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Whole: Restoring What Is Broken in Me, You, and The Entire World
Look around, and you’ll notice: The world is covered with jagged edges. People and places are broken all around us.
We were made for better than this: We were made to be whole, and wholly human, to tend a world that is wholly humane. We were made in the image of God. This book is a quest to recover that image in ourselves and our neighbors, to help us all become human and humane again.
For Christians who lament the brokenness in themselves, their neighbors, and the world around them, Whole offers a rallying cry to pursue wholeness together.
We were made for better than this: We were made to be whole, and wholly human, to tend a world that is wholly humane. We were made in the image of God. This book is a quest to recover that image in ourselves and our neighbors, to help us all become human and humane again.
For Christians who lament the brokenness in themselves, their neighbors, and the world around them, Whole offers a rallying cry to pursue wholeness together.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2017
19 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 6, 2017
How can a book about brokenness be so hopeful and life giving? It's because Steve Wiens shows us that just on the other side of our brokenness is the Promised Land of restoration - and that's something to reach for, indeed.
Steve Wiens has a knack for inclusion. The words jump off the page and grab you, shake you, envelop you in a warm hug and then push you off to be a better version of yourself. His personal stories are compelling examples of love, forgiveness and courage; they draw you in and make you feel seen and understood. Steve's vulnerability makes you feel it's safe to experience your own emotions; to feel the feelings and shed the tears and dream the dreams.
Steve Wiens has a knack for inclusion. The words jump off the page and grab you, shake you, envelop you in a warm hug and then push you off to be a better version of yourself. His personal stories are compelling examples of love, forgiveness and courage; they draw you in and make you feel seen and understood. Steve's vulnerability makes you feel it's safe to experience your own emotions; to feel the feelings and shed the tears and dream the dreams.
December 11, 2017
This book was exactly what i needed to read in this season. Convicting, compelling, helpful, healing. I tend to focus solely on my brokenness and forget to remember God is in the business of wholeness and restoration, and this book reminded me of truth and the way to the Father’s heart where freedom lies. So, so good.
December 31, 2018
I loved this book, and think there will be some aspect that is applicable for everyone. We’re all broken, and on a constant path towards wholeness, towards the “promised land”. Steve Wiens asks some important questions in order to better identify where you’re at in the journey, and offers so much hope rather than condemnation and guilt. He points the reader to ask not only what steps towards wholeness we can take for ourselves, but for other people, and the world. He works to present a better understanding of restoration and shalom and encourages the reader to enter into stories from the Bible rather than just reading them. This book will especially resonate with readers who find themselves in a season of wilderness, and provides much encouragement for those who are.
May 31, 2022
Forgot to give thoughts immediately on this, and now sure I won't do justice.
This was a good listen, with touches of life exposed and ways to make a difference.
This was a good listen, with touches of life exposed and ways to make a difference.
October 26, 2017
There is brokenness all around us.
It is in this context that Steve Wiens writes his beautiful and relevant book Whole. Wiens is not afraid to call attention to the jagged edges of his own life, and the world.
Since reading his book, I have been following him on Twitter, and he does the same there. The Wiens we meet in the pages of Whole seems to be the real thing.
Wiens explores how biblical and cultural redemptive stories intersect with our own. He uses the familiar narrative of Moses and the Exodus, Wiens takes the reader on a journey to redeem the image of God within each of us.
Wiens does what so few writers are able to do. He welcomes the reader in and is able to deliver profound ideas and thoughts in a matter that does not turn the average reader away. All while leaving enough room for the reader to reflect on how all of this intersects with our own lives.
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/book-review-...
It is in this context that Steve Wiens writes his beautiful and relevant book Whole. Wiens is not afraid to call attention to the jagged edges of his own life, and the world.
Since reading his book, I have been following him on Twitter, and he does the same there. The Wiens we meet in the pages of Whole seems to be the real thing.
Wiens explores how biblical and cultural redemptive stories intersect with our own. He uses the familiar narrative of Moses and the Exodus, Wiens takes the reader on a journey to redeem the image of God within each of us.
Wiens does what so few writers are able to do. He welcomes the reader in and is able to deliver profound ideas and thoughts in a matter that does not turn the average reader away. All while leaving enough room for the reader to reflect on how all of this intersects with our own lives.
Read more at http://jasoncstanley.com/book-review-...
September 22, 2017
The last six weeks have been challenging.
The transition at my church continues to be difficult.
My daughter started preschool and while she’s thriving, adapting our schedules has been rough for all of us.
Multiple people in my husband’s family have been sick.
All of this has left our family frayed and on edge, longing to be whole.
For that reason, I was excited to dig into Steve Wiens book, Whole: Restoring What is Broken in Me, You, and the Entire World.
While this book was a slow start for me (in fact, I started reading it to my husband on a road trip and he asked me not to continue), I ended up loving it. In fact, I was sorely disappointed we didn’t finish reading it together. Given the season we currently find ourselves in, I would have loved talking with him about it.
What I loved most about Whole was Steve’s exploration of Scripture. Beginning with the second chapter of Whole, each chapter explores a different Old Testament narrative – ranging from Cain to the Israelites and their journey to the Promised Land. Steve brings profound insights to old stories. For example, as he discusses the story of Cain, he shares, “Sin isn’t the first true thing about being human. The first true thing about being human is living with God, and with one another, in the radical vulnerability of complete trust.”
Many people will find Steve’s perspective on God refreshing. For example, according to Steve, “Repentance simply means changing your mind about where you’re going in order to be made whole. Our wholeness – our restoration – is a result of God’s kindness, not God’s determination that we get it right.”
Thanks to the communal nature of the Old Testament, Steve also helps readers explore how their wholeness is connected to the wholeness of others. In his words, “True restoration for one person leads to restoration for another, or else it isn’t restoration.”
Steve also reminds readers, “We can’t talk about restoring the entire world if we don’t talk about repenting of our part in breaking it.”
Whole is a book that will appeal to those who like memoir (there’s enough of Steve’s story in it to captivate your attention) as well as to those interested in digging into Scripture.
Either way, Whole is a book that will challenge people to pursue wholeness, even when the journey's hard. In Steve’s words, “Seeking wholeness is always about leaving one place and going somewhere else. It requires movement. It’s almost always painful, and very often you don’t really know where you’re going until long after you leave.”
**************************************************
Disclosure: I received a free copy of Whole: Restoring What is Broken in Me, You, and the Entire World from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The transition at my church continues to be difficult.
My daughter started preschool and while she’s thriving, adapting our schedules has been rough for all of us.
Multiple people in my husband’s family have been sick.
All of this has left our family frayed and on edge, longing to be whole.
For that reason, I was excited to dig into Steve Wiens book, Whole: Restoring What is Broken in Me, You, and the Entire World.
While this book was a slow start for me (in fact, I started reading it to my husband on a road trip and he asked me not to continue), I ended up loving it. In fact, I was sorely disappointed we didn’t finish reading it together. Given the season we currently find ourselves in, I would have loved talking with him about it.
What I loved most about Whole was Steve’s exploration of Scripture. Beginning with the second chapter of Whole, each chapter explores a different Old Testament narrative – ranging from Cain to the Israelites and their journey to the Promised Land. Steve brings profound insights to old stories. For example, as he discusses the story of Cain, he shares, “Sin isn’t the first true thing about being human. The first true thing about being human is living with God, and with one another, in the radical vulnerability of complete trust.”
Many people will find Steve’s perspective on God refreshing. For example, according to Steve, “Repentance simply means changing your mind about where you’re going in order to be made whole. Our wholeness – our restoration – is a result of God’s kindness, not God’s determination that we get it right.”
Thanks to the communal nature of the Old Testament, Steve also helps readers explore how their wholeness is connected to the wholeness of others. In his words, “True restoration for one person leads to restoration for another, or else it isn’t restoration.”
Steve also reminds readers, “We can’t talk about restoring the entire world if we don’t talk about repenting of our part in breaking it.”
Whole is a book that will appeal to those who like memoir (there’s enough of Steve’s story in it to captivate your attention) as well as to those interested in digging into Scripture.
Either way, Whole is a book that will challenge people to pursue wholeness, even when the journey's hard. In Steve’s words, “Seeking wholeness is always about leaving one place and going somewhere else. It requires movement. It’s almost always painful, and very often you don’t really know where you’re going until long after you leave.”
**************************************************
Disclosure: I received a free copy of Whole: Restoring What is Broken in Me, You, and the Entire World from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 1, 2017
What a beautiful, peaceful work of art. Wiens' words brought my mind such clarity. I will come back to this one again someday soon.
August 8, 2017
Whole is about recognizing the broken parts of ourselves and the brokenness of what surrounds us. It's about restoring our inner most parts and making things whole. It offers hope where maybe we see none. With the ongoing struggle of Christians wanting to gain acceptance into the Kingdom, Wiens offers his reader grace in every unhealed place with biblical truth.
"I am more convinced than ever that what restores us most fully is the belief that Jesus wants us to be with him, exactly as we are and not as we should be, and that he is not in a hurry for us to change right away" (Wiens, 79).
This is one of my most favorite books so far this year. I appreciated Wiens' approach to the reader. Although the entire text reads as pieces of different sermons, it comes together very richly. His tone is not condescending and not rapture-filled. I thoroughly enjoyed learning new words. Earning my degree in English, I was always drawn to root words and the deeper meanings of different words. Wiens breaks down many words and places them in biblical context for the reader.
Days after reading the book, I still hold on to this idea. Sin is not the first true thing about being human. The first true thing about being human is spending time with God (re: Genesis). This is a hope I want to grasp and never let go. It is changing my daily walk with Jesus. This has changed my life and my approach to my relationship with Him.
Wiens isn't afraid to write on privilege, identifying with the Egyptians and not the Israelites, and many other important concepts. I can't recommend this book enough. Let it be next on your never ending list of reading.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale House book review bloggers program. 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.”
"I am more convinced than ever that what restores us most fully is the belief that Jesus wants us to be with him, exactly as we are and not as we should be, and that he is not in a hurry for us to change right away" (Wiens, 79).
This is one of my most favorite books so far this year. I appreciated Wiens' approach to the reader. Although the entire text reads as pieces of different sermons, it comes together very richly. His tone is not condescending and not rapture-filled. I thoroughly enjoyed learning new words. Earning my degree in English, I was always drawn to root words and the deeper meanings of different words. Wiens breaks down many words and places them in biblical context for the reader.
Days after reading the book, I still hold on to this idea. Sin is not the first true thing about being human. The first true thing about being human is spending time with God (re: Genesis). This is a hope I want to grasp and never let go. It is changing my daily walk with Jesus. This has changed my life and my approach to my relationship with Him.
Wiens isn't afraid to write on privilege, identifying with the Egyptians and not the Israelites, and many other important concepts. I can't recommend this book enough. Let it be next on your never ending list of reading.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale House book review bloggers program. 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.”
August 21, 2017
When I started this year, the word that I chose for myself was "decrease overwhelm." (I know, I know, it's not one word. But it's the theme I felt God asking me to chose.) As the year has gone on, though, I've felt a shifting in my soul. And without even thinking about it, "whole" became my word for the year.
I began to seek out resources to help me better understand what it means to be whole.
Sometime last year, I stumbled across a podcast called This Good Word with Steve Wiens. Wiens' approach to scripture, his love for language and how the nuances of words impact scripture, captured my attention. Earlier in the year, my brother had also passed on his copy of Beginnings, Wiens' first book. As I listened to the podcast, I discovered Wiens was working on a new book, Whole: Restoring What Is Broken in Me, You, and the Entire World.
Though I haven't gotten to read Beginnings yet, I knew I needed to get my hands on Whole.
It came with high praise from my brother, who is often hard to impress when it comes to non-fiction. It was titled after my word for the year.
And the idea of restoring what was broken in me was something I instinctively knew I needed to hold in my hands. To do the work necessary for restoration. And to learn what it means to bring my whole-ness into the world.
I don't want to give too much of this book away. It's an experience that can't really be broken into pieces. And one you really must embark on for yourself. To grow and change, and get comfortable being uncomfortable.
One of the things that I love most about Wiens' writing is the dive into the original language. There is so much history and richness that appears when you go back to the original text. To see the intent of the authors of scripture as they wrote gives you a broader picture of what it really looks like to live whole.
Wiens encourages us to change our language, change our definitions and jump into a whole life.
Whole is an invitation to your Promised Land. The place where you feel most alive. Where you can live like Jesus lived. The place where you believe that God will never leave you or fail you. It's the place where you can be bold. Be confident. And walk out the plan God has for your life.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale. This review is my own, honest opinion.
I began to seek out resources to help me better understand what it means to be whole.
Sometime last year, I stumbled across a podcast called This Good Word with Steve Wiens. Wiens' approach to scripture, his love for language and how the nuances of words impact scripture, captured my attention. Earlier in the year, my brother had also passed on his copy of Beginnings, Wiens' first book. As I listened to the podcast, I discovered Wiens was working on a new book, Whole: Restoring What Is Broken in Me, You, and the Entire World.
Though I haven't gotten to read Beginnings yet, I knew I needed to get my hands on Whole.
It came with high praise from my brother, who is often hard to impress when it comes to non-fiction. It was titled after my word for the year.
And the idea of restoring what was broken in me was something I instinctively knew I needed to hold in my hands. To do the work necessary for restoration. And to learn what it means to bring my whole-ness into the world.
I don't want to give too much of this book away. It's an experience that can't really be broken into pieces. And one you really must embark on for yourself. To grow and change, and get comfortable being uncomfortable.
One of the things that I love most about Wiens' writing is the dive into the original language. There is so much history and richness that appears when you go back to the original text. To see the intent of the authors of scripture as they wrote gives you a broader picture of what it really looks like to live whole.
Wiens encourages us to change our language, change our definitions and jump into a whole life.
Whole is an invitation to your Promised Land. The place where you feel most alive. Where you can live like Jesus lived. The place where you believe that God will never leave you or fail you. It's the place where you can be bold. Be confident. And walk out the plan God has for your life.
I received a copy of this book from Tyndale. This review is my own, honest opinion.
August 22, 2017
Whole: Restoring What Is Broken In Me, You, And The Entire World by Steve Wiens is more than just a book on the topic of spiritual wholeness. Steve has crafted a portrait of what it means to be whole, using both personal anecdotes and classic Bible stories.
He starts the journey to wholeness by carefully plotting out five questions for us to consider on this quest. Where are you? Am I my brother's keeper? What are you seeking? Where are you going? What will you bring? Posed from the Bible itself, these questions will open your eyes to a new understanding of what it means to be whole, as well as why it's so important for us to find that place of wholeness.
After careful consideration of these questions being asked of us, we move on to ponder the scenarios laid out in the exodus, the wilderness, and the promised land. Steve guides us through the implications of each, as he reveals how these stories relate to our current lives and what we can do in order to get through the exodus to the wilderness and, in turn, lean on God while in the wilderness so that we may find the promised land.
With questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter, this book is a wonderful tool for individual or group study. I would suggest Whole for anyone who feels the singe of brokenness within themselves or questions their place in this world and how they can help restore the brokenness of the world around them. 5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary print copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
He starts the journey to wholeness by carefully plotting out five questions for us to consider on this quest. Where are you? Am I my brother's keeper? What are you seeking? Where are you going? What will you bring? Posed from the Bible itself, these questions will open your eyes to a new understanding of what it means to be whole, as well as why it's so important for us to find that place of wholeness.
After careful consideration of these questions being asked of us, we move on to ponder the scenarios laid out in the exodus, the wilderness, and the promised land. Steve guides us through the implications of each, as he reveals how these stories relate to our current lives and what we can do in order to get through the exodus to the wilderness and, in turn, lean on God while in the wilderness so that we may find the promised land.
With questions for reflection and discussion at the end of each chapter, this book is a wonderful tool for individual or group study. I would suggest Whole for anyone who feels the singe of brokenness within themselves or questions their place in this world and how they can help restore the brokenness of the world around them. 5/5 stars.
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary print copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
August 20, 2018
Ever since I read "Not the Way It's Supposed to Be" by Neal Plantinga, I've been taken by the biblical concept of shalom. Like most people, I had always heard shalom described as peace, but that is such an incomplete description. It would be like describing Mt Everest as a hill. Peace is assuredly an important component of shalom, but to understand it more accurately, we need to recognize that shalom is the state of wholeness, completeness, flourishing or, as Plantinga says, "the way things are supposed to be."
Steve Wiens book, Whole (NavPress, 2017) is an excellent exploration of the concept of wholeness. On page 45, he wrote, "This is how wholeness works: What has been broken and restored in you and in me is being transformed into healing for the rest of the world." None of us, if we are honest, can look at the world and say that it is whole. We see brokenness everywhere. We can choose to ignore it and pretend everything is okay; we can choose hopelessness and assume nothing will ever get any better; or we can choose a hope that acknowledges that things are broken, but that one came to restore shalom.
This book hit me on a personal level. I've been in the wilderness recently. I've been an Egyptian (and sometimes, I still am), yet I am seeing the promised land. I am trying to live into who God has called me to be, which I believe is an ambassador of shalom.
Steve Wiens book, Whole (NavPress, 2017) is an excellent exploration of the concept of wholeness. On page 45, he wrote, "This is how wholeness works: What has been broken and restored in you and in me is being transformed into healing for the rest of the world." None of us, if we are honest, can look at the world and say that it is whole. We see brokenness everywhere. We can choose to ignore it and pretend everything is okay; we can choose hopelessness and assume nothing will ever get any better; or we can choose a hope that acknowledges that things are broken, but that one came to restore shalom.
This book hit me on a personal level. I've been in the wilderness recently. I've been an Egyptian (and sometimes, I still am), yet I am seeing the promised land. I am trying to live into who God has called me to be, which I believe is an ambassador of shalom.
July 31, 2017
If you are looking for a book that beckons you to examine the places of your life where brokenness exists while inviting you on a journey of spiritual restoration, then Whole: Restoring What Is Broken In Me, You, And The Entire World by Steve Wiens is a book you will not want to miss!
In Whole, you will examine the redemptive stories of both biblical and contemporary sojourners and explore how their stories intersect with yours, asking reflective questions along the way and examining how God brings wholeness to your ife.
There are so many things that I like about Whole, including the beautiful profound writing, the insights into the words and concepts from the original language, and the reflective questions throughout the book.
Whole is a gem of a book that you will want to read through slowly and savor, with pen and highlighter in hand – and then go back and read again!
This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.
In Whole, you will examine the redemptive stories of both biblical and contemporary sojourners and explore how their stories intersect with yours, asking reflective questions along the way and examining how God brings wholeness to your ife.
There are so many things that I like about Whole, including the beautiful profound writing, the insights into the words and concepts from the original language, and the reflective questions throughout the book.
Whole is a gem of a book that you will want to read through slowly and savor, with pen and highlighter in hand – and then go back and read again!
This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book.
August 18, 2017
In his book Whole Steve Wiens offers a map of sorts for the brokenness found in the world to move towards a place of Wholeness and restoration. Steve writes that the restoration of the world will only happen through the works of people who have been restored themselves. Steve walks the reader through five questions of restoration for them to reflect on and hear the Voice of God in the questions. Then Steve walks the reader through the story of Israel going from Egypt into the Wilderness and further on into the Promised Land. This journey is for all people to take if they are willing to walk away from that which binds them in slavery, and go through the long slow path of transformation, to become who they are called to be.
Steve’s writing is so beautiful and personal. The stories that he shares from his life illustrate his own journey and wrestlings with these questions, and makes him a trustworthy guide to walk alongside the readers as they make the journey too. If you are willing to take some difficult steps, and answer tough questions honestly with yourself, then this book will help you to see what a life marked by wholeness looks like for you, and give you a deeper passion to offer that newfound wholeness to the world.
Steve’s writing is so beautiful and personal. The stories that he shares from his life illustrate his own journey and wrestlings with these questions, and makes him a trustworthy guide to walk alongside the readers as they make the journey too. If you are willing to take some difficult steps, and answer tough questions honestly with yourself, then this book will help you to see what a life marked by wholeness looks like for you, and give you a deeper passion to offer that newfound wholeness to the world.
July 25, 2017
I received a complimentary copy.
Review Q&A-
- What did you like about the book and why? The way the author presents his theories and brings the reader much needed points to benefit them.
- What did you not like about the book and why? I did not like the tone has it is more of an all in or none setting.
- What did you learn? I was surprised by the different views of the author and how he chose to spin the stories in with the facts he was trying to get across. Overall I feel like if as the reader, you know what this book is about and pick it up anyway, you will not be disappointed, but maybe more undecided.
- To whom would you recommend this book and why? This is one of those special topic books, that a reader should want to engage in, before committing to reading it. I think people with stronger binding faith of an older age would benefit the most.
Review Q&A-
- What did you like about the book and why? The way the author presents his theories and brings the reader much needed points to benefit them.
- What did you not like about the book and why? I did not like the tone has it is more of an all in or none setting.
- What did you learn? I was surprised by the different views of the author and how he chose to spin the stories in with the facts he was trying to get across. Overall I feel like if as the reader, you know what this book is about and pick it up anyway, you will not be disappointed, but maybe more undecided.
- To whom would you recommend this book and why? This is one of those special topic books, that a reader should want to engage in, before committing to reading it. I think people with stronger binding faith of an older age would benefit the most.
September 6, 2017
This book was a wonderful journey through the scriptures written like a good sermon. Steve uses great story telling to bring stories of scripture to life within your mind, he dives into Hebrew words in ways that build bridges from our culture to this ancient one, and he uses many real life stories to illustrate the concepts that he unearths.
BUT most important of all is what this book will unearth within your soul. Holy cow! This book takes you on a journey, but also illustrates the journey you are on. I found myself saying, "This right here describes where I am now!" Then it gives great insight on how to embrace the now, yet move forward on the journey.
All in all: Go buy this book and read it. Be prepared to look at the reality of your soul, in all its beauty and brokenness, and embrace the gift that you are to the world, for our sake.
BUT most important of all is what this book will unearth within your soul. Holy cow! This book takes you on a journey, but also illustrates the journey you are on. I found myself saying, "This right here describes where I am now!" Then it gives great insight on how to embrace the now, yet move forward on the journey.
All in all: Go buy this book and read it. Be prepared to look at the reality of your soul, in all its beauty and brokenness, and embrace the gift that you are to the world, for our sake.
October 17, 2017
I'm a skeptic when it comes to modern books on spirituality and religion. There are only a handful of current day authors I respect. Steve Wiens, however, is one of them. He has the ability to write with beauty, intelligence, and authenticity, all at the same time. I have been estranged from the traditional church for over 10 years and it was refreshing to find Genesis (Steve's church), which I have called "home" for almost two years now. Steve is a gifted speaker, and brilliant story-teller. My point? I have yet for my bullshit radar to go off. As someone who find most Christian books cliche and shallow "Whole" stands out as smart and honest. And for me, that speaks volumes.
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I was provided a complimentary copy for an honest review.
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I was provided a complimentary copy for an honest review.
August 17, 2017
yes, I received a complimentary copy from my friend Steve... and so "reviewing this book" is like reviewing a friendship...which no one ever does... but let me say...
The questions Steve raises (see chapter titles) like "Where are You?" (ch. 1) and "Where are You Going?" (ch. 4)... are THE questions that all those on a journey must answer. So, this book should serve as fodder for those who care to reflect and think about their own becoming.
And of course, Steve pours himself into his writing - and so you will meet Steve through his beautiful words, stories, and profound depth of honesty.
The questions Steve raises (see chapter titles) like "Where are You?" (ch. 1) and "Where are You Going?" (ch. 4)... are THE questions that all those on a journey must answer. So, this book should serve as fodder for those who care to reflect and think about their own becoming.
And of course, Steve pours himself into his writing - and so you will meet Steve through his beautiful words, stories, and profound depth of honesty.
August 25, 2017
This book is an invitation to stop running from our struggles, short comings, heartaches, inadequacies, anxiety, failures, fear and anything else we might associate with brokenness. It is an invitation to not only hold space with but name our brokenness. By doing so we will then find peace, restoration and wholeness. The author challenges our "fight or flight" gut reaction to vulnerability and instead he gently guides the reader to consider a different approach, one that has us enter the Scriptures vs. just reading them.
October 2, 2017
I picked this book up because I am scared for the broken world, the broken people, the broken pieces in all of us. I was hoping to get some answers on how to mend those pieces but for some reason couldn't get into the book. I'm not sure why, as the writing was intelligent and pointed to the Gospel. I felt maybe like it was written more for preachers or leaders or too text book for my tastes? After making myself trudge through it for several weeks I finally stopped midway.
This book was given to me by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
This book was given to me by Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
October 27, 2017
Honest about the struggle of becoming
We often like to talk about struggle as being far in the past, something we’ve completely overcome. Steve does a great job of entering into the scripture to find the struggle of real people failing, healing, and pursuing more as best they can. Steve never shys away from his own stuff that he carries around. It’s a breath of fresh air! He helps us enter into the struggle now and be honest about it. We don’t have to have overcome to be good Christians. In fact the struggle is exactly where we find out how to truly live.
We often like to talk about struggle as being far in the past, something we’ve completely overcome. Steve does a great job of entering into the scripture to find the struggle of real people failing, healing, and pursuing more as best they can. Steve never shys away from his own stuff that he carries around. It’s a breath of fresh air! He helps us enter into the struggle now and be honest about it. We don’t have to have overcome to be good Christians. In fact the struggle is exactly where we find out how to truly live.
July 31, 2017
Steve draws out the richness of the ancient text of the Bible and uses present day examples to show how the Bible is, always has, and will always be relevant to us whether we recognize it or not. The idea of shalom is not only a tidy summary of 'peace' but also the process of becoming whole and complete. This process is dynamic and unending and how each of us processes our own shalom will affect us as individuals but also the rest of humanity and the world. A very readable, relevant book.
September 6, 2017
The strength of this book lies in the honesty and humility of the author. Wiens shares his real life experiences, including personal failures, and weaves them together with biblical wisdom which produces a fresh and unique perspective. What emerges from these pages is an accessible and encouraging message that smacks of truth-the kind of truth you can feel deep down in your bones. This little book will leave you with an undeniable feeling of hope and a knowing that you are not alone.
April 12, 2018
This book helps make sense of our lives as a journey. Written from a Judeo-Christian perspective, it gives us hope in how to use the jagged pieces of our lives to become our best selves, which can then be used to help others. I was both convicted and encouraged by this book, as I saw my own experiences in a different light. I read this book online, but plan to get a hard copy to work through, every so often, as a reminder of what God is doing to and through me.
February 14, 2022
I cried a couple of times reading this book! It's beautiful reminder that God longs for us to be whole and to be restored in our identity in Him, even as we experience the brokenness this world brings.
I love how it's both informative in terms of scripture and the depths we can glean from its original etymology. It's encouraging me to study more about Hebrew and the meanings behind every word in the Bible I'm growing to love to read.
I love how it's both informative in terms of scripture and the depths we can glean from its original etymology. It's encouraging me to study more about Hebrew and the meanings behind every word in the Bible I'm growing to love to read.
August 29, 2017
Steve Wiens. The Actual Pastor. I find his words thoughtful and encouraging. His blog is refreshing. This book is no different. There is much in this book to contemplate. What is broken in me that needs fixing? How do I make myself whole? And how is my faith in God part of this transformation. I loved this book. And I'll be using it to do some self reflection for the next bit of time.
January 14, 2019
Wow, this is a powerful book. Steve weaves together biblical stories and Hebrew words and personal examples in such a beautiful way! I was convicted and encouraged and left hopeful. This gave me a fuller picture of the importance of restoration/shalom throughout Scripture. I look forward to using the discussion questions for even deeper transformation in the future.
September 3, 2020
The book has been very helpful in making me understand where I need to be in my life. I don't know what would have happened if I've never read this book.
There were insights of wisdom I would never expected from a Christian pastor. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is hurting emotionally and spiritually.
I have come to know the reality of my existence
There were insights of wisdom I would never expected from a Christian pastor. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is hurting emotionally and spiritually.
I have come to know the reality of my existence
February 19, 2021
I listened to the audiobook, which is read by the author, making it that much better! I do also want to get a physical copy, though, because there was so much that I need to process. I very much love the theme of wholeness and how it's a blessing to us as individuals as well as the entire world. Even the reading of the glossary and the acknowledgments at the end is great!
July 24, 2025
Steve Wein’s depictions of what life was like for biblical characters we’ve read about countless times has a shaped how I see humanity in those characters. Even how he describes Jesus fasting for 40 days in the wilderness. Steve’s gift for writing and taking a step deeper into a story was such a delight to read!
December 15, 2017
Really more of a 3.5. I do like the author’s retelling of certain biblical stories - refreshing and enlightening. I also liked the structure of the book and the questions at the end of the chapter. A little repetitive, though, and I wanted to know more of the author’s own story.
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