This week, as thoughts turn from shopping to the beginning of a new year, we will be flooded with the news that New Year’s resolutions will last about as long as Christmas leftovers in the fridge. Despite our rather unimpressive collective track record, reflecting on how we would like to change and grow as individuals is not wasted effort.
Two Sundays ago, I provided a list of great books to give as Christmas gifts — and one of them, Gordon MacDonald’s “Ordering Your Private World” remains a good place to start one’s New Year’s reflection. Many people re-read it every year to regain their bearings on life’s ever- changing journey.
Recommended Stories
For those facing the turmoil of dating, love and marriage, Lauren Winter’s “Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity” is a must-read. Winter takes an eye-opening look at the challenge of pursuing love in a culture of sexual confusion. She is completely candid in revealing her own heart, as she unfolds her struggles as a means to help others. Her writing is a blend of honesty, humor, and grace.
Amazon.com has nearly a half-million titles that relate to marriage. May I uncharitably suggest that the paper used to print most of them would have been better used for paper towels? Marriage requires lots of cleaning up — it is messy, challenging and sometimes wonderful. As a pastor and counselor, I have read hundreds of these titles — and one stands out above them all: “Sacred Marriage” by church historian Gary Thomas. When I picked it up, I had low expectations — a church historian writing on marriage? Yet, Thomas has powerful insights into the complex nuances of living together as man and wife. One of his most important points is that we must cultivate “contempt for contempt” — the coldness and judgmental spirit that characterizes so many marriages. Most books on marriage are purchased and read by women, but I would hope many husbands would invest the time to read this one.
If you have more spiritual questions than answers (who doesn’t?), then you might enjoy and be challenged by the works of Lee Strobel. He worked for many years as an investigative journalist for one of the largest newspapers in Chicago. Strobel has published a series of books about his discoveries along his own spiritual journey. “The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity” is a best- seller and thought-provoking read for those who have the intellectual integrity to wrestle with tough questions.
Let me conclude with two very personal recommendations: As we anticipate the inauguration of our new president, we would do well to remember those who were willing to pay “the last full measure” for the freedoms we enjoy. As an avid reader, people sometimes ask me, “What is your favorite book of all time?” Besides the obvious answer of the Bible, I reply, ” ‘The Killer Angels’ by Michael Shaara.” This work of historical fiction tells the story of the battle of Gettysburg. Were it not for the heroes of Little Round Top, who defended freedom to their last bullet and then charged their courageous opponents with fixed bayonets, the history of our country would be quite different. Someone you love would greatly enjoy this magnificent book.
Finally, many people in our region are suffering from a painful, debilitating illness that is routinely misdiagnosed, misunderstood and under-treated. I lost nearly two years of my life to Lyme disease. I have finally experienced nearly complete recovery thanks to the wisdom and compassion of many — most especially Dr. Kenneth Singleton of Towson. If someone you love has Lyme disease or suspects they might, get them a copy of “The Lyme Disease Solution” by Dr. Singleton. Roughly one third of those who suffer from this disease will not ever have a positive lab test to reveal the source of their symptoms. Only skilled “Lyme literate” doctors will be able to help them recover. If someone you love spends time outdoors, where they might have been exposed to a deer tick and is now suffering unexplained medical problems, help them find the gift of health this New Year.
May your 2009 be filled with faith and love and wonder.
