Remarkable Biographies that You Should Not Miss Reading

Biography, in the broadest sense, is a work of literature that documents the life of a particular individual. It can talk about the personal life of the author or a person that interests the author. Moreover, it is a popular genre in literature that is under nonfiction, since it primarily centers on someone’s life journey — which means that it all contain a well-researched and factual content.

What makes biographies interesting is that you can get a glimpse into the experiences and events in one’s life that may inspire you to do better, shift your mindset, and look at life on a different angle. That said, here are the best biographies that you should check out to boost your motivation and learn lessons that can be applied to the world.

Beyond Barriers by Anne Davey Koomans

Written by promising author Anne Davey Koomans, this book can truly capture the hearts of the readers through its heartwarming and inspiring story. Beyond Barriers by Koomans comprehensively records the life of David Davey, who was diagnosed with polio in 1948. After that, his life greatly changes. You will be brought to the stream of thoughts of a 12-year-old boy during the moment when he was admitted to the hospital for 9 months, and utilized the iron lung to fight the disease. The book will also take you to David’s university journey, walk with God, life as a professional, and search for love.

Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Published in 2020 by Crown, Greenlights has surprisingly captured the attention of the readers from all across the world. It was authored by Matthew McConaughey and is also available in audiobook format. It contains meaningful tales and understanding of the actor’s life, which is perfectly written in sequence. Although many referred to the book as a biography and memoir, the author preferred it to be recognized as an “approach book.” A fun fact about Greenlights, it was the product of the author’s journals and diaries when he was a teenager. It also conquered the nonfiction bestseller list of The New York Times.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

This New York Times and Amazon bestselling biography was written by Glennon Doyle. It wasn’t only categorized as a biography, but also as a self-help book. This documents how the author found her own voice, freed herself, took care of herself, and lived freely. It took her how many years before she stopped denying her discontent. Hence, it is a tale about a lady who began to understand that gradually dying for her kids doesn’t define a responsible mom, but teaching her children to live to the fullest does. You will surely learn about drawing boundaries, loving your body, recognize anger and pain, and reveal your true self.

High Achiever: The Incredible True Story of One Addict’s Double Life by Tiffany Jenkins

In 2019, High Achiever: The Incredible Story of One Addict’s Double Life was published by Harmony. It records how the author was an opioid addict, and how her boyfriend and their buddies put her in the jail. Before she was arrested, she already has a record of 20 felonies — which is truly an unexpected turn of events for a former cheerleading captain. The rawness of this book will make you feel different kinds of emotions all at once, such as pain, shame, desperation, pressure, and more. It will also teach you that despite all the mistakes and wrongs that the author committed, better days and hope will always be there to lift her back up and bring her back to the right path.

Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol by Holly Whitaker

Holly Whitaker wrote about her experiences of being an addict and how she braved the circumstances by looking for help after committing various benders. Quit Like a Woman will bring you to a journey that resulted in the author’s soberness and uncovered the horrible role of alcohol in the community and in the lives of ladies. Moreover, the book also evaluates the drinking culture and has become the blueprint of giving up alcohol in order to live fully live with no reliance on intoxication.

Perks of Reading Nonfiction Books

Reading has always been both heaven and hell for everyone. There are times that you are full of motivation to finish that one book that you’ve left hanging for so long, while there are also moments that you suddenly lose your interest in books. But regardless of everything, reading is always vital.

Nonfiction is one of the genres that give readers the best reading experiences. What more could you ask for than the wise word usage, witty content, real talks, and substantial themes? There are just so many important aspects that nonfiction can bring to one’s life. Having and Being Had by Eula Biss, Donut Hole by Rc Le Beau, Healing and Transformation by Eric Alsterberg, Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong, and Caste by Isabel Wilkerson are some of the best nonfiction books to check out in the literary realm.

So, if you are wondering what could be the perks of reading nonfiction books, here are the things that you need to know.

Change how you see things

You probably have already had your own way of viewing things. With this established routine or principle, it may be hard to change. Reading nonfiction books can help you to slowly see the different angles of every situation, thing, and event. You will start to figure out why others tend to act the way they do, believe in certain things, pursue different goals, and among others. The books contain different real and personal stories of downfalls, pain, triumphs, and bravery, which are under the biography and memoir genres. These tales can definitely make you a better judge of character and a great decision-maker.

Get the chance to know others “truth”

Truthfulness is a big deal to everyone. Being able to know the truth of a person is vital because it will determine if he is being genuine with you — from his words to his actions. Truth is defined as facts about a particular event, thing, or person. With everything that is going on in the world, people have learned to build walls to hide vulnerability and be cautious with their surroundings. However, nonfiction is there to serve the rawness and genuineness of people that may help others empathize and understand them better. This is the best way for you to gradually mature and learns from the mistakes and victories of others.

Develop a growth mindset

According to Harvard Business Review, growth mindset refers to the state where people think and believes that their skills and abilities can be enhanced. These individuals are more focused on centering their energies and attention into learning than projecting an intelligent persona. Having this particular mindset instead of the fixed one can make you get a better grasp on the essence of determination, perseverance, and hard work. With the wide array of self-help books that nonfiction has, you can really learn to develop a growth mindset that can lead you to success in both your career and personal lives.

Start to be thankful for everything around you

Showing the attitude of gratitude is vital. It is one of the things that you should always manifest and nurture. Being able to show your appreciation and thankfulness for the material and abstract things that you have received can make others feel happy, acknowledged, and humble. Moreover, nonfiction helps you showcase this attitude with the use of its pieces that center on self-improvement, spirituality, healing, and such. The books with stories of struggles, sadness, and pain can also contribute to your act of becoming more appreciative of the good things around you. With this power that nonfiction books hold, you can truly become a better and smarter person.                    

Obtain substantial lessons

Teachers don’t only come in the form of humans. Books are great teachers too. Nonfiction works are written not just for expression and entertainment, but also to inform and teach. There are many books out there that can greatly help you in your academic journey, walk with the Lord, the road to self-development, voyage towards success, and other vital steps that you both need and want in life. These books will teach you about almost everything because they tackle various essential topics, such as mental health, transformation, history, science, and more.

Ideal Books to Read for a Better Spiritual Life

With all the events happening in the world, such as the pandemic and vaccine trials, your spiritual life might not be on its full strength. You cannot deny that the saddening news about the current issues in the society affects your health both spiritually and mentally. Hence, you need something to refresh your mind and improve your well-being.

There are many things that can help strengthen your spiritual life. Some of them are material things that can truly create great impact to your daily routine while others are abstract things that have the same efficiency as the former. A great example of these mediums is a book, because they contain a handful of lessons and wisdom that you’ll never know you need until you read the book.

Potent Quotes for Soul: Uplifting Quotes for Modern Life by Eric Chifunda

This book is perfect for those who want some words of wisdom, guidance, and healing. Potent Quotes for Soul: Uplifting Quotes for Modern Life by Eric Chifunda was published by Readersmagnet in 2020, which contains beautiful and heartwarming selected inspirational quotes. To further understand the book, you can open a page in a random manner and evaluate what is best for you. When that particular quote resonates with you, evaluate it to find its deeper meaning.

Maximize the Season by Roslynn Bryant

 Roslynn Bryant has written a wonderful book that can truly restore the spiritual well-being of the readers. Maximize the Season provides great understanding to King Solomon’s insights laid down in Ecclesiastes 3. According to King Solomon, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven.” Hence, this amazing book published by Readersmagnet in 2020 displays the wide array of seasons in people’s lives including but not limited to break-up moments, mending, and more.

Come Climb Toward God: Are You Hungry for God? by Marianna Albritton

In the entire Bible teaching experiences of the author, Marianna Albritton, she already has executed her expertise on the “one,” as well as written a book that aims to help those who desire to create a better bond with God. Come Climb Toward God also asks the questions if whether you are craving to answer to His calls or you want to hear Him speak. Thus, this book is intended to those who have the will to understand His callings and to build a good bond with God.

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren

Rick Warren aims to help everyone to get a better grasp on their life’s purpose. This bestselling book is not just a normal nonfiction book, but a medium that will guide you all throughout your spiritual walk that can change your life. Moreover, it aims to assist you in getting the answers to these questions, such as why you are still living, does your life truly matter, and what are you here for. The more you dig deeper into the book, the more you will discover your purpose.

Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkeurst

Published in 2020 by Thomas Nelson, this Christian book has already become a New York Times and Amazon bestseller. It sends a meaning message to every reader to stop feeling the pain and sufferings that were caused by others. Forgiving What You Can’t Forget teaches you to let go of the tiring series of infinite and unresolved sufferings that are constantly bothering your mind. There are many substantial lessons that you can get from reading this book, such as mastering the art of moving on, learning to give yourself freedom, and more.

Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story by Angie Smith

Seamless: Understanding the Bible as One Complete Story by Angie Smith was published by LifeWay Press in 2015. It is a Christian Bible study guide that will help you grow into a better Christian. There are 7 sessions in the book that revolves around the individuals, locations, and promises that are in the Holy Scripture. When you blend them together, you can see a grander story of the Bible that will make you get a better understanding of the Bible and the deeper meaning and aspects of it.

Seven Things You Can Do To Promote Peace and Social Justice

Peace refers to the state when there was no personal, political, and societal conflict that happens in a place or community. Hence, there is no disturbances and chaos. Social justice, moreover, pertains to the justice of resource, chance, and privilege distribution in a place. These two are connected to one another, and are important aspects of people’s lives.

There is lot of work to do to promote peace and advance social justice in the world. Here are seven ways to start:

Make a personal, active commitment to peace and social justice

To be able to live a peaceful and non-violent life, we must fight against all forms of social injustice, such as hunger, poverty, gender inequality, persecution, and racism. We must refuse to stay quiet or neutral in the face of injustice and inequality. Our commitment to nonviolence entails action. We must actively promote change and protest against injustices through non-violent means. We must speak out against social injustice when we see it.

Fight for workers’ rights

We must demand fair treatment for all workers across all sectors, as well as decent wages, paid leaves, healthcare, a safe workplace, and other employment benefits for them, regardless of their position or gender. We must promote and protect all workers’ right to work and employment, especially for people with disabilities.

Support diversity

In the developing world, human rights violations are still rampant. Many people are being oppressed for their race, cultural heritage, socioeconomic status, gender identity, political views, and faith. We must stand in solidarity with the oppressed and persecuted and call out the perpetrators of violence in our society.

Volunteer

By donating a few hours of your time, you can make a difference in people’s lives and help thwart the systematic, root causes of injustice and inequality in your community. Volunteering can teach you a lot about yourself, your community, and the people you are trying to help. By volunteering, you endear yourself to the cause and struggle of marginalized peoples. Before you get involved in any movement, charity, or NGO, make sure you understand what their cause/mission is and what and how they are trying to achieve. It is a great idea to build connections with like-minded individuals. Local organizers and groups often hold open meetings or campaign drives and are excited to have new people involved. They need all the help they could get.

Fight through the arts

There are many ways to protest nonviolently, such as marches, vigils, economic boycotts or sanctions, civil disobedience, community education, and the arts. Yes, the arts! You can fight injustice and inequality, spread the message across, and raise awareness through music, poetry, cinema, mural painting, and books. Educator Carl E. Moyler wrote a book On Freedom and Revolt: A Comparative Investigation (2019). Written in the form of a Ph.D. dissertation, the book deals with a comparison between Albert Camus and Martin Luther King, Jr., both Nobel Prize winners who, despite their differences in terms of racial and cultural background and having lived in different times, were willing to stand in the face of tyranny, social injustice, and war.

Be kind to vulnerable people

This is a major prerequisite to joining the fight against social injustice and inequality: being kind, compassionate, loving, and caring toward the vulnerable.The vulnerable in your community may include the poor, the homeless, the jobless, older people, and people with disabilities, as well as those displaced by war or disasters and victims of trafficking and exploitation. Don’t mock their pain and misery. Don’t belittle them. Should they approach you for help, give as much help as you can, or direct or lead them to the proper authorities or organizations that you believe could help them. Support an organization or cause that is geared toward helping and uplifting the not-so-fortunate.

Lead by example

Don’t just discuss the topic of social in/justice and in/equality with people. Stand, act and fight. Don’t just read the books. Become them. We have the responsibility to act and put into fruition what we have read and heard and are commanded to do. The change will not occur unless you act. Peace and social justice are never without the commitment to act.

Best Children’s Books for Your 2021 Reading List

Books are essential for everyone, especially for children. They are the things that you thought you never needed, but turn out to be the ones you cannot live without. Since it is still the start of the New Year, your reading list might need a little update. Children’s literature is the genre that is fit for all-ages and for all-time, which makes it the best genre to include in your list.

Because of the tough times that the world experienced last year, and even now, you should replenish and unwind through reading. Children’s books can greatly help you and the kids around you to learn, grow, and understand everything that happens in life. Hence, here are the best books that you should check out for your 2021 reading list.

Grandpa Nick’s Bump by Lynda Daniele

This touching book was written by Lynda Daniele in honor of her late husband. Grandpa Nick’s Bump is inspired by the true story of how Nick, the author’s husband, became the grandfather of the kids in their neighborhood. It happened instantly after silly Grandpa Nick said “yes” with a big smile to the request of the children that he was looking after. This story will surely touch your hearts and appreciate your grandfathers better.

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

Published in 1947 by Harper & Brothers, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown is the best story to read during bedtime. It contains wonderful illustrations by Clement Hurd, which gives you the entertainment and engagement that you need. It showcases a bunny who always greet everything around him with “goodnight.” The content of the book is in the form of rhyming poem. The protagonist, which is the anthropomorphic bunny, starts its bedtime routine at and ends when the clock strikes 8:10 PM.

Enchanted Rainbows by Gabriella Eva Nagy

Author-illustrator Gabriella Eva Nagy wows the readers with this touching graphic representation to greet someone a happy birthday. Hence, it is a perfect gift for kids to get them started on reading books because it has lovey illustrations personally designed by Nagy. Moreover, you will get drawn to the vibrant and imaginative world in this book that goes beyond time and space. Enchanted Rainbows was published by Halo Publishing International last 2019.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

Ezra Jack Keats is the author of the 1963 Caldecott Medal awardee, The Snowy Day. The book was published in 1962 by Viking Press. It is a picture book intended for kids that follows the story of an African-American kid named Peter. During the first day of the winter season when the snow fell, Peter toured their neighborhood. He was wearing a bright red suit that is appropriate for the weather. He made tiny footprints, snowman, and snow angels. Peter really had a great time playing in the snow and discovering the world beyond the four corners of his home.

The Song of Solomon the Snail by Caroleann Rice

In 2017, The Song of Solomon the Snail by Caroleann Rice was published by Xulon Press. It centers on the story of all-knowing creature named Solomon. As he travelling in his usual slow pace, he started singing. This snail has his house on his back and brings it wherever he goes in the world. He constantly asks his buddy named the Mighty Wondrous Voice of Love in him for advice on the things he should do to resolve the challenges and troubles in his life.

Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss

This classic book authored by one of the best children’s book writers in literature, Dr. Seuss, has been entertaining and educating its readers since it was released on the market. Fox in Socks has two protagonists, which are the anthropomorphic fox referred to as Fox and a yellow dog called Knox. These main characters display different characteristics. The former speaks approximately every hard and rhyming tongue-twister while the latter is having a hard time catching up with the language of the former. This is ideal for kids who are just learning to read, for it can exercise both their written and oral communication skills. It also contains wonderful images that are perfect for young readers.

Are You Overwhelmed By Feeling Inadequate About Yourself?

Are you being held back by certain anxieties and fears?

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, there has been so much fear and anxiety. We are afraid for our and our loved ones’ health and well-being. We are anxious and fearful about losing our jobs or failing to pay rent. We are concerned about our children’s education. We are worried about how the pandemic will affect our relationships in the long-term. It remains to be seen how we will fare after the pandemic. 

And then there is the fear of inadequacy.

Our society stresses self-actualization, self-confidence, and, to some extent, self-aggrandizement, most often through social media. The sad truth is that many of us, most especially millennials, those who remain unfulfilled in our careers and those struggling financially and emotionally and spiritually, suffer from feelings of inadequacy. We are fearful about making decisions, plans, and changes that impact our lives. We become doubtful about our capabilities. We lose confidence and motivation, which makes us less likely to accomplish all the things God wants us to do.

Learn from the story of Moses

If you ever struggle with feelings of inadequacy, turn to your Bible and reread the remarkable story of Moses. Moses, one of the most outstanding leaders in history, can relate to your fear of inadequacy. 

When God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses responded, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11 NIV) 

It is not that Moses did not understand God’s power or believe that God would equip him for the task. Owing to his personal experiences, Moses simply saw himself as inadequate. He was separated from his parents as a baby and grew up in the house of Pharaoh. He later discovered his minority status – his Hebrew heritage. As a child, he was raised as a prince while his own family and people were being oppressed. Moses had a tremendous fear of inadequacy rather than lack of leadership or faith. He told God, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13 NIV)

Of course, God, being God, was not done with him. We know what happened next. So after receiving further assurance – and miracles – from God, as well as a blessing from his father-in-law, Moses stepped out of his comfort zone to bring his people – God’s people – out of bondage in Egypt. From being a shepherd, Moses roses to became a liberator and leader of the Israelites. He took to heart God’s promise to him, “…I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” (Exodus 4:12 NIV)

Sitting on Jesus’s lap

One’s struggles with inadequacy begin in early childhood when we receive negative messages – such as criticisms, complaints, teasing, bullying, anger, etc. – from parents, teachers, peers, and other people. Negative reciprocity is the negative self-perception or a negative view of oneself that causes us to believe we are unloved, unaccepted, and incapable. And comparing ourselves to others fuels one’s fears of inadequacy (and worse, envy and jealousy). 

Note that feeling inadequate about yourself is never a bad thing. The problem lies in the way we handle our feelings of inadequacy. Do you feel bad about not measuring up to society or people’s standards? 

As children of God, we should realize that we are inadequate. We all are. We are not better than anyone else. None of us measure up to God’s standards, and we all know we are not good enough, so we (should) ask the Lord Jesus Christ to make us right with God. 

Jesus is the way to the Father (John 14:6). Apart from Jesus, we are useless and unworthy. With Jesus, we are so much more, so by sitting on Jesus’s lap, we earn the fantastic privilege of being a child of God. We gain the benefit of intimacy with God. By sitting on Jesus’s lap, we achieve the right that we can be used by God, even in our weaknesses, for His works and His people, just like He did with Moses. 

We belong to God. We should simply be who we are as God made us be, inadequate that we trust and depend on God more and allow Jesus Christ to work in us and through us. We do not have to be what people expect us to be. We just need to be who we are in Jesus, and God will use our feelings of inadequacy for His greater glory. 

Inspiring Books of Different Genres that You Should Check Out

Books are amazing objects. They contain so much wonder and beauty that makes every reader somewhere in this world put a smile on their faces. How they appear physically doesn’t match up to the greatness that can only be found in their pages. Therefore, you definitely should not judge a book by its cover.

Since it is already the start of the brand-new year, you should also update your reading list with books that you haven’t read before. You may want to check out some inspiring books that belong to different genres so that you can explore and discover other greatness — as well as relieve the stress and heartaches that were given by the past year. That said, listed below are some of the best inspiring books in literature.

The Color of Love by Raymond Quattlebaum

A moving poetry book that tackles the ethereal beauty, the vibrancy of love, and the landscape of life by Quattlebaum, The Color of Love is truly one of the must-reads in poetry. It is the second poetry book of Raymond Quattlebaum that was published in 2018. The Color of Love attempts to inspire its readers to read every poem from top to bottom and be moved on how the author remarkably highlighted the fragrance of life, love of God, and the beauty of being alive. This book will also help the readers understand the quintessence of the truest selves of everyone that is being revealed by God.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Published in 2005, Think and Grow Rich is a self-help book that makes people comprehend the essence and importance of personal success. It was written by Napoleon Hill and was originally published by The Ralston Society in 1937. The book came about after the author was inspired by a certain recommendation by Andrew Carnegie, a successful businessman and philanthropist. Think and Grow Rich features 14 principles that were based on the 16 laws that were thoroughly looked into by the author, from the Thoughts are things to The Sixth Sense. It also argues that wants, faith, and determination can ignite one to exceptional lengths if a person can defeat negativities and focus their attention on long-term objectives.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

This amazing heartwarming children’s book has always been a favorite not just by kids but also by grown-ups. It was originally written in the native language of the French author Antoine de Saint-Exupery. The story highlights the friendship of the narrator and his friend whom he called The Little Prince. The narrator has been tamed, found comfort, and learned a lot about the life of The Little Prince who lived alone in his own little planet with his volcanoes, roses, and multiple sunsets. What made the book a hit even today is its easy language, unique illustrations, and essential lessons. Readers of all ages are really tamed by the story.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

This bestselling novel by Elizabeth Gilbert has been inspiring not just women but all readers who want to search and discover the best version of them. Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia centers on the author as she ventures into foreign countries to reflect, unwind, and unleash her full potential. This book is full of wit and knowledge that highlights how Gilbert left everything behind, her career, home, and partner in order to feel genuine happiness, discover diverse cultures, harmony between earthly delight and Godly transcendence, and more.

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Author, musician, and journalist Mitch Albom wrote this remarkable and bestselling philosophical and biographical novel Tuesdays with Morrie, which sparks inspiration from readers from different parts of the world. It was originally published in 1997 by Doubleday. The book focuses on the newly reconnected relationship of the journalist Mitch and his dying teacher Morrie. Even until his last days, Morrie didn’t fail to teach Mitch about the little and grand things in the world. Their sessions every Tuesday is always full of wisdom and learning, which Mitch appreciates and takes by heart. In the end, Morrie really reached the end of his waiting game and met death — leaving every person in his life devastated.

Ideal Christian Books to Read this Christmas Season

Every December 25, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the son of God. His birth was already foretold by Angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary. Hence, Christmas Day is not just a normal holiday but a very important one to the Christian community because it is the day that the Savior was born.

Jesus’ birth was stated on Luke 2:7-11, “and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

So, what could be the best yet an unconventional thing to do to commemorate the occasion? The answer is reading! There are many Christian books that you can read or re-read just in time for Christmas. These pieces can definitely make you strengthen your faith in Him, as well as get closer to Jesus and His Father. That said, here are the perfect Christian books to read this season.

A Law from Eden by Marilyn Taplin

This book helps us understand what particular sin is the reason why we were eliminated from the Garden of Eden. The author evaluates the Holy Scripture to reveal the original sin, which is neither pride nor the search for knowledge about right and wrong; instead, it is sexual immorality. A misconception of gender fluidity has contributed to this profoundly wicked community, and the biblical study suggests that the manner in which even those preaching to be Christians perceive their own identities were being corrupted by sexual activities rooted in ancient pagan cultures and now present in current LGBT groups — which shows that the LGBTQ unnatural sex or the LGBTQ go against what is mandated on the Bible regarding the sexual orientation and acts. The universe is heading in the opposite direction, people say, and Jesus teaches everyone how to change the trajectory and take Eden back to Earth. For those who claim to be Christians understand the powerful truth regarding the original sin and finally put an end to this sexual encounter, they will be ready to assist in ushering in the God-promised heaven on earth.

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Timothy Keller

In 2008, Dutton published The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by scholar and Pastor Timothy Keller and it has become one of the most successful books in Christian literature. This Christian apologetic tackles topics, such as the oppositions to the Christian beliefs in its first part titled “The Leap of Doubt.” Moreover, some of the quoted critiques are authors Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennett, and J.L. Mackie. The second part of the book titled “The Reasons for Faith,” talks about the analytical rationalism at “Intermission” as a way of saying claims and justifications for the Lord and the belief. There are many reliable sources that the author cited in the book. Furthermore, The Reason for God was awarded by both the Christianity Today and World magazine; and, ranked 7th for the non-fiction bestseller list in 2008 by The New York Times.

Come Climb Towards God: Are You Hungry for God? by Marianna Albritton

Come Climb Towards God: Are You Hungry for God? is among the best books that will surely make you more closer to Him. Hence, it has its ways to make you feel more drawn to the Lord and strengthen your faith. This is written for those who crave a relationship with the Lord, His words, His callings, and answering His calls. In the entire Bible-teaching experience of Marianna Albritton, she has already encountered the “one.” Hence, from the moment that she devoted her life to the Lord — a compulsion to get to know the true Jesus sprung up to her. For Marianna, the process of answering Jesus’ calls is truly exciting.

Best Newly Released Books that You Must Add to Your Shelf

The winter is coming and this is the time to update your reading list, buy new books, and increase your shelf volume so that you’re ready to conquer the new season. How wonderful it would be to smell the scent of new books, arrange them on your shelf, and read them when the cold winds blow and the snow falls! It would definitely create a cozy atmosphere and make your holidays more exciting.

Although this has been a year of difficulty and pain, there are still things giving us rays of hope and silver linings. One of the best things that 2020 has bestowed to the literary community is newly published books! Some of these books are sequels, while others are stand-alone novels. Here is a list of some of the best released books this year.

Maximize the Season by Roslynn Bryant

Published by ReadersMagnet on July 10th, Maximize the Season by Roslynn Bryant provides readers with a great, insightful, and inspiring reading experience.

The book contains an excellent grasp on King Solomon’s knowledge and wisdom in Ecclesiastes 3, where he states, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven.” It emphasizes the several seasons in life, like moments of separation and healing, breaking down and building up, joy and sorrow, forgetting and remembering, gaining and losing, keeping silent and speaking, and opposition and peace. Maximize the Season gives Biblical illumination and practical wisdom that will guide readers in making personal application for the seasons of their lives. The author also shares personal testimonies in these life moments that mirror the experiences that many people face today.

The Seven Fs to a Fruitful Life by Roslynn Bryant

The Seven Fs to a Fruitful Life is a practical guide on how to live the abundant life that the Lord Jesus has purposed.

This book highlights the seven key areas in our lives: faith, family, friends, finances, fitness, focus, and future. The author shares Biblical insights, words of wisdom and practical advice on how to maximize your potential in these key areas thereby achieving fruitfulness in life. This Christian based self-help book will prove to be invaluable to all who are seeking the best that God has for them. There is also a Spanish version, Las Siete Claves Para Una Vida Fructifera.

Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline

This book that was published on November 24th is the sequel to the sci-fi hit Ready Player One.

When you thought everything is going well after Wade Watts won the competition of James Halliday, the discovery about something that will put the two worlds at risk will emerge. Concealed in the OASIS founder’s vault is a technological advancement, which will make a change in the world again and turn the OASIS more spectacular and compelling that even Wade has never thought possible. There are a riddle and a brand-new mission that came together with what they discovered, which is the final Easter egg from the OASIS founder that gives a clue about a peculiar prize.

A Promised Land by Barack Obama

The former U.S. President Barack Obama has written a memoir titled A Promised Land that was recently published by Crown on November 17th. Hence, the launching of the book happened right after the 2020 national elections. After the publication announcement of his book, Obama then tweeted that he intends to give an accurate evaluation of his presidency, the forces we deal with as a country, and the ways of mending the differences, and shape up democracy to work for everyone. A Promised Land was ended by telling the events of the death of Osama bin Laden 9 years ago. The book already got favorable reviews and is currently topping the Amazon charts.

Whether you are searching for spiritual uplifting, a science fiction thrill, or an honest look at democracy, these books are promising in making your winter more enjoyable.

Common Factors that Greatly Impact One’s Mental Health

Mental health was one of the most overlooked aspects before. But as time goes by, it has become among the most focused ones today. Now, there are already many groups that raise mental health awareness, as well as individuals who are advocates of mental health. Last October 10, the planet celebrated World Mental Health Day — which is an annual commemoration of raising the awareness of mental health problems all across the globe and supporting those who are diagnosed with mental health disorders or illnesses.

Unfortunately, mental health awareness is still being taught to the public until now; because, there are still those who don’t believe in it and treat these disorders as nonexistent. Moreover, the awareness of this particular health was being widened, especially after the pandemic outbreak. The stress levels, suicide rates, anxieties, and other aspects have been heightened due to the multiple alterations on people’s daily routine to be safe from the virus, plus the sad news about the growing cases and death toll.

But the real question is what could really be the root of mental health disorders and issues that some individuals are experiencing today? Here are the common factors that significantly impact an individual’s mental health.

Dysfunctional family

This refers to a family where either or both of the parents are constantly fighting, misbehaving, and neglecting or abusing their kids, which influence the witnesses to follow the same acts. Kids who are raised in that particular environment mistook the situations as normal. Dysfunctional families are typically a product of two problematic people. One can become too violent or abusive while the other is very codependent. Addiction to alcohol, drugs, and other substances and an uncured mental disorder can also be the characteristics of the parents. A concrete example is the author Steve Ross dysfunctional relationships, which really contributed to the burden that Ross carries and eventually became the root of his mental disorder.

Childhood trauma

Childhood trauma pertains to the horrors that a person has experienced when he was a child. The intensity of a certain memory might have been too great that has impacted his current mental state. It is frequently defined as ACEs or adverse childhood experiences. Kids may undergo a series of experience that are being categorized as psychological trauma. These said experiences include but are not limited to child neglect, sexual assault, domestic abuse, violence, and abandonment. Moreover, the incidents mentioned may create a strong psychological, behavioral, and sociological impact and can make some adverse and prolonged effects on one’s well-being.

Loss of a beloved

Losing a loved one is among the most difficult events in life. The effects of it can go from average to an extreme. When people are stricken by grief after the death of a beloved, they go through the levels of it, but the real deal is if they could handle it well. Grief is defined as a deep and strong emotional distress that is the product of a passing of a loved one. The basic stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, there are some that cannot overcome the depression, which led to them diagnosed with clinical depression or other mental health illnesses. Moreover, depression is not just about being sad because it is also about appetite loss, inactiveness, isolation, hopelessness, oversleeping, and even having suicidal tendencies.

Bullying and/or discrimination

Bullying refers to the unequal treatment of a vulnerable individual by someone who is more dominant, especially in physical aspects. Discrimination, on the other hand, pertains to the act of judging people based on their distinguishing aspects, such as race, religion, and more. These two might be different, but they share something in common — which is the act of maltreating others who did nothing. Individuals who are victims of bullying, discrimination, or both tend to lose their confidence, get more insecurities and withdraw themselves from the eyes of the public. Even if there is completely nothing wrong with them, they will start to feel less significant than others and began to wonder where they went wrong. These effects can lead to many mental health issues, such as depression, substance abuse, PTSD, anxiety, and more. What makes it worse is that these victims may experiences these disorders or illnesses for a long period of time.

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