As a member of the Redbud Writers Guild, I’m inspired daily by this diverse, international movement of Christian women who tap the pulse of culture, then write about where and how it intersects with faith.

Their writing is fascinating, authentic, wise work. In the weeks ahead I’ll be reviewing several of these authors’ upcoming books, including today’s. If this book whets your curiosity like it did mine, click the link below to order. 

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Recently I snapped up an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of Aubrey Sampson’s forthcoming book Known: How Believing Who God Says You Are Changes Everything. The title promised what I indeed found inside its pages: an exposition of truth that has cloaked and nourished and fortified me for decades now. Truth that says this:

You and I are beloved. Named. Known. All with tenderness, power, forgiveness and intimacy that usurps every lie we may have believed about ourselves.

Unfortunately, in a world as broken and lie-riddled as ours, we may miss the beautiful names the Lord gives us that affirm how well he knows us and how deeply he loves us. Or we may refuse those names. Doing either will keep us from our true identities and purpose.

Author Sampson understands this, and so, in the first part of her book, she systematically makes the case for who we are, whose we are, and how those facts can alter our lived realities. Corroborating her case with Scripture, she clinches the deal so convincingly that many readers will gladly give their intellectual assent.

But.

Believing something rationally is a far cry from absorbing truth into one’s being so that it becomes a lived reality. Sampson knows this, too. In response, she provides the second section of the book, her marvelous Reflection and Discussion Guide, which, when patiently, prayerfully digested, will usher readers into a new level of personal growth—and nearness to God.  

It’s here, through this discussion guide, that the book becomes more than just another well-written, informative work of Christian non-fiction. Fully employed, it will make this book transformative for those who absorb its gift.

Whether you read this book individually or in groups, take your time with it, and own what’s inside. You’ll never be the same.

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Ripening.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish . . .”

—2 Peter 3:9

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Strewing.

“Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well.”

—Ecclesiastes 11:6

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Revelation.

“For still the vision awaits its appointed time . . . If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.

—Habakkuk 2:3

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Thanks for stopping by, friends. So glad you’re here.

Watching Nature, Seeing Life: Through His Creation, God Speaks

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P.S. Have you heard Sugar Birds’ audiobook yet?

Read by the award-winning Jayne Entwistle. You can get it here at Audible or here at Libro.fm, where your purchase supports independent bookstores.