5 Inspirational Books About Faith, Love, And Perseverance
When life gets challenging and hope seems elusive, it can be both comforting and empowering to turn to an inspirational book. Telling real-life stories of overcoming illness, learning powerful family lessons, and progressing the Christian faith, the titles included here will have you believing again in the goodness of life. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
5 Books Full of Inspiration and Hope
| Book | Author(s) | More by the Author |
|---|---|---|
| Hope Heals | Katherine Wolf and Jay Wolf | Suffer Strong |
| My Father's Gift | Sixtus Z. Atabong | |
| This Child of Faith | Sophfronia Scott and Tain Gregory | Unforgivable Love, Love's Long Line |
| A Devotional Alphabet | Amy Schisler | Chincoteague Island Trilogy, Summer's Squall |
| Nomad | Brandan Robertson | The Gospel of Inclusion, Gay & Christian, No Contradiction |
Katherine Wolf's Inspiring Perspective on Life
Inspirational Quotes From Famous People
| Quote | Source |
|---|---|
| “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” | Oscar Wilde |
| “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” | Helen Keller |
| “Everything you can imagine is real.” | Pablo Picasso |
| “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” | Eleanor Roosevelt |
| “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” | Mahatma Gandhi |
| “Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” | George Bernard Shaw |
| “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” | Margaret Mead |
Pastor Brandan Robertson on the Power of Pride
In Depth
Whether you're experiencing a personal setback, or simply enjoy the lessons of an inspirational tale, books with positive and encouraging messages can offer anyone a ray of hope. From memoirs of triumph, to narratives about spirituality, here, in no particular order, are stories of persistence and dedication.
At #1 is Hope Heals by Katherine and Jay Wolf. The book details how the former survived a near fatal brainstem stroke at twenty six years old following the birth of the couple's son. After part of her brain was removed, she spent forty days on life support in the ICU, and nearly two years in full time rehabilitation. Bestselling author, Philip Yancey, calls it a stirring account and a beautiful story.
The couple hosts Hope Heals Camp in Nauvoo, Alabama, which offers resources, rest, and relationships to families affected by disabilities. Kids and teens participate in recreation, music, and arts and crafts. Among the media outlets to feature The Wolf family include, REDBOOK, CNN, Parents Magazine, and The Huffington Post.
The couple hosts Hope Heals Camp in Nauvoo, Alabama, which offers resources, rest, and relationships to families affected by disabilities.
Entering the list at #2 is My Father's Gift, by Sixtus Z. Atabong. The book tells the story of the author's father, who was born in a small, disease-stricken town in West Africa. It further details the lessons he learned from his dad, including the importance of giving back, as well as his eventual journey to the United States to study medicine.
The memoir is the recipient of a gold Benjamin Franklin Award from the Independent Book Publishers Association. Dan Pope, the mayor of Lubbock, Texas, calls the story moving, and that it inspires all to serve. Among the media outlets to feature Atabong and his experiences are FOX 5 in New York City, Shelli Sonstein of iHeartRadio, and The Eden Magazine.
Coming in at #3 is This Child of Faith, by Sophfronia Scott. Co-written with her son, Tain, it tells the story of his experience as a student at Sandy Hook Elementary the day of the 2012 shootings that occurred there. The book also delves into the latter's relationship with spirituality, which includes enrolling in Sunday School to further explore his beliefs.
The book also delves into the latter's relationship with spirituality, which includes enrolling in Sunday School to further explore his beliefs.
The book shares stories and ideas that are designed to help parents assist their children with developing faith in a challenging world. Among the media outlets to feature it include, TIME Magazine, Religion News Service, and The Christian Century. Diana Butler Bass, author of Grounded: Finding God in the World, A Spiritual Revolution, hails it as a beautiful and timely memoir.
In the #4 spot is A Devotional Alphabet by Amy Schisler. The book, which draws from the author's regular weekly blog, consists of short, faith based meditations meant to inspire and encourage all women. Sample chapters include, Believe in Daily Miracles, Harvesting Friendships, and Joy as a Net to Catch Souls.
Schisler is also an award winning author of faith inspired romance novels. Popular titles include, Whispering Vines and The Devil's Fortune. Her Chincoteague Island Trilogy has won such accolades as, Best Inspirational Novel of 2018 from the Oklahoma Romance Writers of America, and a Silver Medal for Religious Fiction from the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.
Schisler is also an award winning author of faith inspired romance novels.
Wrapping up the list at #5 is Nomad, by Reverend Brandan Robertson. Part autobiography, part Christian spirituality, the book offers insight into the new generations of progressive evangelical followers of Jesus in the global church. Narrative themes include community, redemption, and sexuality. Friar Richard Rohr calls it a compelling account of moving beyond the boundaries of rigid religion.
Robertson serves as the lead pastor of Missiongathering Christian Church in San Diego, California, and is the host of The Quest podcast. He also writes regularly for Patheos, and has bylines in TIME Magazine, Dallas Morning News, NBC, and The Washington Post. His past speaking engagements include The U.S. Peace Corps Headquarters, and The Parliament of the World's Religions.
