Title: True North: Choosing God in the Frustrations of Life
Authors: Gary Heim and Lisa Heim
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: May 2, 2011
Genre: Non-Fiction / Religion / Christian Life
Reviewed by: D.S. White
Believing that learning to live for God through all of life’s frustration is an intentional activity for every day, the Heims also provide discussion questions at the end of each chapter to help readers apply biblical truths to situations where frustrations loom. Perfect for use in ministry settings or as a handbook for personal growth, Truth North shows readers how to embark on the life-giving adventure of walking with God.
Read an Excerpt:
My Thoughts:
There is so much that I love about this book, I don’t know where to start! You see I am the queen of frustration. There is so much in my life that frustrates me it’s pitiful. People don’t expect sold out Christians to say things like that–but it’s true. We understand the power of prayer, we understand that we should die to self daily, we understand that the DNA of Jesus the Christ enables us with all of His abilities, however, some days it seems as if we can’t even muster up the strength to act upon what we believe.
I have been a huge fan of Psychology since I took my first class at age nineteen and realized that understanding myself and my motivations gave me a way to handle my frustrations. Even so, that alone is not enough and the authors break that down very clearly in the four parts of their book:
- Part One: You are Here
- 1- Life is Difficult, 2- Will You Go North or South? 3- Groaning: God’s passionate pursuit of your heart
- Part Two: Going South
- 4-Grumbling: The first sign you’re headed south, 5- Grasping: Your attempts to gain control
- Part Three: Going North
- 6- Grace: The power to turn north, 7- A Great Gift: The new identity we need, 8-Gratitude: The response to God’s love, 9- Giving: The fruit of a grateful heart
- Part Four: You-Turn
- 10-Getting It, 11- Growing It 12) Giving It Away: Mentoring Others
This book is an awesome combination of self-realization (by the authors), learned skills (psychology, compassion, love), teaching and spirituality. If you’re anything like me, you will start out reading at a clip and realize that this is a book to savor, learn and experience. As you begin to savor and learn (via the self examination/discussion questions after each chapter) you will cry buckets of tears, probably at the most inappropriate times, however, you will come out less frustrated and more at peace with yourself, the world around you and most importantly, a (new or ) renewed relationship with God.
The authors have done such a great job of covering all the bases. Men reject God and religion because they crave facts and operate via the intellect vs emotions. True North covers that. If you’ve ever heard T.D. Jakes preach a sermon, you wonder how a man can so clearly understand the heart of a woman? True North understands and addresses the nexus of our hurts. It forces you to name it (face it) and to see it for the lie that it is. True North shows the love of God and how His love works in our lives and how if it’s not working (frustration) it’s because of a choice we have made in our life. True North addresses taking responsibility for our choices, and convicts us to give up that entitlement spirit that is prevalent in this day and age. True North acknowledges the imperfections, makes clear the choices North (God) and South (flesh) and gives great action steps teaching us to practice turning to God instead of groaning and grumbling.
True North challenges us to choose God no matter what. It makes it clear that although the choice is not an easy one, sticking to our choice and practicing doing so even in our rough times is rewarding. It also challenges us to go to the next level and to bring others along with us for the ride.
My Rating:
I unabashedly award this book a 5/5 rating.
My Recommendation:
This book accomplishes its purpose in a straightforward and gentle manner. I totally recommend it for small group discussions. It is low cost ($15.99) scripturally correct counseling–in a book!
About the Authors
Gary Heim is pastor of Small Groups and Discipleship at Blythefield Hills Church in Rockford, Michigan; an adjunct professor at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary; and a retreat and seminar speaker. He is a limited licensed psychologist in Michigan where he had a private counseling practice for over ten years and was a staff counselor for RBC Ministries. Married to Lisa for over twenty-five years with two college age children, Gary enjoys hunting, fly fishing, and backpacking.
Lisa Heim is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan where she has had a private practice for the last twenty years. Lisa has been married to Gary for over twenty-five years and together they are the proud parents of two college-age children. In her spare time Lisa enjoys reading, walking, kayaking, home decorating, and gardening.
NOTE: This book was received from the Publisher, Kregel Publications, free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
