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Book Review of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy With God in the Busyness of Life (Revised Edition with New Bible Study)

reviewed on + 24 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3


I first heard about this book years ago from some friends who enjoyed it, but I was surprised how often I wanted to share what I read with my friends. I love this book! It's a great way to explore the Bible as well since Joann Weaver quotes scripture or refers the reader to certain passages. Weaver's anecdotes and humor keep the book interesting and spiritual. This is not a dry, self-help book, but a journey to becoming a better Christian.
One particular theme of the book is the encouragement to say "no" to the many requests you get to help others. You can't do everything, and you shouldn't try. God wants us ALL to help each other, so sometimes you have to let someone else take up a certain responsibility. Weaver also talks about leaving your so-called comfort-zone in order to serve others. It has been a remarkable aid to my meditations and prayer life.
From the back of the book:
"An invitation for every woman who's ever felt she isn't godly enough, isn't loving enough, isn't 'doing' enough.
The life of a woman today isn't really all that different from that of Mary and Martha in the New Testament. Like Mary, you long to sit at the Lord's feet...but the daily demands of a busy world just won't leave you alone. Like Martha, you love Jesus and really want to serve him...yet you struggle with weariness, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy.
Then comes Jesus, into the midst of your busy life, to extend the same invitation he issued long ago to the two sisters from Bethany. Tenderly, he invites you to choose 'the better part' -a joyful life of intimacy with him that flows naturally into loving service.
With her fresh approach to the familiar Bible story, Joanna Weaver shows how all of us-Marys and Marthas alike-can draw closer to our Lord: deepening our devotion, strengthening our service, and doing both with less stress and greater joy."