Approaching God by Lisa Borden is not a collection of intricately constructed theological arguments, nor a book of cosmic metaphysical concepts. On pages filled with color and poetry, Lisa gives us deep truths about approaching God that are based in the most important relationships of her life. These relationships give us valuable insights into how we can approach God in our everyday lives.
Lisa has a dramatic life, lived on three continents, that provides the canvas and background for the art of telling her story. She approaches God as she approaches the people in her life; personally, openly, hopefully, and with daring and simplicity.
Approaching God is organized around six complementary and interrelated ways that people approach God: the good company of God as a friend, the protection of God as a father, the nurturing of God as a mother, God’s creativity as an artist, God as a healer, and God as a director and guide. Each section includes poetry, art, and ideas for reflection and responding.
I learned and gained insights from each section. Lisa paints a portrait in each section that illustrates one of the ways we relate to God. Our relationship changes and develops over time; we spend time with God as an intimate friend, we spend time with God as a supportive father or as a nurturing mother, we spend time with God as a creative artist. God remains the same, but our perspectives change and we relate to God in new ways. Our eyes, or minds, open and we appreciate what God has created more deeply. We rest in God’s loving presence, and God heals our bodies, minds, and spirits. We listen more openly, and God gives us guidance and direction.
The art of Lisa’s book is her ability to tell stories that personalize these ways we relate to God and make them real.
With stories, poetry, art, and creativity, Approaching God reminds me of the ways I relate to God, and helps me see new ways of approaching God.
[Image by Corbis]
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