Saturday, October 17, 2009

Dangerous Surrender

I have been reading Kay Warren's book, "Dangerous Surrender" and find I cannot put it down. Kay Warren is married to Pastor Rick Warren and they live in California where he is pastor of Saddleback Church. I really don't think there are too many people left who has not heard of Rick Warren and his book, "The Purpose Driven Life". I watch services online from Saddleback every Sunday morning, and I confess that had a preconceived idea of their life in Orange County.

"Dangerous Surrender" gave me a deep respect for Kay Warren because of all she has gone through in her life. She is very honest about the abuse she suffered as a young child, and the consequences of that abuse in her adult life. She talks about her struggle with breast cancer and how the chemo and radiation treatments damaged her body, and she shares with her readers how devastating it was to be diagnosed with Melanoma just two years later. The book is not about her health issues, though. It is about her desire to serve God as best she can with the time she has been given, and the amazing results of her surrender to God when He guided her to help those with HIV/AIDS. The courage she has, and her willingness to follow Jesus on a daily basis no matter where he sends her ~ this is what has inspired me.

This book has challenged me to serve God in spite of or because of my circumstances, and to do what I can to fulfill God's purposes for me in the time I have been given. It has me asking myself the following questions: Have I said YES to God before He shares His requests of me? Do I live a life of courage and obedience? Am I helping the "least of these"? What is God's purpose for my life as it is? In what ways am I rearranging my life so I can interact with those God loves? The answers just may change my life......and yours.




If you wish to read more inspirational posts, please visit Charlotte and Ginger at Spiritual Sundays. Be prepared to be blessed! http://www.bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/.

16 comments:

Sue said...

Hello Renee,
Great post, I think I might need to read this book. Thank you for sharing, and for posting these powerful questions.
Blessings,
Sue

Lisa said...

This sounds like a riveting book! It is always so encouraging to our faith to see someone truly walk the walk!

RCUBEs said...

It's amazing when someone is truly inspired by their close walk with the Lord. They don't see their disabilities but rather they keep going, doing the works, for Him. God bless you and have a great weekend.

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I enjoyed Rick Warren's bible study on the Purpose Driving life. I'm sure his wife book would be also a great book to read. I tell ya I think I'm just going to have to start taking an extra day off so I can read all the books on my list.
God Bless,
Ginger

Cathy said...

Thanks for those thoughts and for letting us know about her book.

Debbie said...

I will definitely by getting this book. It sounds REALLY good, and very inspiring as well. This post really hit home for me and makes me feel like I might be dealing with some very similiar thoughts in my life. I LOVED your discription of Autumn as well. Thanks for sharing all this, it really blessed me. Blessings to you, Debbie

Fliterary said...

The title alone makes me want to read the book. Knowing a little more of Kay's story puts the book on my list of ones to order. Thank you, Renee.

Susan said...

I hadn't heard of this book before reading your post this morning. I love a book that inspires and moves us even more into the calling God has placed on our individual life for us. Glad this one spoke to you so deeply.
Susan

SmilingSally said...

This must be a moving book, Renee. I hope that you have a happy Sunday.

Musings of A Minister said...

I'm a fan of the Warrens. I haven't read this book but I would like to. It sounds very inspiring. Thank you for posting about it. I like what you said about your own life.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Our pastor preached this morning on The Revival of One. Your notes about Kay's book runs along the same lines. I don't know the Warrens' history, but now I'm interested.

Charlotte said...

I would love to read this book. It sounds so inspirational. It's amazing how God uses the painful things in our lives to bless others. Thank you for sharing this.
Charlotte

Mary said...

Hi Renee, I really want to get this book. I had heard that her cancer was recent...I hope I misunderstood, and that she is cured. I am always amazed at those with the greatest disabilities and challenges are those that most appreciate their lives. I can relate somewhat to what you shared of Kay's book...I also had a rough childhood in some ways, which gave me a heart for women's issues...He does allow suffering to cultivate and tenderize our hearts..what a privilege it is to be the clay in the hands of the Potter.

God bless,
Mary

Denise said...

Sounds like a great book.

❀~Myrna~❀ said...

Thanks for sharing what is on your heart.It sounds like a really interesting book. Thanks for stopping by.
Love in Christ,
Myrna

Regina said...

I'll try to find the book. Thank you for sharing.

Have a great week.
"Regina's Spriritual Sunday Post"