Helping Those Who Hurt

This book is exactly what it claims to be...a handbook for caring and crisis. It is literally small enough to fit in my purse and is filled with practical advice to handle every situation a minister could experience. It is a reminder of what to do and what not to do.

It is divided into 10 sections and covers everything from hospital visits, to crisis, to helping rape victims. It is written almost like a checklist, so that in those moments of panic or shock, anyone could pull it out, skim it, and have a starting point for handling the situation.

What I love about this book is that it is clearly written by an expert, but you don't have to be an expert to follow the steps. Regardless of who you are, there is something simple you can do to bring comfort to the situation, whether it is meeting physical needs, encouraging words, or offering Scripture.

The Principle of the Path - Andy Stanley

To borrow a line that I always hate reading - Andy Stanley does it again! There is really no other way to say it. Every time I pick up one of his books, it meets me exactly where I am and caused me to retrain my thoughts and ideas.

The concept of this book is simple...direction determines destination. It is something that we all know but few actually think about and put it into practice. This book is a reminder that our everyday choices guides our paths. To reach a destination, we must make choices that are aligned with that path.

If you are living with regrets or are ready to break those bad habits that are holding you back, this is a definite read. Stanley gives practical steps to overcome these things and then reinforces the ideas with biblical stories and Scripture.