I Guess I Haven't Learned That Yet

This is the first of Shauna's books that I have read and it was completely different from what I was expecting in the best of ways.

I was expecting something similar to most of the other Christian books that are available - a lot of ‘how to be a “better” Christian' with a bit of Scripture and a few personal stories thrown in. Instead, I found myself reading what felt like a series of handwritten letters sent over time by a dear friend who has moved far away but with whom I now keep in touch via correspondence. Part memoir and part reflection and encouragement, Shauna has a gift for putting words together in beautiful ways and is not afraid to share her heart. There were many times when I looked up from the book and said to my husband, “She writes the way I think and is saying some of the things that I have written in my own journal entries. She speaks my language!” There aren't many authors I feel that way about. Ann Voskamp is one; Morgan Harper Nichols another. Now Shauna is part of that group for me.

Chapter 40, especially, felt like it was written to my very soul and gave me hope that there are people who come out the other side of seasons like the one I am in right now with their faith intact. It encouraged me to know that there are people out there who have felt (and feel) the same disillusionment with the church that I have been experiencing, who have been forged by fire as they have questioned and unlearned and deeply considered walking away, but who have chosen to stay and rebuild. There is something so healing in just knowing that I am not alone and that this season of demolition can lead not just to the death of something but to new life.

Thank you, Shauna. I loved it.