Sundi Jo Graham's Blog, page 45

Wrecked: An Interview with Jeff Goins

Several months ago, I had the opportunity to tell you about an amazing book, Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into your Comfortable Life by writer Jeff Goins. The book has found its way into the hands of thousands and it’s changing lives daily.

Jeff Goins has graciously granted me the opportunity to interview him and share with you. I’m so excited! Here we go:

Me: First of all, what made you decide to put an upside down turtle on the book cover and how does that relate to being wrecked? 

Jeff: That was the publisher’s idea, but I loved the image. So did my agent and several close friends.

I liked the image (by the way, it’s a tortoise — the reptile-admiring community has given me more than adequate feedback on that), because it evoked the idea of the book. To be wrecked is not to be irrevocably destroyed or ruined; really, what it means is to have your world turned upside down. And ultimately, it can be a really good thing.

So I thought, “This tortoise sure looks helpless. I mean, he can’t move or get to where he’s going, and that must be terrible. But at the same time, he’s seeing something he’s never seen before: trees, birds, the sky and stars and who knows what else. He’ll never forget this moment.”

That’s what happens when you get wrecked.

Me: We’re in a world where being comfortable is what it’s all about. “Buy this and your world will be better.” “Do this for yourself because it’s all about you.” What is your response to this?

Jeff: We’ve all heard this and probably done it at some point. My question is this: Has it?

Has it gotten better? Has the pain or emptiness gone away? Has a single purchase ever been able to make your suffering or longing for more dissipate? I’m not talking about distraction; I’m talking about satisfaction.

If you’re anything like me, then your answer is probably no. So why do we keep turning to these pursuits that leave us ultimately feeling empty? Maybe because we don’t know any better.

I wrote Wrecked to show another option: If you’ve been spending all this time trying to make your life and more comfortable, and that’s not working — why not try the opposite?

 

Me: Is it possible to help a hurting person and walk away without feeling pain too? 

Jeff: Maybe. But I’ve never experienced it.

If we read the word “compassion” literally, it means (in Latin) to suffer with. I certainly thinks it’s possible to do a good deed and not feel anything, but I’m not interested in that. Getting wrecked is about living a more compassionate, meaningful life.

All I know is it’s impossible to have compassion and not share someone else’s suffering. That’s what the word means. And I believe there is something beautiful about this, something worth a little sacrifice.

Me: What’s one step someone can take today to step away from the comfortable life and get wrecked? 

Jeff: Walk around your neighborhood. Meet the people that you live around, go to school with, work with. Getting wrecked is about opening your eyes, and that begins at home.

You don’t have to go to the other side of the world to find hurting people (although once you start stepping out into this new life, you might end up there). There is pain right around the corner from where you are right now. We’re just used to not looking at it.

Mother Teresa used to tell people not to come visit her in India. “Calcutta is everywhere,” she would say. “You just need eyes to see.” Go find your Calcutta. It’s closer than you think.

 

Me: Christians like to focus more on being happy, smiling all the time, and enjoying a wonderful life, but the Bible clearly says we are called to suffer. What would you add to that? 

Jeff: Be present to your reality. You don’t see Jeremiah throwing many parties. Jesus doesn’t have a grin when he’s on the cross. Likewise, the Bible is full of stories of wine-drinking and laughing, as well. The fullness of life includes high highs and low lows. What’s critical is learning to trust God through all of it.

Thanks so much for sharing Jeff. I love this quote from the book:

To be wrecked is to be disabused of the status quo.

You can learn more about the book at  wreckedthebook.com. Wrecked can be purchased from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  Or you can read the first chapter for free.

What I Don’t Like About Being a Christian

The election is over. I’m beyond thrilled. No more commercials, radio advertising, billboards, my mailbox filling up. Most of all, I’m so happy that the Facebook posts are coming to an end.

photo credit: thegiantvermin (creative commons)

I went to bed before the official election results were in. I woke up the next day and learned that Barack Obama had been re-elected. I brushed my teeth the same as I did the day before. I put my pants on one leg at a time, just as I had done the previous day. Nothing had changed. It was still a good morning and God was still large and in charge.

Then I logged onto Facebook and my stomach turned.

My feed was full of comments, mostly negative. Of course that saddened me. What saddened me more, however, was that I couldn’t tell the Christians from the Non-Christians.

As Christians, we’re called to be salt and light to the world. We’re supposed to leave those who don’t know Christ hungry for more. Sadly, I have the feeling that the comments I read left a bitter taste in the mouth of those without Christ. That breaks my heart.

Unfortunately, many times, when one Christian leaves that bitter taste, others’ view of Christians gets skewed. That means when I do something that doesn’t shine the light of Christ, my Christian brother and sister sometimes has to deal with the after effects of my decision. It may not be fair, but it’s the way it is.

It was hard to find the light in my Facebook feed. There were a few comments I could pick out, but unfortunately, the majority were awful. Christians accusing other people of being racist because they voted for Mitt Romney. Christians proclaiming how stupid Barack Obama is and that this country is “going to hell in a handbasket.”

Christians reminding their friends that all hope is lost, especially regarding our health care. Our children have no future. People made a mistake. The list goes on and on and on.

Last time I checked our hope wasn’t in the President, or any government leader for that matter.

Last time I checked our hope was in God.

Last time I checked we’re to honor those put in authority over us, whether we agree with their principles or not.

Are we as Christians doing that? If not, it’s time to get it together. Non-believers are watching us. They want to see if we’re walking the walk, not just talking the talk.

Are we spreading light or blowing bulbs out with our negativity and disrespect? (Tweet That)

When another Christian makes poor choices, without an ounce of remorse or care about how others will see that, it directly affects me. The same goes for me. I’ve made many poor decisions that have caused non-believers to want to look the other way. We all have to do a better job of paying attention.

We MUST represent Christ, not ourselves. 

It’s time. Today. Whether it’s about an election or a movie, we are to be the light. No more excuses. No more hate. No more.

I’d love your input. Are we leaving non-believers thirsty for more or leaving a bad taste in their mouth? Leave a comment below…

I Need Your Opinion About My Next Book

So, I’ve been thinking and praying about the topic for my next book. Actually, I’ve already started the proposal and written part of the introduction.

The book is about the church’s view of homosexuality.

Here’s the premise:

Many Christians look at homosexuality as an epidemic – a contagious plague that must be avoided. Damnation is preached instead of grace extended. As a result, those living in the homosexual lifestyle run from the church without a concept of what a personal relationship with Jesus Christ looks like. The purpose of this book is to remind the church that people don’t go to hell because they are gay; they go to hell because they don’t know Jesus. The book will equip the church to extend love and grace to this lifestyle without approving of the sin.

I need your thoughts.

Would you read it or am I opening a can of too much controversy? Please share your thoughts with me below… 

Last Two Days to Get Liar Liar Free

Liar Liar had quite a run this week. And if your a late comer, you’ve got two days to get the Kindle book free here.

In three days, we’ve hit #2 on Amazon’s self-help list and have occupied the #3 spot on the Christian Kindle book list, where it sits this morning.

9 five-star reviews, 6 four-star reviews, and a slew of favorable blogs about it like this one from Jennifer White

Here are a few Amazon reviews:

Wow, Sundi Jo grasps something that all women and girls need to take a hold of. If we could love in the reality of His love for us – It can and does change the world. Satan is a liar and a thief and doesn’t care who gets hurt along the way.

Sundi Jo shares out of the depths of her heart. She has known heartache and pain yet chooses to live in freedom and joy.  -Jami Johnson

 

This book is so encouraging. Sundi Jo shares her own personal struggles and the lies she once believed. She encourages the reader to stop believing the lives of the enemy, and instead start believing what God says about who you are.

Highly recommend, especially if you need to renew your mind!- Celeste Barnard

 

Sundi Jo’s book is a beautiful honest account on how she moved from lies to the truth. This book is for anyone who might be feeling stuck in a pit of lies and discouragement. Sundi Jo offers hope that the Truth does set you free. -Eileen Knowles

Thank you to the members of the launch team. They have been a gift to me this week.

Click here to get your free copy.

Thank you all!

My New Manifesto is Free on Amazon This Week

As you know, my new manifesto, Liar Liar, came out on Amazon almost two weeks ago. If you purchased it already, thanks so much.

My mother always taught me to share and mother knows best, right? So I’m doing just that.

I’m giving away the manifesto for FREE. 

That’s right, for the next five days, you can download the free Kindle copy of Liar Liar on Amazon.

The goal in writing this manifesto wasn’t to make a ton of money; it was to spread the truth and offer hope. Books have the power to change people’s minds and motivate them to do something. That’s my hope with Liar Liar. 

I’m thankful to my launch team for helping spread the word on this message. They’re awesome!

Now I need your help spreading the message…

So if you’re in, here’s what I’m asking you to do:

Go download the book here (it’s free thru 11/8/12).
Tell your friends about it online (e.g. “The new manifesto by Sundi Jo is free on Amazon this week! Check it out: http://amzn.to/Q1djuE”)
When you’re finished, I’d be honored if you could leave a review. They’re more important than you think.

That’s it!

Don’t have a Kindle? No problem. You don’t need one. You can download a free Kindle app for your computer, phone, or tablet here.

Here are a few easy ways for you to share the information:

Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | LinkedIn | StumbleUpon

Defining Integrity

According to Dictionary.com, the definition of integrity is adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

photo credit: dvs (creative commons)

There was a time in my life that I didn’t adhere to moral or ethical principals. I decided what was moral and what wasn’t, according to my own selfish desires.

I was a liar, a thief, and in a relationship I didn’t belong in. I’m so thankful for God’s grace and that He gives mercy to the undeserved.

Psalm 111:7-8 reads,

All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.

When I became a Christian this thing called conviction started to interfere with my life. I couldn’t lie and be okay with it. I went to sleep at night saddened that I was in a relationship that wasn’t pleasing to God. I wasn’t living life with integrity and it was breaking my heart. I can’t imagine how God felt.

It’s easy for us (for me anyway) to decide which of his commandments are more important than the other. I can be faithful to not coveting my neighbor’s car, but I justify that keeping the Sabbath holy isn’t as important.

I can easily rewrite that Scripture and say, “All he does is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy, but I only have to follow the ones that fit into my life. Most of them are true, to be obeyed when convenient.”

Have you been there?

Today, as followers of Jesus Christ, people are watching us. They want to see integrity played out in our lives. Are we keeping our promises? Are we faithful to our employers? Are we seeking the Lord outside of Sunday mornings?

Or are we still living with our boyfriends, taking paperclips from work and showing up Sunday mornings with a hangover?

I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. – 1 Chronicles 29:17

 In what area of your life is God calling you to be faithful with integrity? Please share in the comments below…

Hi, My Name Is…Grace

Yesterday was a good day for me in the blogosphere and I wanted to share with you in case you didn’t get to read.

I was priviledged to guest post over at Jon Stolpe’s place on the topic of grace.

Here’s an excerpt from that post:

Do you ever convince yourself that grace is for other people, not for you? That when God was creating our very existence, He wrote your name down on a napkin and said, “Everyone but you will get my grace.” I’m yet to find that in Scripture, but so easily believe it to be true.

What a gift grace is! Click here to read the entire post, and I’d love for you to join the conversation.

Then I joined Eileen Knowles at to talk a little bit about my new manifesto, Liar Liar. 

Here’s a teaser of that post for you too:

Satan has a blast filling our minds with pictures that may display themselves at true, but if we were too look closer, we could see the lies for what they really are.

and take the commitment to believe truth with me today.

Thanks for reading and for being super awesome!

Defining Perseverance

This is a guest post by Lauralee Hudson.   She is a humanitarian photographer, writer, and speaker. Known as a “camera & word slinger” Lauralee has a vibrant passion for sharing the power of His Holy Spirit. Find her on Twitter and Facebook. Interested in guest posting? Check out the details here.

Definition of PERSEVERANCE: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition : the action or condition or an instance of persevering: steadfastness

There I was sitting in my car… in line…waiting.

I glanced up and saw the MOST amazing thing.  A tree that had most assuredly gone through years of growth—and had made it—despite all odds.  It had broken through concrete blocks that had purposely been built to keep it out, to hold it down and not just one block of concrete…but layers. WoW!

It so reminded me of life—my life—your life.  We are often called to persevere through circumstances, relationships, finances, jobs, labels, situations, physical and emotional hindrances…

Think of the concrete blocks in your life.

What are they?

Who are they?

Why are they?

It’s funny that two people can look at the same thing (even situations) and see two entirely different things. I showed my photo to several friends and some reacted with dismay.  All they could see was the damage the tree had done to the wall.

We go through life like that, don’t we? Judging the tree that persevered. Asking, “Is there any value to this tree? Will it make a great shade for others? Is it strong enough to weather life’s storms?”

Do we see strength of perseverance or only the damage? (Tweet that)

And which are we?  The concrete blocks weighing ourselves and possibly others down?  Or the tree—focused, pushing upward, living between the mortars of life?

The tree speaks to my heart. I am encouraged and hope you are too. Reminding us to keep growing through the seasons and keep focusing upwards!

Lifting our eyes and life to Him.

What are some of the concrete blocks currently in your life? Share in the comments below…

My New Manifesto is out Today!

As you may know, my first manifesto, Liar Liar goes on sale today. I’m so excited today is the day!

What is the book about?

Liar Liar is a manifesto about not only believing the truth about who you truly are, but also speaking that truth into reality. It’s a call to take the next step in your faith and take action with your words.

I won’t spend anymore time telling you about the manifesto. You can find all that at the book site.

However, I do want to share with you why you shouldn’t wait any longer to get this book.

The wait is over

If you’re like me, you usually wait a few weeks or months after a book comes out before you buy it. Why? Because you want to make sure it’s good — and that it’s worth your money.

But you don’t have to do that with this book. Here’s why:

People have already read and reviewed it — and they’re raving about it.
It’s not that much money. It’s only $2.99. Not too bad, right?

I won’t be getting rich off this manifesto. It’s not about that. What I care about is the message of Liar Liar and getting it in front as many people as possible.

Ready to get Liar Liar? Click here to find out more about the manifesto.

A Letter to my Dad

Dear Dad,

I was at a wedding this past weekend and reality set in. I watched the bride dance with her father and a sadness hit me. I’ve known for the last 3 1/2 years that would never happen at my wedding, but Saturday night I finally knew. It was real.

photo credit: amy messere (creative commons)

I didn’t allow myself to cry because that day wasn’t about me. It was a celebration for the bride and her groom as they committed to spend the rest of their lives together. But my heart cried.

Addiction took our father/daughter dance away. It stole the joy of having my daddy walk me down the aisle and give me away. Addiction robbed my future husband of asking you for my hand in marriage.

Addiction steals lives without an ounce of remorse. (Tweet that)

I hate addiction and everything it represents. Sadness. Abuse. Abandonment. Brokeneness. Failure. Fear.

I saw all of those in your eyes during your lifetime. I rarely saw glimpses of hope, but when I did, your eyes sparkled. When I would see a dream fill your mind, your smile was contagious. But the smile and the hope never stuck around long enough.

I won’t dwell on my sadness. I’ll grieve I’m sure. I just wanted you to know that I wish I could have taken your addiction away for you. I wish I could have kept it from destroying your life. But I couldn’t. 

You won’t walk me down the aisle. You won’t meet the man I say “I do” to. You won’t dance with me on earth. But I love you still. I miss you still.

Someday we’ll have our dance…