In the desire to slow down, I've been looking for books that aren't too daunting to implement or too self-focused without an outward expression that focuses on others. As a result, I'm grateful that I've come across The Quiet Resistance by Andrea G. Burke, a book that allows me to adopt manageable actions while having an external posture.
Many thanks to Baker Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Book Synopsis
An invitation to the fullness of a slower, simpler life
- Discover how to turn off the noise and pay attention
- Learn to resist the pace of our empty, consumer-driven culture
- Experience striking beauty, true friendship, tangible quiet, and deep contentment
In myriad ways and from every angle, this world calls us to move faster, work harder, digitize, monetize, and turn our lives into 15-second clips to get clicks, likes, and shares. In the meantime, we are missing the good things in life that are actually worth sharing. The joy of unhurried time spent outside. The camaraderie of knowing our neighbors. The fellowship of eating a simple homecooked meal with our families. God's goodness and truth wait patiently for us to turn off the noise and begin to pay attention.
This thoughtful yet eminently practical book is a compassionate guide to a slower, fuller, and more intentional life characterized by striking beauty, true friendship, tangible quiet, and deep contentment. Poetic, earnest, and full of hope, The Quiet Resistance gently leads us to discover the everyday miracles of being human, enjoying creation, and loving the people around us well.
Our greatest act of holy rebellion is resisting the frenetic pace and skewed priorities of our empty, consumer-driven culture. Why shouldn't this quiet revolution start with you?
Source: Amazon
Book Thoughts
There is a lot to chew on in this book about taking a step back from a frenetic life and world. If acts of resistance can also be classified as being counter-cultural, the author provides Christians with many practical examples that reflect godly living as opposed to worldly living. While not all of these steps may be possible to implement, there is value in the long-lasting truths and generational wisdom that have proven their worth over time. Most of these exhortations aren't new, mirroring some of the advice that Paul offers in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 to lead a quiet life, mind our own business, and work with our hands; however, it's refreshing to see this information laid out in a clear fashion, serving as reminders for when we lose our focus.
Resisting can also boil down to prioritizing what's important, which is usually easier to read about than to execute. Thankfully, the accompanying stories—ranging from being light-hearted to quite serious—provide a tangible backdrop in which to absorb these simple acts. It's a book that will hold great appeal to those wanting to implement small changes over time rather than anything large or dramatic. Readers wanting to stop and catch a breath from their hectic activities and obligations will find The Quiet Resistance to be an aspirational read that offers inspiration and hope without feeling burdened by any additional tasks.
Book Summary
- Format of book: 📱
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Recommendation: 👍
Book Quotes
I’ve chosen boundaries with some family members for the sake of my own family’s peace. Family is not always the safest place. Blood isn’t stronger than sin, and sin is apt to destroy any close bonds if it’s not handled. This is why I’d argue that one way we can resist the disintegration of family is to strive to build a family within the body of Christ. This isn’t to say we don’t practice forgiveness toward those in our families of origin who have hurt us. But being related by blood isn’t a free pass for an all-access relationship.
For singles, widows, orphans, and anyone else who might not feel like they have a place in any traditional family, finding our people in the body of Christ is a rich and deep invitation Jesus provides for us. The language of family fills the New Testament . It’s not wrong for us to long for family; it’s not wrong to find that family in Christ. Your family of Christ might look very different from those who share your DNA. Some of these people will be your “actual” family. But some will be your friends who come for dinner every week and the people you worship with at church, the people with whom you have a bond that is far stronger than blood or genes—the unity of Christ.
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