Embracing Obscurity

On Monday evenings in April I am going to lead a book club discussion in my home. The book is Embracing Obscurity: Becoming Nothing in Light of God's Everything. It's about pride, and as soon as I saw it in a Lifeway store flyer I thought, "I have to read that book!" Because I totally struggle with pride. Like the author of Embracing Obscurity, I daydream of becoming famous for some accomplishment, including something noble or significant in the Kingdom of God. Why am I pondering my own glory when I could be advancing His?

Here's an excerpt from the book:

"God gave Adam and Eve 'jobs' before they sinned. Something to 'do' was part of God's perfect plan for them and for us. We are designed to find pleasure and purpose in the roles God has given us - relationally, vocationally, and spiritually. In another word, we find significance in playing a part in God's great screenplay of the ages. And when we find our significance in Christ, we can be content to play a supporting role or even to stand in as an 'extra' in the background. The visibility of our part stops being such a big deal, as the reality of being on the cast at all sinks in."

The Lord is using this book and conversations I've had with friends about it to free me from the grip of pride - although I've got a looong way to go! It's wonderful to experience the joy of honoring God alone instead of being wrapped up in my own reputation. I am eager to hear from other women who struggle with pride, too. So read it for the April book club and please come. E-mail me if you want details about when we'll meet and what chapters we will discuss each week.


- Kathryn Truden