A Million Little Ways, A Review And Giveaway!

"I don't believe there is one great thing I was made to do in this world. I believe there is one great God I was made to glorify. And there will be many ways, even a million little ways, I will declare his glory with my life."  Emily Freeman

I have to admit, I'm a skeptic about most nonfiction books put out by Christian publishers. Knowing some authors of these type books has rendered me jaded, and that's all I will say about that. But I'm not one to say never, so I keep my eye out for books that might be worth using as part of my morning reading-- something that will inspire me. I'm pretty picky but Emily Freeman's new book's title and description sounded like a perfect one to read as I prepared to teach story structure to 9th graders at a local private school. Perhaps I'd find some wisdom to share with them about creativity and inspiration. What I found instead was inspiration and wisdom for myself.

 Book Description: You were born to make art. You were made to live art. You might not see yourself as an artist, but you are—in so many unexpected ways. In what you create, whether poetry or pie, sculpture or sand castle, calligraphy or conversation. It’s time to uncover the shape of your soul, turn down the voice of the inner critic, and move into the world with the courage to be who you most deeply are.

See the artistic potential in words, gestures, attitudes, and relationships. Discover the art in a quiet word, a hot dinner, a made bed, a grace-filled glance, and a million other ways of experiencing God in the world through the simple human acts of listening, waiting, creating, and showing up.

We arrived here as art and we spend our lives uncovering the beauty we have to offer. As the community of humanity, we will do that in a million different little ways.

 

 

This was a book where I underlined lots of passages, and copied many down in my journal. One in particular prompted a group email I sent to several friends I knew would identify. I love when I find things in books that trigger a response like that.

What I loved most about the book is that, instead of addressing art in one particular way, Freeman challenges her reader to think about art in a broader sense-- a more all-encompassing view, with art being defined as just about anything you do with commitment and passion. I'm going to be honest, I'm weary of the "you have a great and mighty call on your life and you should go for it" type of books. And that's why this one was refreshing to me. She helped readers see that even the most ordinary pursuits can be seen as art, and lived accordingly. That's a needed message in a society that's growing increasingly obsessed with power and position and fame. What if, instead, we did even the littlest things with great love and attention? Freeman helps the reader do just that.

Sound like a book you need to read? I've got one copy to give away to a reader. Leave a comment and share what your art is for a chance to win!