Belonging: Finding the Way Back to One Another

by Sharon A. Hersh

Belonging offers a fresh perspective on common grace, leading us out of self-destructive narcissism and into whole and healthy relationships with God and others.

The reality is, God created us with an innate desire to belong to something more than us. When we integrate our story within God’s first story about us, we can bravely face ourselves and discover the truth of belonging and worthiness that God has written. And we start to imagine how to invite others into a greater sense of belonging.

The journey to finding ourselves and one another is not for the faint of heart. It’s messy. It’s hard work. It’s worth it. We can have a front-row seat to a tectonic shift, not just on the surface of our lives, but in places deep down inside as we recognize common grace in the beautiful and terrible parts of our lives. In other words, every chapter in our stories, every conversation, and every character is part of the way back to belonging. You are invited to the very edge of your seat to anticipate what could happen in you and others if you engage with the unexpected grace that passionately declares life is not all about our pain, our accomplishments, our rights, our abuse, our power, or our beliefs. It is about us finding our way. Together. It is about a supernatural interconnectedness to a deeper story that invades every nook and cranny of our lives with light and love―because we belong to one another.

240 pages, Paperback

Published August 4, 2020

About the author

Sharon lives in Lone Tree, Colorado and is a speaker for conferences, retreats, seminars, classes, trainings and workshops.

She is also a counselor for adolescents and adults.

Reviews

[Eli Dhios]

leído en 2020 Me pareció un lindo libro sobre esperanza y cómo tomar una buena actitud frente a las cuestiones incómodas de la vida. Más que un libro de enseñanza es una especie de memorias de la autora. Gracias a la editorial y a NetGalley por la copia adelantada!

[Stacy culler · Rating 2 out of 5]

“The best criticism of the bad is the practice of the better.” Richard Rohr, Twitter (quoted in the book “belonging” by Sharon Hersch

“There is hope in every moment, every conversation, every person we encounter.” Sharon A. Hersh

I purchased this book in response to my feelings that the world is divided, and my church also feels divided. I was looking for Biblical insight on this topic.

Although I felt frustrated by the writing style of this book, and felt like it was more of a memoir for the author than a Biblically based discussion of belonging, the two quotes above speak to some of the concerns of my heart.

I would like to practice the action implied by the first quote..when I see a situation where something “bad” is being practiced or promoted, I would like to find positive ways to respond with a “better” alternative. The example used in Hersh’s book was when she was standing in line at a bagel shop, grumbling loudly about slow service, a man in line behind her responded by getting behind the counter and volunteering to help the bagel maker. Rather than arguing with or condemning the poor attitude of the grumbler, the man simply chose a more helpful, better plan of action.

The second quote, and really the gist of the book, was to maintain the attitude that every interaction is an opportunity to be a witness for Christ, to represent for him, to grow in my own understanding of his character. I want to be more watchful for these opportunities.

[Lori Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Resource for Christians!

I thought of you when I read this quote from "Belonging: Finding the Way Back to One Another" by Sharon A. Hersh -

"If a few more people feel welcomed to talk about their struggles in the church, then I will rejoice. My experience, as a therapist, has taught me that when people are moved to the margins because they struggle with sexuality, addiction, abuse, or broken relationships, they are much more likely to align with those outside the church."

Sharon challenges her readers to look at the heart of who Jesus is and to live out His love in the way we treat those we come in contact with in our day to day lives, inside and outside of the church. She shares her own personal experiences vulnerably with honesty and grace. Knowing Sharon personally as someone outside the margins, I can testify that she really does live what she writes about. As Steve Brown likes to say, "She smells like Jesus." Thank you, Sharon!

[Mark Dorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book invites us to enter our stories with great honesty and integrity. It is remarkably transparent without dipping into self-pity or self-absorption – rather, the personal stories shared encourage the reader to be similarly transparent with their own stories with at least a few trusted fellow pilgrims. The author gives an original, optimistic, thought-provoking path forward toward belonging during our current time of fragmentation and division. Beautifully written.

[Robin Bermel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belonging is a journey you take with your soul. I was rooting for Sharon as she shared so beautifully and vulnerably, and she rooted for me to open up--to possibilities, to people, and to God. It was the perfect pandemic read and her message of hope will stay with me a long time. I highly recommend this book. You will love it.

I was able to get an early copy of this book from the publisher.

[Tyrie Strong · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought the book would help me with how to find belonging, but it was how to provide belonging for others -- not when you are the one on the outside looking in.

It did effectively show how to welcome people and provide a safe space for OTHERS, but the description indicated it would help ME find belonging.

[Jason Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon's honest and thoughtful writing lends so much clarity to our need for community and intimacy. This is a must read!