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Five
Books That Shaped Me
by Lieutenant Dawn
Apuan
1. Hinds Feet on
High Places, by Hannah
Hurnard
I couldn’t count the number of times I’ve read this book.
It’s a quick read, easily done in one sitting if you have a
couple hours. I love the allegory and have found that every
time I’ve read it, a different portion of the book speaks to
my heart depending on what kind of season of life I am in. I
can easily relate to Much Afraid, but also love the tenderness
of the Shepherd, His patience, His persistence to not leave us
where we’re at, and His ability to make beauty from ashes.
2. Out of
Solitude, by Henri
Nouwen
This book changed my life. Super simple at first glance—three
short meditations—but if you allow them to penetrate your
heart and your life, they can be transformational. These
meditations challenged how I thought of myself, how I related
to others, and how I viewed God. If you allow God to search
your heart through the words of Nouwen, I guarantee you won’t
be the same. Henri Nouwen has written about 40 books; I’ve
read at least 20 of them and many of them are very, very good,
but none has had quite the same impact as Out of Solitude.
3. To Kill a
Mockingbird, by Harper
Lee
Throughout school I loved English and I loved reading the
classics—The Scarlet Letter, Lord of the Flies, Billy Budd, To
Kill a Mockingbird, and so many more, but I chose TKAM as a
representation of classic literature and how it shapes who we
are. To Kill a Mockingbird was one of my favorites in my early
years, although as an adult Les Miserables has likely eclipsed
it, but I still love them both. I love when authors can create
stories and characters who struggle with the same themes we
find in Scripture and in our own lives—grace and redemption
and justice and love. I like to have a book that challenges my
worldview and causes me to think deeply, but I also love a
good story, so it’s a bonus when the two are wedded together.
4.
Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy,
by
Eric Metaxas
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life is inspirational. Eric Metaxas’
tome chronicling his life and faith and ministry is
exceptional. Bonhoeffer was a brilliant theologian and I love
that by reading about his life and reading some of his
writings, you can be inspired to live a more holy life, one
that is closely connected with Jesus. I’m attracted to how
deep of a thinker Bonhoeffer was, and how he struggled with
navigating through the grayer areas of life.
5. For the Love
of God: A Daily Companion for Discovering the Riches of God’s
Word, Vol. 1 & 2, by
D.A. Carson
Carson has compiled two volumes of short daily devotions based
on the M’Cheyne Bible reading plan, which includes
approximately four chapters per day. By following the reading
plan, you will read the entire Old Testament once and the New
Testament and Psalms twice over the course of a year. There
are profound connections to be made when reading the different
portions of Scripture side by side like this. And Carson is a
theologian providing deep commentary that challenges you to
think critically about Scripture and to think critically about
your own life and holy walk with the Lord. This is a wonderful
devotion if you want more than just a few fluffy, feel-good
thoughts to start your day.
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