Recommended Reads: Bonhoeffer & True North

Brian and I began reading Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas a few weeks ago.  I had heard his name floating around our house for quite some time, as Bonhoeffer wrote a number of theology books that Brian read in seminary.  Bonhoeffer was a pastor of the 'true church' in Germany during the reign of the Nazis and plotted to have Hilter killed.  The horror of what the Nazis did to the Jews is mind numbing, and I am left with questions such as why wasn't more done to stop what Hitler did?  The world definitely needed more faithful, courageous men like Bonhoeffer who was martyred just three weeks before Hilter committed suicide.

Although I must confess that I didn't read all of its 542 pages, I definitely recommend that you do!  [I skipped the church-y & government-y parts and read the chapters like Bonhoeffer in Love! ;) ]  It is such an inspirational read as it challenged me in my faith, particularly the parts when Bonhoeffer was in jail.  His fellow prison-mates often commented on his constant cheerfulness and how he'd help others out of their depression.  Sometimes I don't feel cheerful - if I have mounds of housework, a fussy baby, no friend dates scheduled, a busy husband, etc. - but how much more did Bonhoeffer have reason to not be cheerful (he was in an underground prison and didn't see the light of day for four months!).  Why was he cheerful?  Because of Christ.  The same Christ I have.  Therefore, I shall be cheerful in all circumstances too!

I love Bonhoeffer's last quote, as he walked up the steps to the gallows:

"This is the end...For me the beginning of life."

May all of us who cherish Christ above all things be able to say that when our 'end' comes.

Another book I just started reading is True North: Choosing God in the Frustrations of Life by Gary & Lisa Heim.  Kregel Publications sent it to me to review for their blog tour in July.  At first I was slightly skeptical, but now that I'm finished with chapter one, I am really enjoying it and am pleasantly surprised with their theology.  Please look for my review in July.