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inSignificant: Why You Matter in the Surprising Way God Is Changing the World
Popular Author Reveals the Unexpected Ways God Gets Things Done
If you want to change the world, you have to do it God's way. And God's way looks nothing like our culture's way. Author and pastor Chris Travis gathers powerful true stories--including his own experiences teaching in a dangerous public school--to cast a vision of how God has a way of turning things upside down: he makes the weak strong, the foolish wise, and the insignificant matter. Anyone who wants to live a life of meaning will benefit from this gripping and insightful book. Includes end-of-chapter questions for personal study or small group discussions.
If you want to change the world, you have to do it God's way. And God's way looks nothing like our culture's way. Author and pastor Chris Travis gathers powerful true stories--including his own experiences teaching in a dangerous public school--to cast a vision of how God has a way of turning things upside down: he makes the weak strong, the foolish wise, and the insignificant matter. Anyone who wants to live a life of meaning will benefit from this gripping and insightful book. Includes end-of-chapter questions for personal study or small group discussions.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2012
36 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Chris Travis
3 books9 followersChris Travis writes fantasy and speculative fiction. He endeavors to create “miss-your-train-stop stories, the kind that absorb the reader in the happy concentration enjoyed by children at play, mystics in prayer, and artists at work, who forget to eat.” His debut novel, JOSHUA, MONSTER HUNTER, is a middle-grade urban fantasy, a spooky adventure that follows Joshua, foster kid, trouble maker, into the world of monsters. When Chris isn’t trying to figure out how his protagonists can possibly survive, you can find him playing with his kids or hiking in the woods. He lives in New York City with his wife and three little boys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 9, 2012
Chris Travis has written a beautiful little book. I was reminded of some great films like To Sir With Love, Stand and Deliver and Freedom Writers. In other words, this book inspires. But it goes beyond mere inspiration and challenges us. You may feel insignificant. You may be insignificant. And God may be planning to use your insignificance to change the world.
I had to stop reading several times to let my tears settle. It is hard to see a grown man cry and in this narrative, he hurts and cries. It is also moving to see how children strive to just get by in one of America's most dangerous middle schools
There are a myriad lessons here. Sometimes life hurts and sometimes we learn the most about ourselves and what our lives mean through pain. Sometimes we have to be completely humbled before we can be completely used by God.
I'd like to see a movie of this book. But the end the inSignificant story is still being written. We still don't know how it ends. Chris is changing the world and inspiring us to join him. And I, for one, would like to see inSignificant made into a film.
I had to stop reading several times to let my tears settle. It is hard to see a grown man cry and in this narrative, he hurts and cries. It is also moving to see how children strive to just get by in one of America's most dangerous middle schools
There are a myriad lessons here. Sometimes life hurts and sometimes we learn the most about ourselves and what our lives mean through pain. Sometimes we have to be completely humbled before we can be completely used by God.
I'd like to see a movie of this book. But the end the inSignificant story is still being written. We still don't know how it ends. Chris is changing the world and inspiring us to join him. And I, for one, would like to see inSignificant made into a film.
December 20, 2012
Ever feel like your life doesn't matter? If so, this book is for you. The author, Chris Travis is a former atheist. He is now a pastor of Everyday Christian Church in Manhattan. Prior to that, he felt lead to teach middle school. Not any middle school but the most dangerous one in New York. This middle school had the greatest number of student injuries per capita.
During his teaching, he spent many days keeping the students in line. He cleaned up graffiti, dealt with kids who were foul-mouthed and then tracked down the parents or whoever was their guardian to include them in the education process. In essence, it was a nightmare. He wanted to quit. And most did. But, he felt called to stay.
Ever look in the mirror? Sometimes we do not like what we see. We see the physical part of our being but not the inside. God sees the inside. God makes no mistakes. If he created you, he has a plan for your life as stated in Jeremiah 29:11. And you never know what kind of impact that you might have on someone else's life. A simple call, text, or even a smile can make a huge impact on another person. Pastor Chris Travis gives a great example and this is what he said, "He uses the tiniest things and seemingly insignificant people to effect massive change in the world. For example, God used a hug from a little girl in Cambodia to start an organization that helps rescue dozens of women and girls from sex trafficking." Wow, isn't that amazing! A hug!
If you are feeling insignificant or know someone who does, pick up this book and read through the amazing experience that Pastor Chris Travis had through teaching middle school.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher (Bethany House) . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
<[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
During his teaching, he spent many days keeping the students in line. He cleaned up graffiti, dealt with kids who were foul-mouthed and then tracked down the parents or whoever was their guardian to include them in the education process. In essence, it was a nightmare. He wanted to quit. And most did. But, he felt called to stay.
Ever look in the mirror? Sometimes we do not like what we see. We see the physical part of our being but not the inside. God sees the inside. God makes no mistakes. If he created you, he has a plan for your life as stated in Jeremiah 29:11. And you never know what kind of impact that you might have on someone else's life. A simple call, text, or even a smile can make a huge impact on another person. Pastor Chris Travis gives a great example and this is what he said, "He uses the tiniest things and seemingly insignificant people to effect massive change in the world. For example, God used a hug from a little girl in Cambodia to start an organization that helps rescue dozens of women and girls from sex trafficking." Wow, isn't that amazing! A hug!
If you are feeling insignificant or know someone who does, pick up this book and read through the amazing experience that Pastor Chris Travis had through teaching middle school.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher (Bethany House) . I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
<[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
November 18, 2012
Insignificant shows a great perspective that follows the ups and downs through our own questions of what we are supposed to do throughout different points in our lives. Travis recounts the toughest scenes he has personally experienced to show the steps through the process of redemption and recovery via redemption, prayer, and self soul searching.
Through detail, Travis shows that you can find the smallest things in life that can eventually create the greatest positive impact on those around you, whether one knows it or not. And no matter how much you think that nothing ever done by you matters, everything can make a difference whether immediately or eventually years on down the line.
Through detail, Travis shows that you can find the smallest things in life that can eventually create the greatest positive impact on those around you, whether one knows it or not. And no matter how much you think that nothing ever done by you matters, everything can make a difference whether immediately or eventually years on down the line.
September 4, 2012
Insignificant is a book about finding significance in the everyday things you do and how they work into God's plan for you. Chris Travis, the author of the book, is the pastor of Everyday Christian Church in Manhattan but before that he was a middle school teacher in the toughest school in NYC. He writes about his teaching experience and how it affected his walk in faith. I, for one, really appreciated his honesty. One of the big things in my faith is to be honest. If you're having a tough time, admit it. If you're having trouble believing, admit it. And Travis does. His honesty was very refreshing to me. He struggled in his years of teaching and he wrote very openly about it. He also wrote how he felt like he was truly doing God's work in that middle school classroom. Which I also found refreshing. That's not really a job title that you would associate with "doing God's work". In the book he explains how he truly felt that he was doing significant work for the Lord instead of just showing up for work each day and going through a lesson plan. He goes on to explain how you can change your mindset from "just doing your job" or "just getting through this day" into doing intentional, significant work for the God that created you.
I enjoyed reading this book. While some of the concepts were not earth shattering there were a lot of reminders for things that I too often forget. It was nice to stop and mull some of these points over (for instance; changing diapers and reminding kids about their manners will pay off and I am serving a higher power) and hopefully I won't forget those but keep them tucked into my memory. I recommend this book for anyone searching for significance in their life or someone who needs to be reminded that the small things do matter.
(I received a free copy of Insignificant from Bethany House and agreed to read and review the book online.)
I enjoyed reading this book. While some of the concepts were not earth shattering there were a lot of reminders for things that I too often forget. It was nice to stop and mull some of these points over (for instance; changing diapers and reminding kids about their manners will pay off and I am serving a higher power) and hopefully I won't forget those but keep them tucked into my memory. I recommend this book for anyone searching for significance in their life or someone who needs to be reminded that the small things do matter.
(I received a free copy of Insignificant from Bethany House and agreed to read and review the book online.)
September 11, 2015
We all seek significance, but sometimes that search can be self-centered. Real significance comes from my relationship to God and commitment to seek his will instead of my own. These profound thoughts on where we find meaning and self-worth are given in the context of two harrowing years in the toughest middle school in Harlem. I am no wimp, but I would not want to take on what the author did with students hurling obscenities and totally ignoring your instruction. He concluded that making a difference comes from daily seeking to be in God’s will whether that appears to be something significant or not. An easy, but profound read. As my daughter put it, how can a non-fiction book end chapters on cliff hangers that demand you turn the page?
December 1, 2012
My curiousity was piqued after reading the description of this book so I entered the first-reads giveaway and to my surprise I was a winner! I really enjoyed this book. It was refreshing and really thought provoking. Enjoyed the author's stories from his teaching years. Would recommend this book to anyone that is spiritual.
June 12, 2014
Excellent book, I wish it was longer or had a second volume
Excellent book, I wish it was longer or had a second volume
Wonderful, I wanted to hear more. it gave me many things to think about.
I will recommend this book to my friends.
Excellent book, I wish it was longer or had a second volume
Wonderful, I wanted to hear more. it gave me many things to think about.
I will recommend this book to my friends.
May 5, 2017
The author's personal experience vividly makes his point
Well-written and authentic. A good read to put life/work/activity back in alignment with God. He does a great job reminding us how big our God really is.
Well-written and authentic. A good read to put life/work/activity back in alignment with God. He does a great job reminding us how big our God really is.
April 23, 2013
Great book... will bring tears to your eyes at times... would love to visit his church sometime.
May 26, 2013
Great book with great insight. I felt that this book was speaking directly to me. It is a powerful reminder that sometimes one is not where they want to be but where God needs them to be.
November 26, 2013
Chris brings an honest and moving story to us through nine well written chapters. Realigning to read as a Christian. Probably inspiring to read as anything else.
You're silly not to read this one.
You're silly not to read this one.
June 3, 2014
Wonderful book!
I loved this book! It is inspiring and uplifting in such a charming and gentle way. It is a quick read, but one that will stick with you long after you finish.
I loved this book! It is inspiring and uplifting in such a charming and gentle way. It is a quick read, but one that will stick with you long after you finish.
June 15, 2014
Very life changing
January 27, 2016
Loved this book.
May 6, 2018
A book that teaches us that God uses us in special ways in the wold and that everyone and everything you do is significant.
November 18, 2019
4.5 stars
An amazing book on perspective and significance, and to an extent, suffering and character.
A few of my favorite quotes from the book, but there were many more ideas that are much harder to sum up in a single quote:
“If love is the goal, power doesn’t get us very far.”
“Sometimes you hear people say things like, ‘You’ve got to believe in yourself,’ but that’s nonsense. We doubt our own potential not because we fail to believe in ourselves, but because we fail to believe in God. God says he will conform us into the image of Christ. Do you believe he will do what he says? Don’t waste your time trying to believe in yourself. Believe in God. ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’… I’d like to let you in on something that is missing from the world. We are missing all that God will do through you.”
An amazing book on perspective and significance, and to an extent, suffering and character.
A few of my favorite quotes from the book, but there were many more ideas that are much harder to sum up in a single quote:
“If love is the goal, power doesn’t get us very far.”
“Sometimes you hear people say things like, ‘You’ve got to believe in yourself,’ but that’s nonsense. We doubt our own potential not because we fail to believe in ourselves, but because we fail to believe in God. God says he will conform us into the image of Christ. Do you believe he will do what he says? Don’t waste your time trying to believe in yourself. Believe in God. ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’… I’d like to let you in on something that is missing from the world. We are missing all that God will do through you.”
February 25, 2019
"It’s those tiny moments when I notice God at work that get me out of bed each day."
💡
Travis shares with the reader his own personal experience with insignificance, working as a teacher in a failing NYC school. He opens up about his failures and shares how he turned it around (hint: it wasn't actually him).
🗃️
This book is for people who struggle to see how their jobs, lives can be used by God. In our insignificance, HE is strong.
💡
Travis shares with the reader his own personal experience with insignificance, working as a teacher in a failing NYC school. He opens up about his failures and shares how he turned it around (hint: it wasn't actually him).
🗃️
This book is for people who struggle to see how their jobs, lives can be used by God. In our insignificance, HE is strong.
October 20, 2022
Great book, easy read that chronicles the author's experience as a teacher in a tough New York City school district and how he went from despair to success in doing so. Interesting read.
June 4, 2014
Worth your time.
I liked this book and think it is worth reading. Mr Travis shares from his life experiences as a pastor and as a teacher in Harlem, he is letting us see that even if we feel that our job or station in life seems insignificant that God sees us differently. That our system comes from the Lord and following Him. Mr Travis talked about our love for God and what that might look like.But he left out that when we understand God's love for us and really grasp that,then all the rest falls into place. When we know that we know we are loved we are able to fully love others and show that love without reservation. We also will see the significance in doing things that may seem insignificant to others. I fully agree that the most significant things we do are in our relationships with others not in our status in this world or how much income we have or in the things that we own, or how talented we are because if we do not have God's love and freely give of our blessings.vs what does it matter. The book is worth a read.
I liked this book and think it is worth reading. Mr Travis shares from his life experiences as a pastor and as a teacher in Harlem, he is letting us see that even if we feel that our job or station in life seems insignificant that God sees us differently. That our system comes from the Lord and following Him. Mr Travis talked about our love for God and what that might look like.But he left out that when we understand God's love for us and really grasp that,then all the rest falls into place. When we know that we know we are loved we are able to fully love others and show that love without reservation. We also will see the significance in doing things that may seem insignificant to others. I fully agree that the most significant things we do are in our relationships with others not in our status in this world or how much income we have or in the things that we own, or how talented we are because if we do not have God's love and freely give of our blessings.vs what does it matter. The book is worth a read.
May 29, 2014
I received this as a free ebook from BookBub and randomly chose it off of my extensive kindle list...I'm glad I gave it a read. The author's anecdotes of teaching in a rough (to say the least) public school in NYC had me at times laughing out loud, shaking my head, and truly engaging in the lives of not only the author but also the kids he taught. Most of the chapters, after the introductory anecdote, read like sermons. Which makes sense since the book was written by a pastor! I walked away with inspiration and a mind full if thoughts, but I'm only giving four stars because the book didn't feel well organized but rather very stream of consciousness. With additional editing I'm confident this book could make it to five stars.
October 23, 2012
This is a book that will make you laugh and cry and maybe even make your stomach churn with the author's as he shares about what God taught him about himself during a two year stint of teaching in a dangerous inner city school. The author shares very candidly about his experiences, his failures,and learning things about himself that he didn't always like. Ultimately he learned through it all that we matter to God. God invites each one of us to rely on Him and become part of His story.
"Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review."
"Book has been provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review."
March 8, 2013
Loved the message of this book. We put so much emphasis on our personal success, but in God's eyes we're most successful when we humble ourselves and love others as ourselves. I found Chris Travis's honesty about his spiritual state the first year of teaching at an inner city school refreshing and relatable. Too often I only think of my glory--and God breaks me down through seeming failures. To read Chris's transformation and how God used him in his second year of teaching really inspired me.
I would have liked more focus on his second year and more explanation/specifics of how our insignificance gives us the peace we long for.
A wonderful book!
I would have liked more focus on his second year and more explanation/specifics of how our insignificance gives us the peace we long for.
A wonderful book!
November 22, 2012
The author draws from his personal experience of insignificance to discover where true significance is really found. I found his story and the painful experiences he endured to be both: challenging and inspiring. I was humbled by his trust and obedience and often found myself wondering, "would I be so courageous - to put my faith into practical action in a similar way?". That question remains; but at least I have a vision of the trajectory such faith would take!
Currently reading
November 27, 2012Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the FirstReads program at Goodreads.com with the promise to review it.
I have begun to read this book and will edit my review upon completion.
I have begun to read this book and will edit my review upon completion.
September 18, 2013
Chris writes like he speaks. It was especially fun reading this because I know Chris and could infuse his voice and inflections in the writing. Amazing stories leading to amazing insights. Well done, Chris!
October 26, 2012
Insightful, moving, and challenging. I highly recommend this one!
December 12, 2012
A personal story that made me reflect on my own life at times. Definitely made some points to think on for a while.
I won a copy of this book in the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
I won a copy of this book in the Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
July 18, 2014
Struggling to get through this one.
August 3, 2013
Was surprised how many of the same challenges we wrestle with in a rural ministry setting.
October 2, 2014
I enjoyed this book. Thought provoking
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews