Whole 05: Think Outside of Your Four Walls + Tips for How to Read More Books
That to-do list is already overwhelming, so are we *really* about to suggest you read more books… on a motherhood podcast?! Yes, and no. Here’s the thing: we serve a God who communicates to us through story in his Word. We were MADE to feel the beat of creation-fall-redemption-consummation in every narrative we become immersed in, and as we pursue quality literature and fill our minds with redemptive stories, we may just learn more about ourselves and how to love others along the way. In this episode, Emily and Laura don’t just lay out the ‘why’ for reading good books and consuming quality media, but the ‘how’ to do it, even when mom life is crazy busy. By God’s grace, every good, true, and beautiful story will draw us back to him, our perfect Storyteller.
Mentioned on the Show:
Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan)
Luke 15:11-32 (The Prodigal Son)
The Case for Reading Fiction (Harvard Business Review)
A World Wonder by Laura Wifler
Related Resources from R|M:
Articles
Podcast Episodes
Freebie!
Whole: Reflection and Prayer Journal
We’ve got your wheels turning, now it’s your turn to pray through and reflect on how each week’s topic could apply to your own day-to-day life. Let this journal be your safe place to think outside of your typical bounds, get a little creative, and write bold prayers.
Friendly reminder, mom to mom: every season of motherhood looks different, especially in terms of capacity! If you’re up all night with a newborn right now, “creativity” may look completely different than if you have school-aged kiddos. Give yourself grace and know you can print this journal out again and again, season by season!
This download is completely free when you sign up for the Risen Motherhood email list— fill out the form below to get this free download straight to your inbox!
R|M Apply Questions:
When’s the last time you read a book that had you captivated? Maybe it was yesterday, maybe it was years ago—what did that feel like? Think about the book itself and what aspects of it drew you in. Consider journaling through this question: what did this book reveal to you about God’s character?
Challenge yourself to read one new book this month. (Psst! If you’re not sure where to begin, check out some of the apps and social media pages with book recs in the show notes!) As you do, think about the framework of creation-fall-redemption-consummation, and how this story points you to God, the creator of all stories.
If you struggle to read consistently (no shame, mom!), look at your free time and how you typically spend it. This will look different for everyone, but is there space to pop in your earbuds and listen to an audiobook? To check out a book at the library for yourself the next time you take your kids?
Spend some time in prayer that as we seek to understand God’s character and creation through story, that we won’t place entertainment or a hobby above our need for God and his Word. Pray for wisdom and discernment as you read certain books and pursue specific interests, that all will be honoring to him and the way he’s created you.
Want to help Risen Motherhood keep creating the content you know and love?
This mini-series is brought to you by our generous donors.
For More:
To follow: Make sure you’re following Risen Motherhood on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode! Click here for a step-by-step tutorial on how to follow a podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. On Android, click this podcast RSS feed link and select your podcast app. You may need to copy the link into your favorite podcast app (like Google Podcasts or Overcast).
Leave an iTunes or Spotify review. These are huge for us! The more reviews, the greater chance another mother will find us.
Like Risen Motherhood on Facebook and follow on Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates and related information.
Let us know your thoughts! We'd love to hear more about the conversations you're having. Shoot us an email, or find us on social media.
Tell others. We truly hope this podcast fosters conversations and deeper discussions between mothers to seek the gospel in their daily activities - we'd be honored if you shared and encouraged others to listen in.
*Affiliate links used where appropriate. Thanks for supporting this ministry!
