A Piece of Peace: Book Review of “Sanctuary” by Terry Hershey

A Piece of Peace: Book Review of “Sanctuary” by Terry Hershey April 26, 2015

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Review by Wendi Matusic 

My initial interest in  “Sanctuary” by Terry Hershey was the hope that it would crack the code to inner peace, tranquility and grace. Surely THIS was going to be the formula I want; a “plug and play” way to serenity now by following a list of to-do’s or rules. As I began reading I found myself getting impatient with the information on what sanctuary is, what it isn’t, and other explanations and cautions. Just tell me HOW!! Oh…wait…that’s the point. Apparently I, like many, have become so goal oriented, so “info-whlemed” and so hurried that I want to skip to the result. Oh the irony.

As I continued to read and settle in to the book, I found many gems and bits of wisdom. Through stories, experience and inspiring ideas, the author shows us both the importance of sanctuary and the myriad ways to find it in every day life. Hershey lays out the need to make space and the ways in which space can be found or made. Each chapter ends with relevant, insightful questions and a place to write out your own thoughts and ideas on the topic presented. The book’s content and format skillfully coax the reader to explore his or her own need for space. It is not a structured formula with bulleted lists and time frames – it is a lovely meandering path that makes finding simplicity and calm seem simple and calming and most importantly…attainable.

BC_Sanctuary_1I believe we all know that moments of sanctuary – refuge – are critical to our well being. This book provides a wonderfully open-ended way to recognize and absorb those moments. We must be open to and aware of the moments and perspectives available to us. When we begin to expand our sight and look at things around us in new ways we notice that the opportunity for sanctuary can be all around us if we allow it in.

This is the kind of book you read, re-read, underline passages from and mark notes in. It’s like a handbook for enjoying your own little piece of peace.

Check out the roundtable on this book (and others!) at the Patheos Book Club.

Review by Wendi Matusic 


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