[Note: I have authored 32 books to date; yet, I have realized that (even after 100 newsletters here at this website) many of you do not know what my books are about. 😆
In these audio Deep Dives, the two hosts discuss the book in focus, and it ends up being quite inspirational! You can listen to this audio presentation in your podcast app or right here in the email as you drive to work or put on your make-up. (Also, there is a transcript available in the link above.)
I have also provided an overview for those who prefer to read. Enjoy and check out the huge 80% limited-time special discount on PDF and .epub ebooks below. If you really like the ebook, you can always pick up the paperback at Amazon as a gift for your friends and family for Christmas. Thanks for reading and listening! Iann ]
Life Interrupted: Finding Hope and Healing When Life Hurts by Iann Schonken
Main Themes:
Embracing the Power of the Pause: This is the central theme. Schonken argues that intentional pauses in our fast-paced lives are essential for spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. These pauses are not simply breaks, but moments of reflection, connection, and realignment with God's purposes.
Biblical Foundation: Schonken draws heavily on scripture to support his arguments, citing examples of biblical figures who practiced pausing and highlighting verses that emphasize the importance of reflection, patience, and trust in God's timing.
Transformative Power of Challenges: The book tackles difficult topics like pain, loss, conflict, and injustice. Schonken posits that by pausing and engaging with these challenges in a healthy way, we can experience healing, growth, and ultimately, transformation.
Practical Application: While deeply rooted in biblical principles, the book is also practical, offering concrete steps and reflection questions to help readers incorporate pausing into their daily lives.
Most Important Ideas & Facts:
Chapter 1: Pause for Pain:
Pain is an inevitable part of the human experience, serving as a signal that something requires attention.
Pausing in pain allows us to acknowledge our suffering, seek God's comfort, surrender our hurt to Him, and find meaning in our experiences.
"Pausing in our pain is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage and faith."
Schonken uses examples of David, Job, and Jesus in Gethsemane to illustrate the power of pausing in pain.
Chapter 2: Pause for Personal Loss:
Loss, in various forms, requires intentional pausing to grieve fully and to honor what or whom we have lost.
Schonken discusses the stages of grief and emphasizes the importance of allowing ourselves to experience each stage without judgment.
The biblical practice of lament is presented as a healthy way to process loss, expressing pain to God while affirming trust in Him.
Chapter 3: Pause for Parties and Celebrations:
Celebration is a recurring theme in scripture and is essential for spiritual and emotional well-being.
Intentional pausing for joy strengthens our relationship with God and others, reminding us of God's blessings even amidst challenges.
"Our celebrations on earth are a foretaste of the eternal celebration that awaits us in heaven."
Chapter 4: Pause Your Protests:
While advocating for justice is important, the book encourages pausing before protesting to ensure our actions are thoughtful and effective.
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20, NIV)
Schonken highlights the power of non-violent protest, drawing on the teachings of Jesus and Martin Luther King Jr.
Chapter 5: Pause for Partnership:
God created us for relationship and partnership, both with Him and with others.
Investing in these partnerships requires intentionality and a willingness to be vulnerable.
Healthy partnerships provide spiritual growth, emotional support, and increased effectiveness in ministry and life.
Chapter 6: Pause for a More Propitious Time:
Recognizing and waiting for God's timing is crucial for successful outcomes in our endeavors.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
While waiting can be challenging, Schonken emphasizes that it is an active process that builds spiritual strength and prepares us for future tasks.
Chapter 7: Pause for a More Positive Mindset:
Cultivating a positive attitude is a spiritual discipline rooted in biblical truth and God's character.
Our perspective significantly impacts our attitude and focusing on God's promises and faithfulness fosters positivity even in challenging circumstances.
The power of praise is highlighted as a tool to shift our focus from problems to God's power and to cultivate joy and gratitude.
Conclusion:
Schonken encourages readers to identify areas in their lives where they need to incorporate more intentional pauses.
He challenges us to view interruptions not as setbacks but as invitations from God for growth and transformation.
The book concludes with a call to embrace the practice of pausing, leading to a deeper connection with God and a more fulfilling life.
Quotes:
"What if I told you that instead of perpetual motion, it is actually pauses—these intentional interruptions to our frantic pace of life—that present the opportunity for a more fulfilling, purposeful, and joy-filled existence?"
"These biblical examples teach us that pausing in our pain is not a sign of weakness, but an act of courage and faith."
"Our earthly celebrations, then, are not just ends in themselves but preparation for and participation in this eternal celebration."
"This passage encapsulates the essence of pausing our protests—not to silence our voices, but to ensure that when we do speak, our words are measured, thoughtful, and more likely to effect positive change."
"It is in these connections—with God and with each other—that we find the support, growth, and joy that God intends for us."
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV)
"In the pauses, in the stillness, may you come to know God more deeply and experience the fullness of life He offers."
Overall Impression:
"Life Interrupted" offers a compelling argument for the importance of pausing in various aspects of our lives. Drawing on biblical wisdom, personal anecdotes, and practical steps, Schonken provides a roadmap for navigating life's inevitable challenges and experiencing a more meaningful and fulfilling journey. The book is well-organized, easy to read, and filled with thought-provoking insights and actionable advice. It is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to live a more intentional and God-centered life.
Get your copy and get a few paperbacks for your friends for Christmas:
Paperback: $9.99 | Kindle: $9.99 | PDF+epub Ebooks: $1.99 (limited time 80% discount)