Summer Reading Challenge

by Margaret Gibb

July 2010

It all started out as an interesting comment.  An American politician was being asked about his reading habits and I was hooked.  "One book a week?  Why can’t I do that?” I thought, and decided to take on the challenge.

Since January 1, 2010, I am now on book #26 and loving my new journey. 

My love affair with books began when I was elementary school.  I still vividly remember my 5 ^th grade teacher transporting the entire classroom into another time, another place as he read the classics, with perfect diction and tone inflections.

I have always favored biographies.  To explore someone’s life meant that I had the opportunity to ‘dip into their well’ and glean from their story and rich life lessons.  Because biographies transmit personality, one cannot read the lives of great and dedicated men and women without being inspired and challenged.  In this recent reading craze, I am intentionally looking for life examples of how redemption was played out.  Our stories and development never move in a straight line.  Life is unpredictable, filled with detours, unexpected changes and “it wasn’t supposed to be like this” experiences and seasons. So, how does God work His glory through the unpredictableness of life?  How does He grab our attention and get us to be flexible and work with Him?  I am on a quest to learn from the life of others.

As a leader, I have read many books on leadership – secular authors and known Christian leaders.  In this ‘reading season’ I am reading only those books on leadership that are written from a spiritual understanding.  A recent read was  “Called to be God’s Leader – Lessons from the Life of Joshua” by Henry and Richard Blackaby.  Henry and Richard write:  “Modern leaders are known for a variety of things, but prayer is generally not one of them.  There are many administrators today but pitifully few intercessors.”  Maybe it’s just a stage in leadership development, but I’m ready for less mechanics and more dynamics.  Henry Blackaby challenged me back to prayer and passionately seek God’s way, which is always higher! 

I look for books that nourish the soul and help me to grasp spiritual truth in a fuller way.  My recent reading of “Sweet and Bitter Providence” by theologian John Piper was read with a box of tissue at my side.  Piper expounds on the story of Ruth and Naomi - a story I have taught many times.  His new insights on God’s grace were made richer.    Will I ever stop welling-up when I read the words of Ruth to Boaz, “Why have I found grace in your eyes?”   

In his delightful book, “Mama Made the Difference – Life Lessons My Mother Taught Me”, T.D. Jakes highly esteems motherhood and women, like his Mother, who have impacted the world.  In his chapter on Mary, the Mother of Jesus, he writes:  “Sometimes favor looks and sounds more like trouble and disparity.  But be not deceived, there is often a great deal of favor hidden in unfavorable events.”  Ah, the chapter was packed with great insight and ‘chewable’ spiritual nuggets. 

Charles Spurgeon said it well: “Master the books you have.  Read them thoroughly. Bathe in them until they saturate you.  Read and reread them, digest them.  Let them go into your very self.”

I mark my books up! With side notes, arrows, stars, exclamation marks and tons of underlining with a 6” plastic ruler and pen.  It’s my way of digesting what I read and making it easier to retain and reference the information. 

Paul’s counsel to young Timothy way:  “When you come, bring…the books and parchment notes.”  (2 Timothy 4:13).  Paul was making a statement to his protégé.  If you want to be a leader, be a reader!  Moms and Grandmas are definitely leaders.  Be a reader and you will pass on a great legacy! 

Can I challenge you this summer?  Take time to read.  It’s an amazing learning and growing adventure one that only makes you want more.

Your Friend,

Margaret Gibb

President

Women Alive