Customer Reviews

Simple Compassion: Devotions to Make a Difference in Your Neighborhood and Your World

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was really excited when I saw this book: a devotional that focuses not just on inward spirituality, but on growing in acts of compassion and justice in the world around us. Even Shane Claiborne had written a blurb about it. Let me begin by describing the format: Keri Wyatt Kent has a reflection for each week, with themes like: Woman, Heroes, Body, Enemies, Overfed, Cross-Cultural, Hope, and Jewelry. She writes her own thoughts about the week's topic, mixes in some Bible verses about it, and shares some of her own personal experiences. Each chapter ends with a "Compassion Step" and a "Community Step." The Compassion Step is an active way to engage that week's reflection on an individual level, things like: journaling, fasting, checking out various justice ministries, reflecting, and loving those around you. The Community Step is something you do with a group - often it's something like a discussion or group study, sometimes it involves visiting a local ministry or participating in a justice program together. The idea for this devotional is really great.

As for the actual content... It is written from a definite perspective: a middle-class, married, white woman who grew up in the Evangelical Christian church. If you find yourself there, and are just beginning to think about how to direct your faith outward, this might be a relatable book. Most of the book is about her own experience. She will share other people's stories, but even those are from her perspective and with her commentary. She talks about her own "white privilege", is quite concerned that poor people are fat, and still struggles with materialism and issues about image. The insights and lessons shared are very basic; they are things people begin to notice when they first start spending time with people who are different from them (racially, financially, culturally, etc.). The biblical commentary is also very much from her perspective, and she will typically give one interpretation that fits with what she's wanting to say, even if that interpretation is a bit of a reach.

So, this book may be a good starting point for a white, middle-class woman who is just beginning to think about how to live out the Christian values of compassion and justice on a daily basis. It says on the back that the book is for "Ordinary women, just like you." But that's only true if you happen to share most of the qualities of the author. I do think it may be quite helpful for people who do, which is why I give it 3 stars. But if all of those things do not apply to you, then you may be often annoyed by the ways she phrases things and what details she chooses to focus on. I really, really wanted to like this book. But I really didn't.

After noticing wonderful reviews of this book, I purchased it for my wife for a Christmas present. If there is something that can say LOVE within a book, it is this.

The inside jacket of the book informs the reader how the author "...tells the story of many courageous people who have made bold choices to live a lifestyle of compassion and justice."

My wife has been enjoying the book which she reads as she starts her day. Then at night, she tells me what she's read and her interpretation of what the day's thoughts might be.

The author, Keri Wyatt Kent has divided the book into short chapters and at the end of each there are two action steps. In the first step, it asks the individual to take some action that might make a difference in the world. Where many people just contemplate doing things, this author is asking for her readers to take some kind of action.

The second step is a community step and the reader might do with a group of people that would pray for and care for each other.

I think that the reader who wants to make either a small or more significant step toward improving their life and their relationships with others would benefit from this book.

Simple Compassion is an exceptional devotional. Keri Wyatt Kent presents one devotion each week for fifty two weeks in four 13 week parts:

"Compassion begins with you" (discovering our worth and God's uncompromising love for us);
"Compassion Grows in Community" (simple ways to show compassion to other people);
"Compassion Extends Beyond our Comfort Zones" (bringing God's kingdom to the poor and marginalized); and
"Compassion Offers God's Love to the World" (sharing God's love with everyone).

Compassion for others is central to God's love. Caring for others and helping them with their problems intensifies my love for God. Kent's teaching reveals that the more I love other people and care for them, the closer I become to God.

Keri Wyatt Kent's topics focus upon common concerns of life, such as enemies, family, the elderly, and living with hunger or anxiety. In each topic, Kent surfaces spiritual insights and points to Biblical verses. She ends each topic with a "compassion step" and a "community step" that help us put our meditation into action.

Kent's writes "Simple Compassion" like a journal. She makes comments and tells stories of actual events. Kent consistently includes scripture, and history. But this is not like listening to a professor in a class. It is more like sitting down with a friend over coffee and discussing your day Kent's comments are very personal and very relevant. She talks about events and problems that we all face. Although not all of her experiences fit my life exactly, I found her sharing of her life very meaningful.

Simple Compassion is an outstanding devotional. I highly recommend it.

There four sections of devotionals contained within the book. The first section helps us to reflect on our own worth in the Kingdom of God so that we might better understand the worth of others. From there the book guides the reader to look with compassion at their neighborhood, nearby areas, and then to look at our world on a global scale.

Each week, after reading a short selection, two action steps are suggested. The first step is an individual step of compassion, usually a question to get you thinking about compassion in your life, community and world. The second step is a community step, meant for a group of people to do together, as the book is meant to be studied in a group. (These steps could be modified for individual study.)

The first section reminds us of our calling as children of God. I found myself nodding through the devotions, looking with fresh eyes at many of the biblical truths I often take for granted. Written specifically for women, Keri doesn't waste any time, nor does she mince words about the powerful role of women in the Kingdom of God. Over and over the reader is pointed back to God as the source of our wisdom and strength as we move to love those around us.

The second section moves us toward action in the communities where God has placed us. Keri reminds the reader, "No matter where you are, it is not an accident. God wants you to look around and notice the people right in front of you, who need to experience the love of God through you." She emphasizes that we grow as individuals through community. After all, the fruits of the Spirit aren't usually demonstrated by ourselves, they are evident in the context of relationship. (p. 86)

Of course, in this section Keri cautions the reader NOT to think of those around us as evangelical projects. That is NOT what this book is urging us toward. We aren't called to sell Christ. We are called to be Him to the world around us and that is where her challenges push us in this section.

The third section encourages us to extend compassion outside of our comfort zones. This is where we leave the neighborhood where we live and allow God to lead us to the needy outside of our comfort zones. This section begins to focus on purposefully seeking out the needy and those struggling in poverty.

This is where it really began to hit home for me. This section clearly tackles issues such as greed, materialism, and possessions in a direct manner. Keri address them in a biblical, non-legalistic manner which will challenge the reader to examine their own heart before God and follow his guidance.

The final section is is designed to open our eyes and are hearts to the world. Keri encourages the reader to be open to "make small changes to make a small difference" and not to feel overburdened or hopeless. While tackling topics such as human trafficking, slavery, and hunger, Keri fills these sections with practical things we can do daily that make a difference.

What I really love (as a mom) is that it is easy to see myself using this book with my children, opening their minds to living compassionately in a practical way to the world around them. It fits in so well with my desire to open their eyes to God's Kingdom around the globe! I won't read it to them because the oldest is only 6, but I have no doubt that what God teaches me will come up in conversation with them.

While pre-reading the book for this review, I only read 2-3 chapters in each section. I look forward to reading more in 2010 the way it was meant to be read, one chapter at a time

What I love most about Keri Wyatt Kent's books is that she doesn't write "fluff". Her writing always has an underlying purpose of making the reader reflect on their own lives and make changes to become all God intended them to be. She follows this same pattern in "Simple Compassion".

This book is a splendid weekly devotional on social justice that goes straight to your heart. No lofty, pie-in-the-sky ideas here, just practical "can do" ideas that make you take a look at how YOU can make a difference in your sphere of influence right now. The author peppers the devotionals with personal stories and examples that are not only a delight to read but and encouragement to you on your own journey. But she doesn't stop here. Kent takes the reader to the next level by giving action steps that encourage personal involvement in the community.
"Simple Compassion" makes a great personal devotional, yet I feel it will work even better in a group setting with like minded individuals that want to reach out the needy in their communities.

This book makes the perfect source of inspiration and joy for yourself, friend, family member, or woman who you admire and know would appreciate this book. Organized by theme, principle and practice, it is easy to read and be moved to make changes by - starting within and then expanding. It really made me think about how I could make a difference and in a way that was realistic! You will be motivated to do more and more. Superb.

It gives you the inspiration that you can accomplish God's Will. My eyes were opened,the "little old me" syndrome melted away, and now I am speaking to a womens group to challenge them to go the distance. The group is in my small church that has seemed at a lose of where to go in reaching out.

Keri Wyatt Kent's Simple Compassion: Devotions to Make a Difference in Your Neighborhood and Your World helps you or your group get on your way to putting your faith into action. Keri Kent believes that "every woman matters & every woman can make a difference."

"Compassion Begins with You," part one, of her 52 week devotional, begins with the idea that to love others, you have to realize your own value in God's eyes. It focuses on God's love & living by the Spirit to walk in obedience with Him.

"Compassion Grows in Community," part two, focuses on loving those around us; reminding us that we can be "missional" in our own backyards.

"Compassion Extends beyond Our Comfort Zones," part three, helps us reach out to the poor & not be overwhelmed by their needs. Helping one person is better than not helping any.

"Compassion Offers God's Love to the World," part four, focuses on ways we can make a difference in the world.

Keri Wyatt Kent's stories & suggestions for ways we can show compassion, along with Biblical scripture and meditation, will help me "walk the talk," and put my faith into action.

There's a handy leader's guide included at the back of the devotional which can be used individually or by your group's leader. The author recommends reading this book with others.

By the way, this devotional is geared towards women.

This book gives suggestions and discusses what you and others can do to make a difference in the world and be more compassionate and inspirational. It is an inpirational book; the meaning and intention and purpose was well-intended, and the subject-matter was good.

Even though I did give five stars, I feel the writing and writing style could have been just a little better, but not enough to take away a star. I like the way the devotions were divided into weeks.

But the message was good, and I would recommend this book.

The front cover was attractive and cozy, too.

After I read Keri Wyatt Kent's recent book I wrote to her saying

"Keri, this book really packs a punch. I can think of a whole lot of folks who'd throw it against the wall wondering why they picked up a book written by a 'feminist, egalitarian, social justice oriented, probably a democrat, Willow Creeker?"

The truth is that description might actually scare some folks away. Maybe some of you reading it. That would be too bad. You see, Keri is also someone I'd call 'thoughtfully orthodox'. All the way through these devotions you'll see a woman trying her best to be more and more like Christ in today's world. She's biblically solid and wants to find out what an informed faith does with issues like fair trade, caring for the least of these, standard of living, diversity, etc. She pokes and prods, lays out her own issues and will challenge you to think about yours.

Bottom line. I think if folks really go through this book devotionally, prayerfully and then read it again with others, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts ...wow. What could happen? Lives would change. Hearts would soften. Eyes opened. New habits would need to be cultivated. Keri raises important issues for us as Christians. Although this book is geared towards women I found it hitting home for me in a variety of ways. Keri pretty masterfully raises issues that are vital to our understanding of how to live as Christ followers in today's world. She helps put compassion into a biblical framework that goes beyond just 'do something'.

Keri also understands the world of the suburban working mom. She doesn't pretend to have it all together. She's trying to figure out how to weave compassion in and through a life that's pretty full. But to Keri compassion isn't just an add on, another thing to do. She's trying to make compassion central to our understanding of the the 'good news' we all desire to live into and proclaim.

So, for what it's worth ...I think this is a 'dangerous' book. Read it. Talk about it. Apply it.