 page daily readings that are uplifting messages. These messages are often generic enough that they can applied to a variety of struggles in life (such as the ones that your mom has dealt with) or whatever struggle is the most current and demanding. They are almost like a 1 page therapy session to get you thinking about how your view, handle, and accept things in life. They may prompt you to view a situation differently or make a change. It could become part of her morning routine while she sits outside and enjoys some coffee. I am sure you can subscribe to something similar on a website for a daily email which would be free. An example of a book like this is Courage to Change and Hope for Today. These happen to be books used in Al anon group which are christian based, but can be read by anyone. However, I am sure there are some books very similar in design that are not directly related to a recovery program. I would check out a some local churches that have bookstores or online at a christian website for "daily inspirational readings"
I recommend When Bad Things Happen To Good People by Harold Kushner. The author is a Jewish rabbi but I am Christian and I found the book to be very relatable. It is perfect for someone who has had a lot of obstacles in ones life.
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/When-Bad-Things-Happen-t...
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I think your mom would get a lot out of reading the book, The Shack by William Young. It's very inspirational to a lot of readers.
Truefaced by John Lynch and Bo's Cafe by John Lynch. Both books were written by my Pastor and he talks about real grace.
the Jeannette Oak books are wonderful. They are fiction I love all of them. Also the Jan Karon Books about Mitford
