The Well-Balanced World Changer: A Field Guide for Staying Sane While Doing Good

by Sarah Cunningham

What happens when idealism and reality crash into each other (and you)? If you have ever passionately invested yourself in living your faith, championing a cause, or representing some noble ideal, you’ve probably experienced a faceoff between idealism and reality . Society often recognizes its deficits—poverty, crime, divisiveness, anxiety, excess—yet it rarely celebrates the rise of people who want to change those shortcomings. Still, many of us chip away at the world as it is, believing that a better world is possible. While in that place where we work to see good come about, we meet resistance almost between dreams and disappointment, between wholeness and dysfunction, between past and future. This can lead to frustration, bitterness, disillusionment, loneliness, and exhaustion. It can lead to people abandoning the church, faith, and God. . . or just becoming more passive, less passionate versions of their former faith-charged selves. Don’t give in! This book is your survival guide. You can champion your cause and your faith, even in a broken and dysfunctional world. Stay in the race and take this guide along as source of fuel, rest, and encouragement along the way.

Genres: Health

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2013

Reviews

[Danita · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't finish. This was really just a collection of motivational quotes. It read as though it hadn't seen an editor. Based on the title, I wanted to like it because resilience and thriving while doing hard work are important to me, but it just proved to be unoriginal and unhelpful.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. I liked the short chapters, as it made it easy to pick up the book for just a few minutes and get a nugget and not have to keep reading when you don't have the time. Perfect for busy world changers! There weren't any real big, new ideas in the book and it is a great reminder for world changers to stick with it and celebrate little accomplishments as they work towards the big goal. As someone who works in non-profit, this book actually helped remind me of the things I know to be true. It's nice to hear someone say it in their own words. As a person of faith, this book also helped to tie my vocation and my faith together nicely. The book also inspires those who might not feel like they are following their passion at work. I think she does a good job of helping people see that you don't need to jump into an entirely new career, but rather taking small steps can build towards a new path. Very practical, encouraging book. I liked it. Didn't give 5 stars, because I didnt find a lot of new ideas. However, great quotes and content for memes and encouragement!

[Kelly Creel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a secular book. However, for those of us who have chosen a career or cause that threatens to overwhelm us, there is a fair amount of wisdom in these essays. While I was reading, I simply substituted another spiritual or philosophical figure or fable in the place of the Biblical prophet or tale in the essay. Or, I read enough to get the main gist of the lesson, pondered an alternate example than the one offered by the author, and skipped ahead to the next essay.

[Gabrielle Engle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah's pithy writing style makes this book a quick read with solid gold nuggets along the way. She is honest and frank about a culture that is obsessed with leading instead of following, creating instead of stewarding, and planting instead of cultivating. This one is worth a few hours of your time.

[Daniel Hageman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The essay-style seems to fail to find a rhythm, and the advice, while good at parts, comes across as mostly opinions and platitudes.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick inspirational chapters. Nothing particularly unique or overly insightful. But it was encouraging. I could read it each day and feel like I was suggesting a bit of wisdom with each reading.

[Roger Leonhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

We all have dreams. We all want to make a difference in the world. But what happens if after years of hard work it just doesn't seen to be working like we imagined?

Sarah Cunningham, in this encouraging book, gives us pointers on how not to give up. She shows us that our God-given dreams are not to receive praise from people or to make us feel good about ourselves. They are given to please God and help others. Addiction to approval is not what we are called to.

Our dreams should be to please God and not people. He is the one who called us and gave us those dreams and he is the only one we should strive to please. We may not be another Billy Graham. We need to understand that the world would be worst off if it was full of famous people. If everyone was a boss, who would do the work? If everyone was a performer who would watch the show.

She shows us that God intends for us to be content whether we have achieved our goal already or not. Contentment should be in the Lord, not in our circumstances.

I enjoyed the book. It was easy to read and was interesting all the way through. It was is very encouraging and I recommend it, especially to those who feel they are tired or burned out.


I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

I received this book, free of charge, from Moody Publishers and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads program. I had no idea what a life-changing book it would turn out to be for me. It is so very well-written, kept my attention from beginning to end and actually and genuinely gave me new ways of thinking....things I'd never considered, things I'd missed in life that were important, I am completely serious. I am going to purchase copies of this book for many, many friends (yes, I'm unwilling to share mine) and bless them with the insights this book has to offer. I am not exaggerating when I say that everyone in any type of ministry, young or old, should read and take to heart this book. Ten Stars! Though, sadly they only let me give five...

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a great read. What an inspiration and guide to making a difference. Sarah Cunningham does a great job at highlighting her experiences and giving advice while not over extending oneself in the world of helping others. I was inclined to pass this along to a good friend of mine in the non-profit workplace to see her thoughts. Excited to see her take on Cunningham's perspective and takeaways. *** Please note I received this book for free from Goodreads First-reads giveaway.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

a really great, thought provoking book.

[Nikitah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thought-provoking. Trying to change the world? Then you better get this book! I'm going to be reading it again soon.

[Sharon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Overly preachy for my liking with tips that are not exactly unknown or beyond well-established common knowledge. Not a recommended read.

[Kyle Reschke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good read for anyone working in development, cross cultural work or ministry. Short chapters with concise thoughts and practical advice