This past year I got to read some of the best books ever that shaped my character more, challenged me to grow in certain areas, and gave me great encouragement. As I reflect on everything I read this past year, 4 books stand out that helped me the most.
Whether it was helping me follow Jesus better for my spiritual journey, helping me become a better leader on my leadership journey, or helping me become a better teammate for Allison. This is my lens as I decide what my top 4 are. Here are my top 4 not in any particular order from 2023 that I recommend you check out!
- Good Boundaries and Goodbyes
This book is written by one of my favorite authors to read hands down! Lysa’s books are super compassionate and her approach to writing feels like you are having a conversation with her instead of her telling you exactly what to do. This book helped me through a relational challenge I had this past year and it was the perfect book at that moment. I’ll be honest with you though… before I read this book I thought “I’m about to learn how to set better boundaries with other people” when in reality this book is way more about reflecting on your own character and who you are on the inside. When I think back to the reason I loved reading this, this is the reason why. I loved how Lysa compassionately challenges us to reflect on ourselves in this book. Highly recommend you check it out!
2. Stop Waiting For Permission
This book by Stephen Chandler is such a blessing! This book helped me to be more excited about who I am Jesus, the unique gifts He’s given me, and the purpose He’s set before me. This book made me remember how special it is to live out the things Jesus has put inside of you. Life is not about being someone who somebody else wants you to be, it’s about being the person that Jesus wants you to be. So if you’re looking for something to help you get centered around your purpose, a vision for your life, and how to lead yourself better, then this book is for you!
3. Firestarters
If you are looking for a book that will stir up your faith and get you excited about all that Jesus has in store for you, this is for you! This book stirred my faith and genuinely created excitement in me as I read through the wild stories of Gary planting his church, Freedom Church in the UK. Gary is an exceptional leader and has seen God do many miraculous things in his life many of which he writes about in this book. This book is about building church and allowing God to grow your faith in Him. Go grab this book!
4. Soundtracks
Is there a broken soundtrack in your life that needs to be turned down? If so this is for you! I had one this past year that I needed to focus on, it was an insecurity that I was wrestling with. This book helped me to ask the right questions whenever I would feel that broken soundtrack come up 1. Is it true? and 2. Is it helpful? These two questions among others helped me to get WAY better at not listening to broken soundtracks in life. In the book, John asks you to find a token of remembrance that will help you remember who you really are. I thought back to a little glass heart I was given at a conference in 2019 where the preacher that day said “Many things change in life, but this love God has for you never does. Let this heart remind you of that.” I looked for that heart and I got it back out, I now have it visible where I can see it every day. Go and get this book and start to turn up the right soundtracks!
Bonus: The Variable Life
This is a great book to read if you’re looking for something to help you make better choices and spark your curiosity about life. John crafted an easy-to-read book that kept me going back for more as he poured out his life story on these pages. I really enjoyed reading this and I found myself underlining many sentences in this book! I had the privilege of meeting John several years ago through the church I was going to and he’s a great guy and an exceptional writer!
Bryant Westbrook 