Susie Davis is the woman I wish lived next door. If I ever dreamed of an “older than me” woman to get to watch do life–it would be Susie. She has so much wisdom, her laugh is infectious, she lets you be how you are, and truly lives up to her name of “The Good News Girl“. She is an author (I got to design the cover of her eBook), a Pastor’s wife, and the mother of three. Her husband, Will Davis, Jr., has just released the book Enough, which is upsetting my quiet little life–adding to the deep down and shifty questions happening in my soul these days.
She’s just sent her youngest daughter off to college and is discovering new season of motherhood and femininity. I’m excited to get to watch and take notes from afar, certainly it is wise to watch women you admire.
I’ve asked Susie the basic question, “What are your favorite books?”. This is a question I’m always asking people. I love the answers. They speak volumes about a person’s interests, values, and taste.
3 books that say home …
I’m packing today to leave. For a trip that takes me to the airport and whisks me far away from home.
Confession: I don’t like to travel. I’d like to blame my mom or my sister (they really know how to hunker down and stay put) but I’m old enough take responsibility for my own idiosyncrasies.
I am a certifiable homebody. I seize up just thinking about leaving home. Like this morning, I was making a little travel list and suddenly found myself under the covers of my bed wrapped in my husband’s softest flannel shirt. The thought of leaving makes me feel small and fragile. I am helpless in understanding why …
There are a lot of things I don’t understand about myself. Like the weird paranoia I felt when Hayley asked me if I’d like to guest post about my favorite books. Because the thing is … I’m a reluctant reader. I think that’s odd for an author. But it’s true. When picking books to read, I’m indecisive. When committing to a book, I’m terribly unfaithful.
Because there are so many beautiful writers out there. People beyond brilliant with things to say and stories to tell. Hear me: I want to be in your book club, I want to contribute to Good Reads. But for me, committing to a book is a little like traveling to a far off place.
But then there are some writers who rescue me. From my outlook. From my ever inward focus. From the crazies that I don’t yet understand.
The words they write are home to me. And these books, they are the ones I settle in with ~ OCD style ~ and wrap them in close to my soul just like my husband’s flannel shirt.
Who would I be without these writers in my life?
1) My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Though this is a daily devotional, it is a story ~ and the best kind. Of a man who spoke truth and a wife who recorded his words. How does Oswald know what I’m thinking? And how is he so painfully honest with me, weakening me to the point of thinking I could never actually live this Jesus life and yet, able to motivate me to give it one more try? I read from this vintage copy nearly every morning.
2) Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott. Thank you, Anne, for never caving and using Christianese, for making me believe that there is a story worth telling somewhere deep inside of me, and for cussing when necessary. (Because everyday life does have some crap, words included.) Copies of this book are scattered everywhere around my house … because like a smoker, I never know when I might need a puff of her stuff.
3) The Art of Divine Contentment by Thomas Watson. Download (just 99 cents) at your own risk. Alert me if you see a vintage paper copy a-n-y-w-h-e-r-e. And make sure to take baby steps through this book. Slowly, in case you fall apart like I did. Sip this book like fine wine. It will make your head light. You will nod in agreement and weep at the same time. Tipsy from the truth.
There are three of my favorites. Now I’m wondering … what books say home to you?