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Year End Book Review

Carrie Nye — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:29:17 -0800

It's been a good year of good readings. I'm not one to create lists but here it goes. The following books are in no particular order; just those that I have read over this past year and wanted to pass along to you.

1. Forgotten God: Reversing our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan - This is a book I'll read again. Chan gives account to scripture after scripture reminding us of the powerful Holy Spirit while revealing the complacency of many Christians today who are too weak and too fearful to unashamedly follow the Holy Spirit. It's a convicting, challenging and an inspiring read.

2. Good News About Injustice: A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World by Gary A. Huagen - Haugen speaks with authority over injustice through the three parts of his book: Part I: Taking up the Challenge, Part 2: Hope Amid Despair: God's Four Affirmations About Justice and Part 3: Real-World Tools for Rescuing the Oppressed. Haugen not only presents the problem of evil in today's world but he also offers practical suggestions on how the every day Christian can participate in God's mission of justice.

3. I Am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced by Nujood Ali - Set in Yemen, Nujood tells her story of marriage to an abusive man who was three times her age. She was only 10 years old when she wed. Nujood manages to escape her abusive husband and his demanding and oppressive mother and she finds her way to a courthouse in the city. She is soon discovered sitting in the lobby of the courthouse by a friendly lawyer who listens to her tell her horrific story. Through ups and downs and family tension, Nujood finds her young voice and speaks out regarding the abuse she has endured. At age 10, Nujood became the youngest woman in the world to be granted a divorce. Because of her fight and perseverance, she has encouraged many other young women in Yemen and surrounding strict Muslim countries to stand up for their rights and to not allow such slavery and injustice to take place. Nujood is a strong young woman and was named a Glamour Woman of the Year in 2008.

4. The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar - This novel takes you on journey through modern-day India and into the lives of two very different women. Sera who is an upper-middle-class Parsi woman who bears years of scars and calluses over her abusive marriage. Bhima lives in a slum, is illiterate and has worked in Sera's home as a servant for more than 20 years. The Space Between Us is an eye-opening read to the realities of life for women and their families and relationships with one another in a world where social economical classes still seem to rule the air. It's a story of heartache, of love, of loyalty, of survival and of the relentless fight for justice.

5. Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee` Ilibagiza - Wow! This book was intense. Rwandan genocide survivor, Immaculee` Ilibagiza tells her story of how she survived the Rwanda genocide as a Tutsi when nearly 1 million of her people were slaughtered, including her parents and 2 of her 3 brothers, not to mention the many other cousins, aunts and uncles. Immaculee` shows courage and a strong faith in God who not only protected her from the Hutu killers but who also gave her the strength to forgive them. This is a difficult read and one that left me longing for the faith Immaculee` has in the Lord. It's a story of forgiveness like none other.

6. Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life by Shauna Niequist - I laughed a lot reading this book. Shauna shares from her own life through a series of short stories that find the good in a variety of life's circumstances. My favorite chapters are the one she writes on turning 30 and starts writing in pen rather than pencil and the chapter when she shared about wanting to keep some things always hidden and secret like her basement and her butt. Shauna is hilarious and real. This was a quick, refreshing read.

7. Same Kind of Different as Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman Who Bound Them Together by Ron Hall and Denver Moore - If you haven't read this book yet you must live on a deserted island without a bookstore around. Ron and Denver tell their story of becoming like brothers despite their insurmountable differences. Ron is a rich white man living the high life and Denver is an illiterate black man who grew up a slave in the south and calls the streets his home. Only God could have brought these two very different men together. Their story of friendship is raw, real and emotional. I think everyone should read this book.

8. Not For Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade and How We Can Fight It by David Batstone - Batstone takes his readers on a journey around the world highlighting pockets of modern day slavery in a number of countries before circling back around to the problem on American soil. You'll read stories of modern day heroes who are working tirelessly to end slavery in their backyards and you'll be inspired by the stories of survival of the victims who have found freedom. Batstone offers a list of helpful organizations in the back of the book for those interested in getting involved in the modern day slavery movement.

9. Her Mother's Hope (Marta's Legacy Part I) by Francine Rivers - In part 1 of this two part series, Francine Rivers tells the story of her grandmother and her mother as she recounts through letters and journals they kept during their lives. Set in the beginning of the 20th Century, taking place mostly in the Central Valley of California, Marta's Legacy is a heart-wrenching story of the trials and rewards found in the relationship between mother and daughter. It's not an easy read but it is one that exposes the reality of relationships when they are easy and not so easy.

This is not an exhaustive list of the books I read this year but these are some of the more inspiring, thought provoking reads I thought I would pass along to you. So far my 2011 list of books I'll be reading includes CL's very own Kristin Ritzau's A Beautiful Mess, Her Daughter's Dream (Marta's Legacy Part II) by Francine Rivers, The Dangerous Act of Worship by Mark Labberton, Generous Justice: How God's Grace Makes us Just by Tim Keller, Too Small to Ignore: Why the Least of These Matter Most by Wes Stafford, Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen and Stones Into Schools by Greg Mortenson.

What makes your list of good reads for 2010 and what are you looking forward to reading in 2011?

Happy readings!

Slavery in America: Numbers Out; People In

Carrie Nye — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:17:21 -0700

I’m done with numbers. Numbers are too black and white and just don’t seem good enough when dealing with human trafficking. Numbers are just numbers. They are only words spoken and lack any attachment or feeling and understanding. It’s just not that easy when it comes to buying and selling humans. And that is why. They are humans; not cattle. You can’t number them and move them along. We are complicated beings and require much more out of life and from each other than a number.

It’s important to hear survival stories of the rescued. Stories are bridge builders. They bring humanity together and open the door with an invitation to stay for dinner, serving a fine dish of common ground. Moms and dads are compassionate towards the world’s hungry children because they can’t imagine their own children being hungry. Women are moved by the Eastern Congo conflict where women are repeatedly raped and sexually mutilated by rebels and child soldiers because they know someone who has been sexually assaulted.

I find it is the same with human trafficking. The numbers are so big, the issue so overwhelming, it all seems so far away from our lives here in America. But that’s not the case at all.

I’ve mentioned in previous posts of this series that I met a beautiful young Egyptian woman, Shyima, not too long ago. Shyima is a local (Orange County, CA) survivor of domestic slavery. The article is a few years old now but I encourage you to read her story. She is not one million; she is one.

Stories like Shyima’s compel people to act because we can relate to her in someway through her story. We can all identify with her as a fellow human and created in the image of God. One million enslaved in America is a bit much. But if we’re talking about one, that’s a little easier to deal with.

So I encourage you to forget the numbers today and listen to only one. Consider the God who created all things, both the seen and the unseen and who also created Shyima. Consider the God who wants the best for his children and think about the children in your life and what you want for them. Consider the God who knows you more intimately than you know yourself. This is the God who although he created everything, became like his creation in the person of Christ so that he could reveal to us his story.

We identify with Jesus because of his humanity. God is no longer an overwhelming white-bearded-man who sits on a ginormous throne on some far away fluffy cloud. He came to us as a baby. It’s where our humanity started and it’s where he chose to begin his. When Jesus ascended back to heaven, we were given his spirit so that the story of God could reach not only our humanity, but our souls also. The spirit takes up residence within us when we surrender our lives story and enter his. The big far away God is now so close, we can talk to him, eat ice cream with him, surf with him, celebrate with him and take naps with him.

Stories are personal. I had the chance to meet Shyima. Her story is now personal to me and because of that I will do all that I can to prevent what happened to her from happening to other children. I will stop looking at the numbers as numbers and start considering the stories hiding behind them.

Some things to consider when being aware of a potential trafficked person:

A victim of trafficking may look like many people you see every day. However if you see someone who *appears to be unable to speak for themselves *someone else is controlling them *they appear fearful, especially of law enforcement *someone else has their documents (passport/identification) Then, you should call 888.3737.888 (National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline).

There are stories like Shyima’s all across America that need to be told. To hear more stories of modern day slavery survivors, check out the following links.

IJM

Free the Slaves

Stop the Traffik

Tsunami 2004 Five Year Anniversary Stories of Survival

Carrie Nye — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:20:16 -0800

Five years ago the Earth shook off the coast of Indonesia causing a tsunami to rise up on dry land and consume everything in its path. The devastation was and remains, overwhelming.

226,000 dead or missing
1.8 million people displaced
13 Asian and African countries impacted

December 26, 2004 was no doubt a long and frightening day for those who lived through the chaos.

The Thomas Reuters Foundation along with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies released a short documentary which tells the stories of four individuals who are still picking up the pieces of the wreckage. I had a chance to view the short stories of these individuals. They are broken people, courageous people, vulnerable people and they are rebuilding their lives.

The destruction placed before them was too much. It was overwhelming in an Armageddon sort of way. With collaborative help from numerous relief organizations, including church groups from around the world, hundreds of thousands of individuals in 13 countries were given a helping hand so that they could stand up on their own two feet again. Trials became triumph as people crossed borders, social economic barriers came down and people from all walks of life came to help. In doing so, they witnessed their own common fragile humanity in need.

If you have some time, I encourage you to check out the documentary and hear from the four individuals themselves. The disaster that struck was the most devastating in modern history. After watching, come back to this site and let me know your thoughts. What happens in times of need? What is it about tragedy and destruction that reveals our vulnerability and frailty? Hope entered the world as a baby in Jesus. As we prepare to celebrate this truth, where do you see hope for the survivors of the tsunami?

Jesus once told his disciples to let the little children go to him. He proceeded to say that unless anyone come to the Father like one of the children, he will not see the Kingdom of Heaven.

Stories to Remember

Crissy Brooks — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 12:26:00 -0800

So my sister has the apron on, little cousin is begging to go to the park. Some family aren't coming because they are upset and others are sitting in traffic on their way as I type. Dad just yelled out, "Let the football games begin" and Mom is trying to squeeze one more place at the table. Grandma has only insulted me once so far with an attempted compliment and our British friend is photographing every dish... Just another holiday here at the Brooks' home.

In a couple of hours we'll be all settled in. The prayers will be said and the food will be shared. And then someone will bust out the first of Aunt Katherine's brownies and the stories will begin. My grandmother has seven brothers and sisters. They were raised in Hong Kong. I have spent many Thanksgivings eating brownies and listening to their adventures. This year there will only be two of them at the table- my grandmother and her sister in law are the ones left of that generation. Considering the dwindling group, the stories become more precious.

StoryCorps www.storycorps.org has declared tomorrow the National Day of Listening. They are encouraging people around the nation to interview their loved ones recognizing that listening is an act of love. Who would you interview? Who's story do you want to delve into? StoryCorps says that the microphone gives you permission to ask questions you wouldn't normally. So take advantage of being with your crazy family this weekend. Use whatever recording equipment you have- your phone, your computer, an old school tape recorder. Here's some StoryCorps questions to get you started:

What was the happiest moment of your life?
What are you most proud of?
What are the most important lessons you've learned in life?
What is your earliest memory?
How would you like to be remembered?

Happy Remembering!

Ben Arment: A TRIBE OF STORYTELLERS

Guest Voices — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:22:14 -0700

Ben is the founder of The Whiteboard Sessions and now STORY Conference.

Read more blogs from Ben at benarment.com and follow on twitter.

A TRIBE OF STORYTELLERS

Pastors are facing a crisis of identity in the pulpit today. They don't know whether to be scholars, motivational speakers or talk show hosts. They feel pulled between using catchy sermon titles like "Desperate Households" and preaching verse-by-verse through Leviticus - all because their heroes are doing it.

Somehow the message has gotten lost in the method.

It's good to come back to the story we were all meant to tell. Pastors are, after all, a tribe of storytellers. It's the greatest story ever told - a story of rebellion, redemption and restoration. Every epic tale is a reflection of this grand meta-narrative of life. And Hollywood stole it right out from under our noses.

On Wednesday, October 28, hundreds of church leaders are coming to the Paramount Theater in Aurora, Illinois for a first-of-its-kind event called STORY. It's a conference designed for communicators of the Gospel - the greatest story ever told. Speakers include Donald Miller, Ed Young, Dave Gibbons, Nancy Beach, Chris Seay, Stacy Spencer and Mike Foster.

STORY will also feature a follow-up day of workshops on October 29 with some of the leading filmmakers, scholars, designers and thought leaders in ministry. These interactive sessions will address practical needs in ministry and highlight the latest breakthroughs in church communications.

For a limited time, you can enter to win a trip for two to the CS Lewis Foundation’s Seminars-in-Residence at the Kilns – CS Lewis’ home in Oxford, England – in the summer of 2010. Register anytime from now until September 30, 2009 on the STORY website for a chance to win.

For more information and to register for STORY, go to www.StoryChicago.com or e-mail info@StoryChicago.com.

Kim's Photo Exhibit

Nick Bogardus — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:55:00 -0700

We had Kim's students' photography exhibit last weekend. The three weeks leading up to it were hectic for Kim; full of selecting the photos, mounting the 254 photos, getting her students to name them, and writing a presentation she was to give at the cultural center an hour before the exhibit. Our apartment became a FEMA zone cluttered with cutting boards, foam board scraps, and boxes and bags of photos.

The end result was amazing though.

But, of course, it didn't go as smoothly as planned - nothing here does. It seems any time there is a big event we're doing or are apart of here, the cultural weirdness gets heightened and bad things happen. It's not Murphy's Law, it's M*ngolian Law.

For example, the night before the exhibit we went to the cultural center with a bunch of the students and a couple friends to hang the photos on the walls. As we're walking through the busy front doors a man decides to *punch the bag of photos* and then yell at us for being foreigners because "he is a M*ngolian". Thankfully, none of the photos of his country were damaged.

Then, as we were rehanging some of the photos the next day, Kim left her presentation speech out on a table in clear plastic folder. At some point in the preparation she went to practice her speech only to find someone had stolen the plastic sleeve it was in. Thankfully, they left the speech.

Then, after spending hours writing said presentation, the time came for her to give it. In the midst of all of the craziness of setting up her own exhibit she was going to do a favor for the man who runs the center by speaking to a class of his students. Turns out he completely forgot that he had asked her to do that and asked her not to speak to the class. Why? Because he had been drinking when he originally asked her and didn't remember. Thankfully that left her with more time to set up.

So yeah, those kind of things happen occasionally out here but they tend to happen in bulk around special events.

The exhibit itself was wonderful though. The students' parents came and got to see their work and tell us how proud of their children they were. The students got to share their work and talent with friends and strangers. Our good M*ngolian friend said that he cried as he looked at the pictures because he was so moved. A lot of M*ngolians got to see an art form and perspective they don't usually get to see.

I hadn't noticed it until we had all of the photos laid out in our apartment but what the students had done, however unconsciously, was capture and told a really unique story. All good art tells a story. A good song, a good book, a good painting; they tell stories. What the students had done with what Kim had taught them was tell their stories - the story of what it looks like to grow up at such a turbulent time in an emerging country, where there is a distinct tension between tradition and modern influence. So, there were pictures of gers and high rises; herders and business men; elderly M*ngolians in traditional dress and teens that look like they're off the streets of New York. It's a perspective special to this place, this time, and these kids.

I'm really proud of the students and their great work, but I'm even more proud of Kim for giving them the tools to tell their stories - stories which we'll hopefully be able to share with you in an exhibit back in the States.

One of the walls of photos.

Chinzorig answering questions about one of his pictures.

Kim, some of her students, and the celebatory cake afterward.