Love, love, love the prayers in Honest Prayers for Mama Bears by Hillary Morgan Ferrer with Julie Loos. Their honesty reminds me of the psalms. I haven’t read the entire book because that’s not the kind of book it is. The prayers are divided into sections such as “Selfless Prayers for Self” and “Prayers You Pray You Never Have to Pray.” Pick a section and then pick a prayer, such as “While Doing Laundry.” Many prayers are followed by actions like “Honest Journaling” and “Honest Step.”
From the back cover: “In the everyday battle of raising kids who love Jesus while living in a world that doesn’t, God invites you to come to Him. No cleaning up, no pretenses, no fancy words–all you need is to tell Him what’s truly on your heart and then ask for the wisdom, encouragement, and protection that only He can provide.”
Honest Prayers for Mama Bears would make a terrific Mothers’ Day gift.
The authors have four goals. First, the prayers give readers permission to say things to God they might not have said before. Second, the prayers “model what it looks like to renew our minds (Romans 12:2), especially by focusing on gratitude.” Third, they wanted the book to be a communal experience, so there are quite a few contributors from different walks of life. Fourth, they wish to teach readers how to craft honest prayers for themselves.
Loos offers an afterword on creating a legacy of prayer. Ferrer pens an appendix on honest questions about prayer.
Excerpt from Honest Prayers for Mama Bears
Here’s an expert of one of my favorite prayers.
Eternal Perspective
God, I want to invest in what will last into eternity, but the petty things of the world keep taking my attention. I know this world is temporary and that all things here will eventually pass away, so please reform my perspective and help me prioritize what matters most. I pray that You would give me the spiritual eyes to see the things that will have eternal weight, no matter how mundane they may feel in the here and now. Lord, I know there are some battles that need to be fought, and other battles are just distractions. Please give me the wisdom to tell the difference. If there is anything I am fixating upon that’s keeping ne from eternal things, please reveal it to me.
You have put so many good things in my path, but they are not my ultimate things. Some good things may not be my responsibility. My primary tasks are being Your daughter, nurturing my marriage, and shepherding my children . Lord, may I be faith to that which You have give me, knowing the fruits of my obedience will last after I am gone. I praise You that I have more than just this life to live for. Help me to live it well, knowing that faithfulness in even the smallest of callings will echo long into eternity.
Honest Journaling
Read through Colossians 3:1-17 and meditate on it. In your journal, make a list of time-suckers in your life. Which of these things don’t really bring you refreshment or aren’t of eternal importance? Which one can you cut down on each day or week?
Hillary Morgan Ferrer with Julie Loos, Honest Prayers for Mama Bears (Harvest House, 2024)
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I loved this slim book. It made sense of the many verses about the soul. The chapter on what the Bible teaches on the soul is terrific and worth the price of the book by itself. Chapter Four: The Reality of the Soul uses philosophical arguments to prove the soul’s existence, but if you lack a background in philosophy or symbolic logic, you could skip this chapter. Then the final chapter on the future of the human person discusses Near Death Experiences as well as what the Bible teaches on the afterlife. While the vocabulary is sometimes steep, every chapter ends with a review of key concepts and key vocabulary, so that makes it doable.
This was a thoroughly fun and informative book. The 12 rules explore the way factors affect the brain: exercise, sleep, stress, wiring, attention, memory, sensory integration, vision, music, gender, and exploration. Medina includes lots of case studies and lots of ideas to enhance learning. He advises both teachers and parents on how to help others learn. He shatters myths. Here’s a sample (191):
This is a fascinating look at balancing reason with imagination when expressing faith. An award-winning screenwriter, Godawa begins by explaining how he used to try to argue people into the faith through reason and logic alone, but often fell short. He examines the Bible’s use of story and art, and talks about art (and rejection of art) in church history. Then he looks at how the arts can be used to present the gospel message. He says (72):
I’ve always loved whitework embroidery, which historically uses white thread on a white background worked in a variety of stitches that provide texture and shades. Burr adds a bit of color to her whitework, and it makes for gorgeous pieces.
What a gem this is! The author’s prose sings as she compares the ways artists restore damaged art with the ways God restores damaged souls. Each chapter unfolds as a hope-filled parable. Then the book concludes with comforting advice to those in the mending process. What I like best is the value Ruchti observes in tattered art and wounded souls as each awaits restoration.
Darlene Schacht begins with the powerful story of her husband discovering she had had an affair and his decision to offer grace. Then she reveals the vulnerable story of how they put their marriage back together piece by piece, with God’s help. After the introductory chapter, each chapter focuses on one key concept for making marriage work, such as “Appreciate Him for Who He Truly Is.” The writing is tender and encouraging, never overbearing. Here’s a sample (174):
This is a sweet, delightful romantic comedy with hilarious dialog. Two Christians try to follow God’s plan for their lives. But they fumble a bit in the funniest of ways. Then friends and a wise older couple step in with words of wisdom as a romance slowly and sweetly develops. This is the relaxing, funny kind of book I like to read just before bedtime. And on Kindle, it’s $2.99!
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by Gary R. Habermas & Michael Licona
is my favorite because it presents multiple views for passages about which evangelical scholars have different opinions (for instance, both Calvinist and Arminian interpretations). Being familiar with multiple views can help keep us from majoring in the minors; it also promotes unity—an essential since Jesus said people will know we’re his disciples by our love for each other.
, is worth its weight in diamonds just for how it demonstrates respectful engagement with skeptics. Dr. Timothy Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City, gathered the seven main objections that NY twenty-somethings had against Christianity. In Part 1, he clearly presents the objections and answers them with understanding and respect. In Part 2 he argues for belief in Jesus as Savior. This book is excellent both for learning how to give reasons for faith and for handing out to seekers.
is sprinkled with witticisms and comics that keep the tone light. Each short chapter ends with a quiz to help you practice and hone your budding skills.
by Mitch Stokes: a witty intro to apologetics and philosophy