Until 15 years ago, Anderson was spinning his wheels in a frenetic attempt to bring others into a deep relationship with God through his work with the evangelical group Young Life, all the while allowing his busyness to sabotage any hope of enjoying his own relationship with God. An encounter with Brennan Manning (who contributes the foreword for this book) reignited Anderson's passion for God and rerouted his spiritual journey, a journey that provides the backdrop for this uneven book. Primarily a memoir, the book weaves in encouragement for others who are plagued by both a hectic life and a shallow view of God. It's highly readable, though repetitive in describing the obstacles to a genuinely satisfying and authentic spiritual life. But what the book suffers from most is a misleading subtitle: Contemplative Spirituality for Overachievers implies practical guidance, but there's little here that might help overachievers incorporate contemplative practices into their lifestyle. Anderson describes a few of those practices, but others, like the foundational practice of living in the moment, are mentioned only briefly, and anecdotally at that. Now executive director of Journey Resources and a spiritual director who trains others to provide spiritual direction, Anderson is in a prime position to write a more focused book that would live up to the promise of this book's subtitle. Let's hope he does.
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“Running On Empty is more than a book title; it has become a way of life. But there is another, much better way. Fil Anderson points us to it with grace, thoughtfulness, and style. Read him and be filled again.”
–John Ortberg, author of
Everybody’s Normal Till You Get to Know Them
“This book is for those who have found it easier to take care of our schedule than to take care of our soul. For the unfortunate majority who keep running because we don’t know how to stop, Fil Anderson provides a compelling roadmap home where we can finally stop and snuggle up in the arms of God.”
–Michael Yaconelli, author of
Messy Spirituality: God’s Annoying Love for Imperfect People and
Dangerous Wonder: The Adventure of Childlike Faith
“Fil Anderson invites you to discover the difference between believing that God is love and experiencing the love of God. As the author makes clear, it’s the difference in life and death for your soul.”
–Craig Barnes, author of
When God Interrupts
“
Running on Empty is an oasis for those who allow a life of busyness to drive us toward emptiness. Fil Anderson’s honesty and vulnerability can lead us all toward the One who fills us eternally.”
–Denny Rydberg, president of Young Life
“What a fresh voice Fil Anderson brings to all of us who struggle to
be with Jesus, and not just
do for him. This book draws me back to the wonder of the gospel–which is the best recommendation I could give any book.”
–Paula Rinehart, author of
Strong Women, Soft Hearts and
Sex and the Soul of a Woman“Fil Anderson has written a deeply personal story of his own walk with God. In doing so, he is brave and caring enough to share with us many practical ways to deepen our own walk.”
–Bob Buford, founder of Leadership Network and author of
Halftime: Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance “
Running on Empty is written by someone who can recognize emptiness because he has known both emptiness and fullness. This book is inspiring and yet practical, anecdotal and yet big-picture, traditional and yet contemporary American. Enjoy its fullness.”
–Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Center for Action and Contemplation, Albuquerque, New Mexico
“Unless we learn the lessons in this book, we will dry up in building God’s kingdom. Fil Anderson shows us how to keep our own souls refreshed. A
must read for all those in ministry!”
–Rev. John Yates and Susan Alexander Yates, co-authors of
Building a Home Full of Grace and
Character Matters: Raising Kids with Values That Last
“With simplicity and integrity, Fil Anderson poses questions and offers challenges and possibilities to assist readers in the exploration of their own stories. One gets the sense of Fil, the spiritual director, standing at the door praying for readers as they enter the sacred space of their exploration.”
–Rose Mary Dougherty, SSND, author of
Group Spiritual Direction: Community for Discernment, editor of
The Experience of Group Spiritual Direction
“This book is destined to become a classic for those who are serious about learning to love Christ and wanting to know they are loved by Him.
” –Howard Dayton, CEO of Crown Financial Ministries
“If you’re caught in the rat race, at the edge of burnout, or even too busy to notice,
Running on Empty offers help and hope. Here is a Christian response to the drivenness of modern American culture, a response that offers both inspiration and down-to-earth wisdom.”
–Gerald May, author of
Will and Spirit and
Addiction and Grace
“
Running on Empty offers hope that we can learn to accept the love of God in our brokenness. Our busyness can be quieted and our souls can learn to be at peace in the face of God’s unrestrained love.”
–Devlin Donaldson, The Elevation Group, co-author of
Pinocchio Nation
“Fil Anderson provides fellow travelers with practical ideas and tools for walking the journey with and toward Christ. This deeply personal book gives believers like me hope of moving from religious compulsions to a fresh relationship with the Lord.”
–Tom Wilson, president/CEO of Leadership Network
From the Hardcover edition.
