This past year I read some of the most helpful and inspiring books that I’ve ever read. They deepened my trust in Jesus and grew my confidence and I believe they will do the same for you as you discover the practical wisdom found in each of these books.
I’m excited to share these books and I encourage you to pick one to read for yourself. In no particular order, here are the 4 books I enjoyed most:
- Racing To The Finish by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
I’m a huge NASCAR fan, always have been. There’s just something about racing that gets me excited! Dale is one of my favorite drivers and when I found out that he came out with a book detailing the story behind his decision to retire from racing, I had to get it.
In this book, Dale talks about how when he was first getting into racing, he learned from everyone else to have what we call in aviation the “Macho” attitude. Dale says that no matter how bad a wreck was or how injured you got, you didn’t make a big fit about it because you were a racing man. Dale goes on to talk about how later in his career he learned that having a “Macho” attitude is wrong and that it’s not healthy to keep going despite your injuries. He details how the concussions he received led him to reevaluate how he was performing and to altar his life ultimately choosing to retire.
2. Unqualified by Steven Furtick
I first read Unqualified years ago when it was released but I felt led to pick it back up in 2024. What I read in this book I did not remember reading before, the content in here meant so much to an older me with a different perspective. That very point is one reason I love to keep the books I read, because I know years later I’ll be reading it with a completely different perspective.
In Unqualified, Steven talks about how God uses broken people to do big things. He starts the book by telling a story about a prominent theologian he idolized. This theologian was asked how he would characterize pastor Steven Furtick, and the theologian replied, “Unqualified.” That’s where the name of this book comes from.
Steven talks about how our weaknesses are what God uses to make us strong. Some of my favorite quotes are “Peace and confidence come through one thing: acceptance.” First, God’s unconditional acceptance of you, second your acceptance of yourself, and third, your acceptance of God’s process of change.” This book is so good and it will give you a whole new mindset about weaknesses and strengths.
3. Do The New You by Steven Furitck
I also read another book by Steven that I LOVED getting to read. I know I said these 4 aren’t in any particular order, but this one is probably the most helpful book I read in 2024. God used this book in so many ways to speak to me. Steven is super honest here about his own struggles with confidence and not feeling he’s enough. He lays out 6 mindsets that help him be who God has called him to be. I wrote these 6 down and I put them up in my home where I can see them every day. They are:
- I’m not stuck unless I stop
- Christ is in me, I am enough
- With God there is always a way and by faith I will find it
- God is not against me, but he’s in it with me, working through me, fighting for me
- My joy is my job
- God has given me everything I need for the season I’m in
One of my favorite quotes from this book is: “What I’ve realized though, is that to accept Jesus but not to accept Steven is to miss the gift of salvation where it matters most. You can’t just accept Jesus by faith. You have to accept yourself by faith.”
He goes on and on about how God loves the genuine version of you – not some different future perfect version of you that he’s waiting for you to become. In this book, you’ll find a lot of truth and encouragement that I know will bless you as it did me.
4. EQ Applied by Justin Bariso
This book is super practical in giving you tips to help navigate relationships. One of my favorite chapters in this book was about accepting feedback. Justin teaches you to view feedback like diamonds in the rough encouraging you to see feedback as the most valuable thing you could ever get from someone.
The book also includes chapters on habits, building bridges, and controlling your emotions. It’s a great, easy-to-read practical book that will give you new insights.
Bryant Westbrook 