Rhinestone Jesus

Sometimes books change your life a little... here's one of those for me. I finished this book a couple months ago and am just now getting around to blogging about it. Oops. :) But obviously not for lack of really stinkin' amazingness!

In her book, Rhinestone Jesus, Kristen tells the story about how she and her family started a maternity home in Kenya after she visited one of the largest slums in the world for a Compassion Int'l blogging trip. The home is called Mercy House, is run by nationals, and houses pregnant teen girls who have experienced trauma and/or abuse. These babies would otherwise most likely die due to illegal abortion, malnutrition, or other poverty-related death. It's a beautiful ministry that God is using to bring young mamas in Kenya to Himself, and it all started because of a 'yes.'

Kristen talks about how God will use you, if only you say 'yes.' She shares about how non-inspiring and average her American family is, but by saying 'yes' to God they are experiencing a whole lot of Jesus and life change and radical stuff. And let me tell you, it's a pretty inspiring story and definitely makes you want to say 'yes' to God. It made me think... what is God asking me to say 'yes' to? What is He calling me to? What small steps is He asking me to take? How can I obey and follow Him in the here and now?

This book is definitely for you if you are feeling stuck, like there's not really anything in your life that is giving you a sense of purpose. It's for you if you're tired of the average American Christianity and want to actually do something with your faith. It's for you if you are passionate about your family following Jesus, together. It's for you if you need that extra little kick to do that thing you've been dreaming about for awhile. It's for you if sparkly, safe faith is no longer enough.

P.S. Kristen has a pretty sweet blog, called We Are THAT Family. You should probably check it out.

P.P.S. There's also a Fair Trade Friday Club with a bunch of AWESOME handmade products from all over the globe... all the proceeds going to supporting the artisans. 

P.P.P.S. You can read about another time a book changed my life a bit here.