Simple Compassion

It appears that one of my favorite authors, Keri Wyatt Kent, has released another great and challenging book, "Simple Compassion: Devotions to make a difference in your neighborhood and your world." Two copies of the book showed up at my doorstep this week, completely taking me by surprise. (I love surprises!)

Curious, I took the book with me to the Bagel Bin this morning. After reading only a few of the devotionals in each section, I admit that I am intrigued. I am ready to gather a friend, or two, and tackle the book in 2010 because it is a devotional meant to be read one chapter at a time over the course of a year. And it is meant to be read in community with others.

There four sections of devotionals contained within the book. The first section helps us to reflect on our own worth in the Kingdom of God so that we might better understand the worth of others. From there the book guides the reader to look with compassion at their neighborhood, nearby areas, and then to look at our world on a global scale.

Each week, after reading a short selection, two action steps are suggested. The first step is an individual step of compassion, usually a question to get you thinking about compassion in your life, community and world. The second step is a community step, meant for a group of people to do together, as the book is meant to be studied in a group. (These steps could be modified for individual study.)

The first section reminds us of our calling as children of God. I found myself nodding through the devotions, looking with fresh eyes at many of the biblical truths I often take for granted. Written specifically for women, Keri doesn't waste any time, nor does she mince words about the powerful role of women in the Kingdom of God. Over and over the reader is pointed back to God as the source of our wisdom and strength as we move to love those around us.

The second section moves us toward action in the communities where God has placed us. Keri reminds the reader, "No matter where you are, it is not an accident. God wants you to look around and notice the people right in front of you, who need to experience the love of God through you." She emphasizes that we grow as individuals through community. After all, the fruits of the Spirit aren't usually demonstrated by ourselves, they are evident in the context of relationship. (p. 86)

Of course, in this section Keri cautions the reader NOT to think of those around us as evangelical projects. That is NOT what this book is urging us toward. We aren't called to sell Christ. We are called to be Him to the world around us and that is where her challenges push us in this section.

The third section encourages us to extend compassion outside of our comfort zones. This is where we leave the neighborhood where we live and allow God to lead us to the needy outside of our comfort zones. This section begins to focus on purposefully seeking out the needy and those struggling in poverty.

This is where it really began to hit home for me. This section clearly tackles issues such as greed, materialism, and possessions in a direct manner. Keri address them in a biblical, non-legalistic manner which will challenge the reader to examine their own heart before God and follow his guidance.

The final section is is designed to open our eyes and are hearts to the world. Keri encourages the reader to be open to "make small changes to make a small difference" and not to feel overburdened or hopeless. While tackling topics such as human trafficking, slavery, and hunger, Keri fills these sections with practical things we can do daily that make a difference.

What I really love (as a mom) is that it is easy to see myself using this book with my children, opening their minds to living compassionately in a practical way to the world around them. It fits in so well with my desire to open their eyes to God's Kingdom around the globe! I won't read it to them because the oldest is only 6, but I have no doubt that what God teaches me will come up in conversation with them.

While pre-reading the book for this review, I only read 2-3 chapters in each section. I look forward to reading more in 2010 the way it was meant to be read, one chapter at a time. My mind is already swirling with thoughts and ideas inspired by what I read. Now I gotta find me a few friends eager to start the journey in January!

NOW for the GIVEAWAY part...

An extra copy of this book arrived in my mail, so I'd like to give one away to a reader. If you think you would like to "offer God a year to mess with you, equip and strengthen you, to live the adventure of following Him," then leave a comment and I'll enter your name in the drawing! (ends on Friday October 23rd, winner announced by Monday October 26th)