What I’m Reading: Chasing God, I Will Carry You, Kisses From Katie, & Say Goodbye to Survival Mode

Apparently, my desire to read comes in waves.  I go from reading three or four books at a time, to not reading at all (or reading a couple of pages of one book once a week or so), then back to reading multiple books at once.

I’m in an upswing right now and currently reading four books.  I thought I’d share, just in case you’re looking for something to read.

The first is Chasing God by Angie Smith.  I’ve been a fan and follower of Angie since way back when she was pregnant with sweet Audrey.   I’ve never lost a child, but I relate to her on so many other levels, I could hardly wait to read Chasing God.

Her writing is so raw and beautiful and honest… and so me.  I’ve underlined and re-read and just marveled over her words and how many times they seem to be taken straight out of my heart and mind.   Besides that, she’s funny and sarcastic and I find myself laughing just after tears have streamed down my face.  It’s good stuff ya’ll… just plain good stuff.

I’ve mentioned before that I struggled with doubting my salvation and always feeling like I’m just not “there”… this books is speaking to all of that in me – in ways I never considered.  It is a perfect follow-up to reading Saved Without a Doubt and it’s so much more personal and warm and ahhh… it’s like a great big hug.

On that same note, I’m reading I Will Carry You, also by Angie.  It’s Angie’s actual story about her relationship with God while facing the loss of her daughter.  I read every word Angie wrote through her pregnancy and loss (as it was happening), but for whatever reason, had never read the actual book (published around 3 years later, I think).  So, when I pre-ordered Chasing God, Angie was offering a free copy of one of her previous books and I chose I Will Carry You.

But as I browsed all of the books she’s written and realized I haven’t read them (and now especially after reading Chasing God), I’m seriously considering ordering the others.    There are few writers who I feel like really “get me” and she’s definitely one of them!

Next… Kisses from Katie.  This is our family read-aloud book right now and wow… just wow.   I couldn’t begin to describe how inspiring this book has been for us (and we’re only on chapter 4!).   So far it is right up there with Running for my Life as one of the most heart-changing life stories I’ve ever read.  Here’s a summary from Amazon:

What would cause an eighteen-year-old old senior class president and homecoming queen from Nashville, Tennessee, to disappoint her parents by forgoing college, break her little brother’s heart, lose all but a handful of her friends (because the rest of them think she has gone off the deep end), and break up with the love of her life, all so she could move to Uganda, where she knew only one person but didn’t know any of the language? A passion to make a difference. Katie Davis left over Christmas break her senior year for a short mission trip to Uganda and her life was turned completely inside out. She found herself so moved by the people and children of Uganda that she knew her calling was to return and care for them. She has given up a relatively comfortable life—at a young age—to care for the less fortunate of this world. She was so moved by the need she witnessed, she’s centered her life around meeting that need. Katie, a charismatic and articulate young woman, is in the process of adopting 13 children in Uganda, and she completely trusts God for daily provision for her and her family.

Despite the rough conditions in which Katie lives, she has found a life of service to God to be one of great joy. Katie’s children bring constant delight and help her help others by welcoming whoever comes to their door. As the challenges grow, so does Katie’s faith and her certainty that what she’s doing in Uganda, one person at a time, will have far-reaching rewards. It isn’t the life she planned, but it is the life she loves.

To further her reach into the needs of Ugandans, Katie established Amazima Ministries. The ministry matches orphaned children with sponors worldwide. Each sponsor’s $300/year provides schooling, school supplies, three hot meals a day, minor medical care, and spiritual encouragement. Katie expected to have forty children in the program; she had signed up 150 by January 2008; today it sponsors over 400. Another aspect of the ministry is a feeding program created for the displaced Karamojong people—Uganda’s poorest citizens. The program feeds lunch to over 1200 children Monday-Friday and sends them home with a plate of food; it also offers basic medical care, Bible study, and general health training.

Katie Davis, now 22, is more than fascinating, she’s inspiring, as she has wholeheartedly answered the call to serve….