For those of you who know me well it’s no secret that Lysa Terkeurst is one of my favourite authors. I just love how ‘real’ and relatable she is.
Let’s be honest, we will more absorb and listen to a speaker/leader
who is transparent about their imperfections using gut-honest personal examples
than one who looks “squeaky clean” and whose family seems to have it “all
together”.
I lead a women’s
intensive Bible study group once a term. I had already worked through two of
Lysa’s studies “When Women Say Yes to God” and “The Best Yes” previously but
had decided to choose a different curriculum in order to “mix it up”. Obviously God had other ideas and I am
grateful to Him for that.
Initially I selected the
book “Unglued” because a friend wanted to do the study and other people had
commented to me regarding their struggles with their reactions of late. It never occurred to me that God felt I
needed to work on this issue myself – obviously it wouldn’t as in my mind I am
the most perfectly controlled woman in the world when it comes to her reactions
(wink, wink). So, I decided to do this
study because there seemed to be a need.
There are not enough
words for me to be able to describe effectively how much I have grown during
this process. Lysa is an “open-book”
when it comes to giving examples about her raw emotions and reactions in everyday
life which has you nodding your head in agreement and recalling situations where
you have done exactly the same thing.
She helps you recognise what kind of reactor you are, how it effects
those around you and to realise what your triggers are.
I think my most favourite
part of the book is the “Biblical Procedural Manual”.
In this manual Lysa draws on biblical truths to speak into our
lives which she then converts to a five step process in order to assist in our
reactive moments. This process is
converted to five short statements which she encourages you to
personalise.
I have grown so much that
nowadays when I recognise my trigger I start to pause and repeat my personalised
five steps in my mind which helps me to calm, take a step back and respond
rather than react. If I haven’t noticed
my trigger and am in the “heat of the moment” I pause, close my eyes and repeat
this process which helps me to wind myself back down.
This progress Lysa calls “imperfect progress” recognising that
progress is small steps forward no matter how many times you trip and fall
along the way.
While reading the book is
beneficial, to truly delve deeply into the growth process I would recommend
purchasing the DVD and participant’s guide.
It can be worked through on your own but I believe that it is much
better in a group as it’s nice to have the support and know that we are not
alone in our struggles. It was eye opening to chart my progress, recognise my
triggers and personalise my procedural manual.
I now have a treasured journal full of raw and honest answers about who
I am, how my past has affected me and where I need to improve sprinkled with
examples of God’s grace and abundant mercy.
The beauty of this journal is that it is also a testament to how far I
have come during the 6 week process, a treasure that I am sure I will re-visit
many a time.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough.
