At one time or another, shifting seasons in family, friendships, employment, and communities will bring each of us face-to-face with the feeling of being on the outside looking in. Because we are made for connection, this will often lead us down one of two roads. Either we will hop on the popular but crowded highway that asks us to do whatever it takes to get noticed, or we’ll stand still, … paralyzed by the fear that we’re not important, loveable, or worth other people’s time and attention.
But what if there is another way? With an understanding voice that will speak into your own circumstances, Kristen Strong walks beside you along the less traveled but more satisfying third way–the back road way–to belonging: remaining in Christ and relaxing into the unique role God has for you. Along the way, you will learn simple, doable actions that not only will help you feel and know that you belong but will welcome others in as well.
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This book was absolutely amazing. I don’t think the cover of this book does it justice even though I wouldn’t know what to replace it with. The author goes deep down into the roots of the things that leave us feeling unwanted, unworthy, and/or alone. Even when life experiences are different, the roots are often the same.
As a kid in elementary school I was bullied. I wish that all of the emotions I experienced could have stayed in the past but the truth is even over 20 years later I still struggle with feelings like I don’t belong and I’m not wanted. I’ve developed a bubbly enough personality that I can hide behind those feelings, but I think people would be shocked to discover the thoughts racing through my mind underneath the big smile across my face. Reading this book I discovered I’m really not alone in this thinking. Yes, it’s still something I need to make sure I am giving to God, but I am not the only who wrestles with these thoughts.
One thing that really stuck out to me was when the author talked about Jesus and his status of being on the outside. It says on page 18: “From his birth outside the inn, Jesus experienced what it was like to be on the outside. Yet he still lived as one very much accepted, because he was accepted by his Father. He didn’t worry about being on the outside looking in. He was on the outside looking up.” On the next page it also says “Because Jesus came for you, you’re already in, in every way that counts.” This section completely spoke to my heart and reminded me of the right perspective I need to have.
This book is about more than just fitting in. It’s about having the right perspective in continually looking up and finding your hope and worth in Christ. It’s about how to maneuver this this world without feeling like you’re being swallowed up. It’s about placing so much value on your relationship with your Heavenly Father, that no earthly drama can steal your joy.
I absolutely recommend this book as a must-read. I think there’s something for everyone found within the pages for them to walk away with. I will certainly be looking out for more by this author in the future.
*I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
This book is filled with biblical encouragement for those of us who struggle with finding where we belong. The author writes like she’s sipping iced tea with you on her front porch after supper. She instantly lets you in on her struggles with fitting in and belonging and lets you know you are not alone in yours.
“When we’re in a season of change, hope gets buried beneath fifty layers of defeated thinking, and we’re sure we need to do something to reassure ourselves that we belong.” Author Kristen Strong shares with the reader how she struggled fitting in, with compassion and encouragement. Each chapter from wandering to inviting shows us how to remain in Christ and grow into the unique role God has for us.
How often do we struggle with belonging or fitting in or felt left out? I struggle with that more often that I want to but am reminded daily that God is with me and part of the bigger picture. How often do we click “like” on a post to be part of the group or to fit in? I found myself in most of the pages throughout the book. We are made for community and connection to not do life on our own. The author weaves into each chapter modern day with biblical examples. Add this book to your to be read pile.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion.
“Making friends is hard. Expanding our belonging place is hard.”
This quote from chapter 11 of Back Roads To Belonging: Unexpected Paths to Finding Your Place and Your People perfectly sums up why I had to read this book! As someone who has fought loneliness and insecurities form pretty much all my adult life, when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. It was a great read! It’s got practical advice about to find the place where you belong along with stories from the author’s own life experiences as well as stories from people she cares about. Add in scriptures and stories from Biblical characters as well, all work together to make this a fantastic book. As someone struggling to find her place at a new church and who has felt rather disconnected from social stuff for about a decade, this book was something I desperately needed. The older I get, the more I find how hard making friends is as an adult. In my teen years as well as in my 20’s, making friends was a breeze. In my 30’s? It has become nearly impossible! This book will hopefully help me change that-or at least help me to be more patient in the “growing” times. Either way I am glad to have read this book and it will have a place on my keeper shelf.
I received this book from the RevellReads program and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
Review for “back roads to Belonging” by Kristen Strong
Unexpected Paths to Finding Your Place and Your People
If you have ever felt like you just didn’t belong, or have thought you were a misfit, this book is for you.
Author, Kristen Strong, packs this 19 chapter book with so many heartfelt words that touch the heart of those who feel left out, unwanted, unappreciated, or invisible.
If you are, or have ever been a wallflower, or one who has sat on the sidelines of life, this book will appeal to you and touch your heart. It will bring healing to emotional wounds and help you bind them up. It will offer you a new chance at a life you never thought you could possibly experience. It will let you know you are not alone, that there is someone else who can relate to how you feel, someone who has been where you are and can show you the way to finding the happiness you seek.
Come along side Kristin as she takes you on “Unexpected Paths to Finding Your Place and Your People”.
This is a great book that offers many personal experiences, testimonies, and resources that will help those seeking to belong. It also offers the chance for you to become a “Belong Maker”, one who helps others find the way to belonging. Plus, there are helpful resources and affirming scriptures too.
I enjoyed reading this book immensely as I was one of those who always felt I didn’t belong. I grew up feeling I was a misfit and many times felt invisible. So, this book really touched my heart and helped heal some of those old wounds and showed me ways I can now become a “Belong Maker” to help others I meet now, who might feel the same, to find the path to belonging.
I received this book free from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing, in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a favorable review, just an honest one, and in honesty I do recommend this book highly. All thoughts on this book are my own. In my honest opinion it could be a life changer for many who read it.
–Leona J. Atkinson
This book needs to be in the hands and hearts of everyone who has ever had difficulty believing that they belong. Everyone at one time or another has had difficulty fitting in: at work, socially, in the neighborhood, etc. The author does a masterful job of addressing this issue and presenting solutions in an organized and practical manner. Each chapter offers useful advice as well as a testimony of a story in which this “path to belonging” has helped someone in the author’s life. Each chapter also ends with a “Belong Blessing” with Scriptural verses that the reader can use to strengthen them in their quest to fit in. I loved this book and really needed it years ago, when I was moving from place to place and needed to fit in quickly before we moved again! The author is a wife of a military veteran, just like I am, so I identified with her from the beginning. But this book is not just for people like me who have faced constant moves. This book is for everyone, because doesn’t everyone want to belong somewhere?
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”