Recently I finished a book that really impacted me. "Follow me to Freedom" written in tandem by Shane Claiborne and John M. Perkins is without a doubt one of the most provocative reads I've stumbled onto in a while. I found myself living in the tension of being challenged to get out of my own comfort realm and staying where God has apparently called me, I finally discovered that even in my realm of comfort there are areas of uncomfortableness (if that is a word) when we truly seek to follow God. There is an unusual freedom in allowing God to dictate every area of our lives. I found as I read furiously through the book, my hunger for God and His undeniable perfect will in all areas of my life captivated me. Serving others, seeking those less fortunate and living a life free of the modern day trappings (they do in fact trap us) that we think we need to survive provides a great sense of freedom. I want to share some quotes from Shane Claiborne and John Perkins (John Perkins is one of my favorite people and a man I would love to meet)....

Quote from Shane as he worked with Mother Theresa: "it's very fashionable to talk about the poor but not as fashionable to talk to the poor."

Shane: "St. Benedict talks about two things that destroy community-- murmuring and idleness. We need to wake up to meaningful work and mission. And murmuring is lethal. There is no room for negativity and complaining. We either need to use every ounce of energy we have to change something that is wrong, or we need to stop complaining."

John: "Older people need hope too. It is difficult when you lived your whole life one way, and then everything changes. As leaders we must keep that in mind. There are a lot of folks who were part of the Jesus Movement in the 60's, and they had a sense of justice, but the church has not been ready. Now we seem to be moving that way, so let's not forget the ones who have been praying and hoping all along!"

Finally one of my favorites from the book, Shane: "Good things come to those who wait, but great things come to those who get off their butts and go find God at work!"

I could not recommend this book more. It can be life changing if the person who reads it, devours it with an attitude of real life-change and hungers for the things God has invited us to be a part!