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Re ntry: How Pain, Roots, and Rhythm Guide Us from Darkness to Light
How do you survive lengthy seasons of darkness?
As vital as the message of entry is to the Christian faith, many Christians are also desperate for a message of reentry after many seasons of doubt, confusion, bondage to the past, severed relationships, loss, depression, and stress. From places of darkness and shadows, God comes and reveals himself as the one who enters into our pain both as a companion who walks with us through our trials and as the one who is eager to eventually lead us into a healthier place.
In January of 2014, Josh Ross traveled to Barrow, Alaska, to interact with a community that experiences over sixty-five days of darkness every winter. His time there revealed how essential the principles of reentry, roots, and rhythm are to our survival and health far beyond the Arctic Circle.
- GenresChristian
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2017
3 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Josh Ross
3 books2 followersJosh Ross is the Lead Minister for the Sycamore View Church in Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to speaking regularly around the country, he has been published in New Wineskins, At Home Tennessee, The Christian Chronicle, and other publications.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 14, 2017
3.75⭐️
Thank you so much to netgalley for sending me an ARc copy of Re/Entry by Josh Ross. Re/Entry Will be released on September 12, 2017.
"I think im at my worst as a christian when i get stuck in traffic" I cannot agree more.
This book made me feel like i was having a conversation with an old friend catching up on life, relationships and religion.
Ross talked about difficult and simple life topics and how he deals with problems. It was motivating and entertaining to read. It also didnt feel like he was shoving God down your throat like some christian books do. I really enjoyed how he discussed God and his beliefs throughout the book.
Thank you so much to netgalley for sending me an ARc copy of Re/Entry by Josh Ross. Re/Entry Will be released on September 12, 2017.
"I think im at my worst as a christian when i get stuck in traffic" I cannot agree more.
This book made me feel like i was having a conversation with an old friend catching up on life, relationships and religion.
Ross talked about difficult and simple life topics and how he deals with problems. It was motivating and entertaining to read. It also didnt feel like he was shoving God down your throat like some christian books do. I really enjoyed how he discussed God and his beliefs throughout the book.
February 27, 2018
good book. well written. I found times where I was unable to put it down.
May 13, 2020
When I started reading REENTRY, I was preparing for a Wednesday night youth group class series about mental health issues. I wanted to be hope-filled in my approach to teaching these students about the different disorders, symptoms, treatments, etc. Little did I know just how relevant this book would be for the year 2020.
Though it was published in 2017 and prominently features a trip to Barrow, Alaska, that Josh made in 2014, the lessons he learned and shared are more timely now. Everyone is in the same situation. We are currently in the midst of a global pandemic with now clear end in sight. But we know we will get through this. The question is, what do we do once we're on the other side of this thing?
Josh learned that for the citizens of Barrow, the months of darkness are not the hardest part of the year. The greater challenge is when the sun comes back over the horizon, the light returns, but nothing changes. It's still as cold and bleak as ever.
For people recovering from addiction or mental illness, for those coming off a spiritual high, for those who have just gone through the valley of the shadow of death, reentry can be more challenging than we realize. Josh learned from the people of Barrow the importance of roots and rhythm.
We need to be firmly established and rooted. For God's people, those roots should be in the love of God in Christ, the Word of God, and the community of believers. This gives us the firm foundation on which to stand as we get our bearings upon reentry. But we also need rhythm in our lives. Josh points to the rhythm of Jesus' ministry: solitude, community, ministry, repeat. Most of us have been stuck in the solitude section for months now. We are ready to be back in community. But we also need to use our time of solitude with God and encouragement from the community to propel us into action for God's kingdom.
This book really has me thinking about what the church is going to look like in the coming months as we reenter society. As our states reopen and people venture out into the world again, what role is the church going to play? What things are worth leaving behind and what is worth bringing with us into the future? How can we help our church members develop the roots and rhythm they need in their own lives?
This is an excellent, relatable, timely book that would be well worth it for anyone involved in church leadership and ministry.
Though it was published in 2017 and prominently features a trip to Barrow, Alaska, that Josh made in 2014, the lessons he learned and shared are more timely now. Everyone is in the same situation. We are currently in the midst of a global pandemic with now clear end in sight. But we know we will get through this. The question is, what do we do once we're on the other side of this thing?
Josh learned that for the citizens of Barrow, the months of darkness are not the hardest part of the year. The greater challenge is when the sun comes back over the horizon, the light returns, but nothing changes. It's still as cold and bleak as ever.
For people recovering from addiction or mental illness, for those coming off a spiritual high, for those who have just gone through the valley of the shadow of death, reentry can be more challenging than we realize. Josh learned from the people of Barrow the importance of roots and rhythm.
We need to be firmly established and rooted. For God's people, those roots should be in the love of God in Christ, the Word of God, and the community of believers. This gives us the firm foundation on which to stand as we get our bearings upon reentry. But we also need rhythm in our lives. Josh points to the rhythm of Jesus' ministry: solitude, community, ministry, repeat. Most of us have been stuck in the solitude section for months now. We are ready to be back in community. But we also need to use our time of solitude with God and encouragement from the community to propel us into action for God's kingdom.
This book really has me thinking about what the church is going to look like in the coming months as we reenter society. As our states reopen and people venture out into the world again, what role is the church going to play? What things are worth leaving behind and what is worth bringing with us into the future? How can we help our church members develop the roots and rhythm they need in their own lives?
This is an excellent, relatable, timely book that would be well worth it for anyone involved in church leadership and ministry.
November 5, 2017
"Are we raising our kids to be Christmas trees or fruit trees?"
This quote was too funny without the context, so that's what I'm starting my review with. Don't worry, it made more sense in context.
I liked the premise and also the style of writing. Barrow is a very interesting place and I enjoyed reading about the author's experiences there as well as the ideas and inspirations that he took from there. Those parts of the book were really interesting and I would have loved to read more about it.
As the author explains the need for roots and talks about roots and rythm in faith, he also gives many examples from his personal life, his career as a pastor and his current church. I enjoyed these parts, too. It was easy to follow his thoughts and explanations and interpretations of Scripture.
However, at times it felt as though I was reading two books in one: one about Barrow and one about his personal life. Because both parts were very good, this does not influence my rating very much, but maybe two seperate books would have been better. From the blurb, I expected there to be more about Barrow.
I have also noticed that Josh Ross seems to be a more liberal pastor. He did mention homosexuality once, but did not condemn it and also shows sympathy for the Black Lives Matter movement. I have read many Christian books that are critical of homosexuality and other things, if not completely rejecting it and I can imagine that this has kept some people from reading Christian books... You don't need to worry with this one. But homosexuality and social justice are not the main topics of this book, they just happen to be mentioned, so if you're rather conservative , this should not stop you from reading this book.
So I would recommend this book to anyone who's interested in how life is in Barrow and how reentry with God is possible.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
This quote was too funny without the context, so that's what I'm starting my review with. Don't worry, it made more sense in context.
I liked the premise and also the style of writing. Barrow is a very interesting place and I enjoyed reading about the author's experiences there as well as the ideas and inspirations that he took from there. Those parts of the book were really interesting and I would have loved to read more about it.
As the author explains the need for roots and talks about roots and rythm in faith, he also gives many examples from his personal life, his career as a pastor and his current church. I enjoyed these parts, too. It was easy to follow his thoughts and explanations and interpretations of Scripture.
However, at times it felt as though I was reading two books in one: one about Barrow and one about his personal life. Because both parts were very good, this does not influence my rating very much, but maybe two seperate books would have been better. From the blurb, I expected there to be more about Barrow.
I have also noticed that Josh Ross seems to be a more liberal pastor. He did mention homosexuality once, but did not condemn it and also shows sympathy for the Black Lives Matter movement. I have read many Christian books that are critical of homosexuality and other things, if not completely rejecting it and I can imagine that this has kept some people from reading Christian books... You don't need to worry with this one. But homosexuality and social justice are not the main topics of this book, they just happen to be mentioned, so if you're rather conservative , this should not stop you from reading this book.
So I would recommend this book to anyone who's interested in how life is in Barrow and how reentry with God is possible.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 16, 2017
We all go through times of darkness ... situations happen that are disheartening... struggles are a part of daily life. What if we could find ourselves walking through those dark times with strength, hope, and faith? What would it take to survive not only the darkness, but emerging into the light of new life? Josh Ross paints a real-life portrait of this life of faith. He doesn't deny the pain, but he finds hope in Christ as we establish roots and rhythm to give us structure and strength to make it through. Taking a trip to Barrow, Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle, Josh meets with those who endure great darkness for months at a time only to emerge into daylight for months at a time. Bringing together this experience with the experience of darkness he's had in his own life, readers are encouraged to see the path of growth and life, using the lessons of the darkness. This book is unflinching in it's look at real life. It also has surprising moments of hilarity along, hints of the joy Josh has found in letting the light of life, Jesus Christ, light the path ahead.
May 29, 2018
I respect the author for his effort to bring a new perspective on light vs darkness. He has some valid points, but I guess he takes too long to make those points. As a result, the books should have about half the pages that it has. When he suggests in the study guide to use parts of the book for study time, I think each part should not have been larger than a chapter.
I still believe that reentry, roots, rhythm and fruits are worthy concepts and he has put them out well.
I still believe that reentry, roots, rhythm and fruits are worthy concepts and he has put them out well.
September 2, 2017
This book catalogues one person's journey in faith (and through real-life travels). Honest and reflective, this book relies on personal narrative and Scripture to convey its meaning. Recommended for those looking for a testimonial book of an individual's faith journey.
September 22, 2017
A very very interesting book! I found it really interesting to see how life really is in a place that experiences over sixty-five days of darkness every winter. And it gets more interesting when it actually applied to our life.
Beautifully written and explained. Totally recommended this book!
Beautifully written and explained. Totally recommended this book!
May 5, 2020
This book is amazing for those navigating life while in pain, grieving, or just feel stuck. Josh Ross writes in an easy to read way but each chapter he challenges you to look deeper into yourself and your walk with God. I highly recommend!
January 1, 2018
This book was just what I needed to read! Josh Ross gets to the heart of the meaningful rhythm of life! I highly recommend this book!
December 16, 2017
Does it happen to you as well? March has come and in the midst of the bleakness of winter, suddenly a sunny spell changes your whole environment and outlook on life. Spring is coming! But then, with sudden force, winter launches its counterattack and it seems colder than ever before. Gone are the joy and hope you felt yesterday as a simmering depression seems to overtake your soul and society.
Such are the transitions in life – they might bring hope but can hit us unexpectedly as well. This book is a pastoral approach to help Christians manage transitions well.
As an overarching metaphor for this book author Josh Ross decided to travel to the northernmost town in the US, Barrow, in Alaska, and learn about this phenomenon himself. The pastor (we will get to know him and his life and church better as the book proceeds) wanted to understand why the return of light after the dark winter months actually seems to make life harder – initially at least.
I’ve never listened to one of his sermons, but I imagine Ross preaches as he writes: as an engaging storyteller who dishes up one example after another. You won’t fall asleep during one of his sermons! This keeps the book engaging, but at times it felt like too much to me. Ross notes how the life with Christ is about movement, with twists, turns, speed bumps and obstacles along the road. However, I felt Ross is taking his readers on such a meandering route that I started to get lost in the book itself. I stopped counting the tales about the specifics of the cars he has owned and his experiences while crisscrossing the country. Examples that serve to make a point, but more often than not distracted me. [It might be telling that one of the highlights for me was encountering Ross as a white evangelical pastor of an increasingly multicultural neighborhood, who struggles with the “huge chasm” between church and culture in the age of Trump.]
Ross was onto something when he decided to visit Barrow and he had a couple of neat experiences there. However, he is able to share so many other encounters out of his evidently fast-paced life, that I felt the Barrow-experience became somewhat buried under all the other examples – both from the bible and his own life.
If you find yourself in transition this book could be a good companion and will help you feel you’re not alone on that journey as he is able to ‘normalize’ the struggles of life. It gives sound advice: on the importance of establishing roots, healthy rhythms and being part of community. It helps you imagining what a blessing you could be once you have reentered society after a hard life experience. However, you will have to be willing to go on a meandering journey yourself and doing the hard work of distilling the nuggets of empathy, biblical insight and practical advice that will speak to you and your situation.
Such are the transitions in life – they might bring hope but can hit us unexpectedly as well. This book is a pastoral approach to help Christians manage transitions well.
As an overarching metaphor for this book author Josh Ross decided to travel to the northernmost town in the US, Barrow, in Alaska, and learn about this phenomenon himself. The pastor (we will get to know him and his life and church better as the book proceeds) wanted to understand why the return of light after the dark winter months actually seems to make life harder – initially at least.
I’ve never listened to one of his sermons, but I imagine Ross preaches as he writes: as an engaging storyteller who dishes up one example after another. You won’t fall asleep during one of his sermons! This keeps the book engaging, but at times it felt like too much to me. Ross notes how the life with Christ is about movement, with twists, turns, speed bumps and obstacles along the road. However, I felt Ross is taking his readers on such a meandering route that I started to get lost in the book itself. I stopped counting the tales about the specifics of the cars he has owned and his experiences while crisscrossing the country. Examples that serve to make a point, but more often than not distracted me. [It might be telling that one of the highlights for me was encountering Ross as a white evangelical pastor of an increasingly multicultural neighborhood, who struggles with the “huge chasm” between church and culture in the age of Trump.]
Ross was onto something when he decided to visit Barrow and he had a couple of neat experiences there. However, he is able to share so many other encounters out of his evidently fast-paced life, that I felt the Barrow-experience became somewhat buried under all the other examples – both from the bible and his own life.
If you find yourself in transition this book could be a good companion and will help you feel you’re not alone on that journey as he is able to ‘normalize’ the struggles of life. It gives sound advice: on the importance of establishing roots, healthy rhythms and being part of community. It helps you imagining what a blessing you could be once you have reentered society after a hard life experience. However, you will have to be willing to go on a meandering journey yourself and doing the hard work of distilling the nuggets of empathy, biblical insight and practical advice that will speak to you and your situation.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews