Dark Glass Ponderings

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. -1 Corinthians 13:12

Title: Holy Ambition: Turning God-shaped dreams into reality



Author: Chip Ingram


Publication Date: 2010



**Special thanks to Moody Publishing company for providing a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.**



I have listened to several of Chip Ingram’s podcasts on iTunes, so when I saw this book come up for review from Moody I snatched the chance to read it. Last year my women’s Bible study was learning about the book of Nehemiah and Ingram also uses Nehemiah throughout the book as an example of leadership.

For some reason I didn’t realize this book was about leadership, otherwise I may not have chosen it for review. Whereas I think all of us are called to do the Lord’s service I don’t particularly think of myself as a leader. I’m one of those people that prefers to be working hard behind the scenes. Although I’m realizing that as a Sunday school teacher, homeschool co-op teacher, and even as a homeschool mom I may be called to more of a leadership role than I realize.

I did feel that many of the examples Ingram uses throughout the book were geared towards those in church leadership, a role I certainly don’t intend to fill.

According to Ingram, Nehemiah shows a pattern for the steps those in leadership should follow:

Develop a dislocated heart

Experience a broken spirit

Practicing a radical faith

Creating a strategic plan

Exercising personal commitment

Growing a courageous soul



My favorite section was on developing a dislocated heart and experiencing a broken spirit. I feel so many books skip around the topic of repentance. I was so glad that Ingram shared how a broken spirit is one God can use. This is a principle I’ve definitely seen in my own life. And I’ve definitely noticed that the strongest leaders do have a sense of humility.

Although this book wasn’t always as applicable to my personal life as I would have hoped, I did definitely glean some wisdom from it. I would recommend this book for those in Christian leadership.

1 comments:

I think it's neat that you seem to be able to learn from any book, even if the focus doesn't exactly fit your life goals or situation. That's such a great quality!


Julia M. Reffner

About Me

My photo
Christ-loving bookworm & homeschool mom of 2 stealing the rare quiet moments to pursue that all elusive writing dream. I also write book reviews for Title Trakk and The Historical Novel Society.

Followers

Contributor at The Writer's Alley:

http://bookblogs.ning.com/main/embeddable/list#

FeedBurner FeedCount

counter