No Fruitless Words

by Kristen LaValley

Social media has recently been overtaken by stories of government conspiracy, complicated webs of pedophilia and human trafficking, and secret groups of Satanists running the world. Overnight, stories that previously only existed in forums and anonymous blogs were now being shared by thousands of people, including those we know, love, and respect.



More and more people are insisting that believers "wake up" to the evil around us, but is that what believers are called to?



Should the focus of a believer be about obtaining more knowledge?

How does the Gospel compel us to respond to evil?

Are our only options to know more or to ignore it altogether?

Or does Jesus move us in an entirely different direction?



We have to reframe what we "know" around the bigger story : The Story of God and His People. And that story isn't just a story about good beating evil, it's a story of redemption and hope.



If what you've been exposed to through friend or through social media, has made you fearful, panicked, and restless, this book will fill you with hope, expectation, and joy as you recenter your mind and your heart around the Gospel.

Genres: Nonfiction

33 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 7, 2020

About the author

Kristen LaValley is a writer and storyteller whose words offer a refreshing perspective on faith and spirituality and resonate with those who carry tension in their faith. She offers insights that intersect doubt and belief, hope and suffering, beauty and heartache. With a deep love for the Christian faith and a willingness to explore its complexities, Kristen's writing offers nuanced conversations that challenge readers to think deeply and wrestle with important questions. Kristen lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Zach, and their five children.

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was sent to me by an online friend. While conspiracy theories aren’t something I typically get very interested in, I have seen friends of mine become obsessed, isolated, and withdrawn after years of going down way too many rabbit holes online. It’s interesting to watch how these people then consider themselves the ones “with the knowledge”, and the rest of us need to “do the research”. This book addresses all of this in light of the gospel. It’s self published and there’s some typos, but I follow Kristin on Instagram and she writes beautifully. It’s a quick read but certainly relevant for the times.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can be overwhelming these days to read the news or scroll through social media feeds and feel like the world we once knew is coming to an end. We've heard about wars, rumors of wars, sickness, death, and evil being done in secret. With more access than ever to information and knowledge, it can feel like it is our burden to DO SOMETHING about every single evil thing out there: injustice, abuse, deception, the list goes on and on. This book is a refreshing invitation to return to the best and only answer to the problem of evil. The power of the life-transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ, who, the author points out, didn't come to overturn subversive government plots but was instead killed by one. Who befriended sinners and loved the unloveable, and still does today. LaValley directs her reader to follow Jesus' example and to heed his words. Regardless of whether we are in the last days or not, every Christian can/should/must ask, "Where is God at work and how can I join him?" I finished this book assured that God not only cares about justice, but that he is actively at work redeeming all of creation and my own heart even now, especially now.

[Tabitha Panariso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what 2020 NEEDS

Kristen explores why Christians, especially — seem to share about conspiracy theories. She dived into the heart of the issue instead of attempting to take a side. She convicts us to acknowledge what it is we’re actually desiring for in our consumption of knowledge and what it is we’re called to do. Her words left me full of hope, and encouraged for the long haul. This book gives every Christian permission to reset their priorities from exposing the evil to being witness to what is and always will be good.

[Daniel Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant and prophetic

Just what we need in 2020 during a global pandemic, election year, and racial turmoil. This book cuts through the noise of social media news clutter and into the heart of God. It’s revealing and engaging and helps us recenter on Jesus. It’s also shows itself to be timeless, since every generation grapples with dealing with religious fear and cultural myths. Read and be set free and then equipped to be light in this generation.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely words of wisdom right when I needed them.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

liked this one! a quick read that will comfort & convict you regarding today’s american political climate as a christian & how easy we fall down rabbit holes. the idea of the book is rooted in the garden & our need to “know.” the question is: is knowing enough? a great read.