During the Advent and Christmas seasons, we reflect a lot on "a weary world." The world, at all points in history, has been tired from sin and striving and aching for the the rest and renewal that comes from an encounter with Jesus Christ.
As if on cue, this Advent season has gifted us with a new, year-long devotional from author, YouTuber, and Blessed is She devotional writer, Emily Wilson Hussem.
Awaken My Heart
We are all familiar with the hustle of life. The pushing and the pulling and the running and the juggling until something breaks—and most of the time, it's us. We know well the deep desire for intimate prayer with the Lord, and the disheartening realization that yet another day has gone by without intentional prayer.
In a new way this year, we're still weary. We might not be "doing" as much, but we are still pushing, pulling, running, and juggling. It might look different, but the soul-fatigue feels very similar.
This tiredness of soul often ushers in a numbness, a coldness, an apathy. And it's to the woman who is experiencing this that Emily Wilson Hussem seeks to pray with in Awaken My Heart.
New Graces
In this devotional, Emily focuses on a different topic each week. In her unparalleled way, Emily shares personal stories from her own life while incorporating wit and wisdom that can only come from a heart that's united with the Lord.
You can start this devotional any time, but of course one can't help but think of the upcoming new year as a wonderful opportunity to begin. Each week, Emily shares a story and reflection, a few questions to take to prayer, and an original closing prayer. I love that this format gives us the space to pray through each week's chapter throughout the entire week. There's no rush; no falling behind; no checking boxes. Just relationship with God.
A Great Gift for the Women in Your Life
While you're getting a book for yourself, pick one up for the women you love! This would be a great gift for sisters, moms, friends, godchildren, and those you've sponsored for Confirmation. In fact, this could be easily used in a small group, as the questions lend themselves well to both individual contemplation and group discussion.
As we look to the start of a new year, let's resolve to be less-weary. Let's resolve to stop so much striving and to begin claiming our rest as daughters of God. Let's begin now, and let's begin here.
Have you read this book yet?! What did you think?
BIS Reads // Awaken My Heart: A 52-Week Devotional #BISblog //Click to tweet
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Olivia Spears lives in Kentucky, where sweet tea and bourbon flow like milk and honey. She holds degrees in Theology and Catechetics from the Franciscan University of Steubenville and works from home while enjoying her children and husband. She curates relevant and inspiring content for Catholic women as Blog Manager. She is the narrator of Set a Fire, And Hay Became Holy, and All She Had as well as a contributing author for Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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