Work and Worship

Book Review: Radical Gratitude

I love this book. This book is now and most likely will forever be in my top ten Christian reading list. Ellen Vaughn convinced me with true Biblical form why gratitude matters. She took me to places I have never learned about; stories of suffering that I never wanted to read about but was glad that I did.

At first, the graphic on the front cover scared me away.  A woman jumping in the air with pastel blue sky behind her says to me (judgmental–I know.) “Christian fluffy thoughts and extra biblical insights that aren’t gospel based.” Suspicious thoughts went through my ultra-cool raised eyebrow. I dear woman of God recommended it to me- so I overlooked the jumping lady. ;0

Thankfully, my first impression with the cover was completely wrong.

First, Ellen is a gifted, award winning writer. Part of the reason that I wanted to read this book, was just for Ellen. To learn from her. She is writing to the same audience I hope to write my book to someday. She is sharing truth with women who want to know Jesus in every aspect of their hearts and lives. Secondly, Ellen has a Biblical worldview and framework for her teaching and writing. She weaves ideas together from scripture, which stirs my passion and makes me lower that eyebrow.

The story of the ten lepers that Jesus healed was especially gripping and heart changing for me. OF the ten, only 1 went to find Jesus to thank Him. Ellen tells stories so well, tears streamed down my face many times while reading this book (which rarely happens for me).

“Some believers seem to be looking for life principles that are just a little more spiritually sexy. Be thankful? Oh, of course. But give me something more exciting, more dramatic, something remarkable that I can do to change my life. ”

“Cultivating a grateful heart is not just an add-on nicety, a civil tip of the hat to God as we steamroll through OUR day. A posture of purposeful, perpetual thanks to God is absolutely central to Christian character. It gives glory to Him. It is the key defense against Satan’s temptations to despair, distrust, and dysfunction.”

The Gospel is the foundation for all gratitude! She taught me many things, but probably the biggest “ah ha” for me was to use gratitude not as an “add-on” but a relational intimate practice in my prayer life daily with God. How thanking Him for specific ways that He is good, holy, and precious to me humbles my heart and puts worry aside and is replaced with more joy and trust in God.

I am grateful for Ellen Vaughn and her willingness to walk the brutal and joyful road of writing for my benefit and blessing. I took notes for my own journey with Jesus but also for my writing development.  Thank you God for her and using her to minister grace to me and many others.