We all want peace.
Around the world, every single day, people pursue peace from a variety of sources. Why is it then, that so few people discover enduring peace? So few experience a life marked by real and lasting peace.
Instead, we carry our past emotional wounds with us into each new decade, suffering the long-term effects. We experience overwhelming anxiety, worry, and fear. We remain stuck in our old thought and reaction patterns, wondering if we’ll ever change.
I think we settle. We’re not sure how to navigate our own emotional healing. We’re not sure how to get rid of the many things keeping us from lasting peace. And so we settle for less than what God desires for us.
I’ve been reading an excellent book slowly over the last couple months, Peace for a Lifetime: Embracing a Life of Hope, Wholeness & Harmony Through Emotional Abundance, by Lisa Murray.
Lisa is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, and this book feels something like spending hours on a counselor’s sofa, doing the hard work of facing wounds and being healed. It’s like taking a friend along on an important journey, who encourages you to take just one little step at a time toward the healing Jesus offers you.
Sure, you could read the book quickly and skip the prying questions at the end of each chapter.
You could miss out on healing if you’re afraid to sit in solitude, dig deep, and uncover your wounds. But Lisa shares examples of her own undoing, to guide us into healing and freedom and peace.
“Peace is not a feeling—peace is a way of life. Peace endures. Peace is something on which you can build a life.” ~Lisa Murray
The truth is, peace is a fruit (or result) of a growing and intimate relationship with God.
As we become more deeply rooted in Him, we experience healing and transformation in every area of our lives, including our emotions.
“God intends this healing for you. He doesn’t want His army limping, wounded, unprepared, and ineffective in the fight.” ~Lisa Murray
So we begin our journey by making sure our lives are built on His strong foundation.
I grew up believing in Jesus for my salvation, and yet my sense of self in many ways formed around a collection of lies about my identity. These affected how I related to people, how I worked, how I experienced life in every way.
I’ve been doing the hard work of recognizing the lies and replacing them with truth for years, and God has been transforming me in so many ways as a result.
Wherever you are in your journey toward emotional wholeness, this book will be a gift to you. Read it nice and slow, a chapter at a time, so that you both apply it and soak up Lisa’s wealth of wisdom. You will be blessed!
I am giving away a copy of this book, by drawing a name on Sunday, February 28, after 12 noon. To be entered, leave a comment below!
Update: KIM won the book! Check your email, Kim! 🙂
Which of these topics from Peace for a Lifetime interests you most?
Wounds, Emotions, Anxiety, Identity, Meaning/Purpose, Solitude, Relationships, Self-Nurture, Remaining Calm, or Healthy Communication.
You can purchase a copy of Lisa’s book by clicking here!
This looks like a great book and give-away. Jesus is our source of peace!
Yes, Valerie…I love that the cornerstone of this book is Jesus. I hope you are able to read it!
This book has been such a blessing to me and caused me to look at my emotions in a fresh way. Great review!
I know…help with emotions…who doesn’t need that? 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve gotten the book Angela, and I’m starting read. Looking forward to every page of healing indulgence!
That’s exactly what it is, too. Healing indulgence! 🙂
I have been taking her words in slowly, but oo, Angela. Digesting and keeping them in that space of grace reserved for friends. Beautiful reminder of hope in your review.
💓Dawn
I know…so much there and I would say I’ve needed this one for a long while. Thanks for your encouragement!
Hi Angela. I agree with you. In our desire for peace, I think we settle too. It sounds like Lisa’s book is a great tool to move us from settling to the healing and wholeness we need. I’m visiting via #RaRaLinkUp – so glad I did!
Thanks for visiting today, Joy! I hope you get a chance to read Lisa’s book! God bless you, friend.
Healing is hard work. We don’t want to go there. Oh, but, how much peace and freedom is there. Looking forward to reading and learning from Lisa. Thank you for sharing about this book.
You are so right, Barbara. I know that to be true for me! But it’s always the best thing to face what needs healing and end up with peace and freedom. Thanks for your encouragement!
Sounds like a great book that Lisa has written. 🙂
Yes! I hope you get a chance to read it! Thanks…
Wounds, anxiety and identity grab my attention.
Thanks for your input, Leigh…best wishes to you for the giveaway!
Sounds like a book that would be helpful for me to read as I deal with many deep wounds. Thank you for sharing God’s love through your writings!
Thank you for sharing, Kim. I sincerely hope you will get the chance to read it! Blessings to you friend!
“Peace is not a feeling—peace is a way of life. Peace endures. Peace is something on which you can build a life.” ~Lisa Murray — WOW LOVE THIS QUOTE!!!!! <3
I know, Angie…so many strong truths like that one in the book. Thanks for being here!