Back Roads to Belonging: Unexpected Paths to Finding Your Place and Your People

by Kristen Strong, Shannan Martin (Foreword)

At one time or another, shifting seasons in family, friendships, employment, and communities will bring each of us face-to-face with the feeling of being on the outside looking in. Because we are made for connection, this will often lead us down one of two roads. Either we will hop on the popular but crowded highway that asks us to do whatever it takes to get noticed, or we'll stand still, paralyzed by the fear that we're not important, loveable, or worth other people's time and attention.

But what if there is another way? With an understanding voice that will speak into your own circumstances, Kristen Strong walks beside you along the less traveled but more satisfying third way--the back road way--to belonging: remaining in Christ and relaxing into the unique role God has for you. Along the way, you will learn simple, doable actions that not only will help you feel and know that you belong but will welcome others in as well.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Self Help, Christian Non Fiction, Religion, Faith

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 6, 2019

Reviews

[Jamie (The Kansan Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I have ever had so many highlights in a book before. Strong hit on topics I battle through constantly. I always have felt like people just tolerate me and I don't really belong. Strong helped me open my eyes that I do belong and I should let discouraging words bring me down.

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

For those struggling to fit in, our very specific and creative God asks us to abandon the loud boulevard of attention-demanding behaviors for the byways of remaining in Christ and relaxing into the unique role he has for each of us.

At the heart of the matter, we fear we don’t belong because something is intrinsically wrong with us. We’re too this or not enough that to find our place where we’re welcomed as we are for who we are.

Yes, you belong. Yes, you belong. Yes, you belong.

So, if something doesn’t fit within our communities, it’s more likely either it isn’t supposed to or it doesn’t fit yet.

Because God didn’t abandon Job, and he won’t abandon us either.

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These past few years, my husband and I have done a lot of moving. I understand how it feels not to belong somewhere. More importantly, Kristen Strong in her book, Back Roads to Belonging, shows us she understands how it feels not to belong somewhere--and ways to feel more like you do belong.


Back Roads to Belonging starts with the author's introduction. I especially like in the introduction where Strong points out that she doesn't expect that reading her book will leave you never feeling you you are struggling to belong again. Instead she says, "Rather, I believe this book will be a song for your heart and soul, a regular tune to come back to whose melody points you toward your Father in heaven who gives good gifts, including a sense of belonging."


Throughout the three sections of Back Roads to Belonging, Strong shares her story of trying to feel like she belonged in various places as she moved around with her military husband. I so appreciate how she shares from her heart both the struggles she faced, the ways she persevered through those struggles and the times when she was victorious in various ways. She truly shares like someone who understands and has been there in a way that leaves you feeling like you are sitting across from her on your back porch just sharing conversation. I actually think Back Roads to Belonging did give me a small sense of belonging and connection with this author who understands and left me feeling like I am not along in these struggles. I especially like how she continues to point the reader to God and Jesus of the Bible. In each chapter she also shares stories from the Bible about people who also faced struggles and how they handled them and can inspire us to handle our struggles today. Each chapter ends with a short "Belong Blessing" paragraph that leaves the reader feeling a bit more uplifted too. At the end of the book, Strong includes a section listing other helpful resources and a section full of Scriptures that Affirm You Belong. I highly recommend Back Roads to Belonging if you are struggling with feeling like you don't belong, no matter why or where you are.


I received this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley Kelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Back Roads to Belonging by Kristen Strong came at precisely the right time. I laughed and cried throughout the entire book. The author touched my heart as a mother, an Air Force wife, and an introvert. Whether it feels like you aren't a part of a particular group, you miss out on being invited to a party or miss the invitation to the mommy and me playdate; you might have felt like an outsider, and this book speaks to the sense of being on the outside. 
 
As a veteran Air Force wife, the author talks about her time adjusting to and making new relationships at the various bases she and her family called home over their years of service. She speaks to women in all phases of life and circumstances and reminds us that our belonging comes from no one but the Father himself. She encourages us by saying, "[y]ou have the right to exist in this world. You have the right to be a real part of God's plan for you in your family and community…You can courageously own the present and future gifts you hold from God with you and Christ in you." In a culture where people are so intent on getting "likes" and "follows," Strong's reminder to find your worth in Christ is timely. 
 
I highly recommend this book! It will be a blessing to your life!

[Tisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back Roads to Belonging is a book I didn’t even know I needed. It sounded like a “good book,” but I didn’t expect it to speak to me the way it did. Kristen Strong has a way of drawing in the reader to feel like she’s speaking the words directly to you, as her friend. Her warmth, honesty, and sense of humor only added to the welcoming feeling this book presents. In the book, Kristen takes you through the journey of how to find a place where you feel like you truly belong. Using personal stories and Biblical insight, she explains the Wandering, Finding, and Inviting stages of finding connection with others, while remaining patient and giving yourself ever-important grace when you begin to feel you’re the reason why you haven’t found that sense of belonging yet. There are so many great reminders dotted throughout the book that I am exactly who God created me to be and that He didn’t intend for me to find my worth in others, but in Him, yet He still created me to connect with others in meaningful ways. Kristen offers great tools and insights to navigate the sometimes tumultuous road of finding that belonging place where we can truly be ourselves. This is one of those books that you’ll revisit time and again.

[Cristi Schwamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristen Strong taught me that there's a bigger picture way of looking at belonging. As a child of God, I will always belong in His family, regardless of whether I feel like I'm part of the "in-crowd" or not. More importantly, God has a plan for me to feel like I belong somewhere. Sometimes that plan takes me on the back roads instead of well-trod paths I see all around me. This book challenged me to look for the places God has prepared for me -- places ready for me to belong and places where I can help the people around me find their place of belonging.

I read through this book relatively quickly the first time through, but the rich passages beg to be reread several times so that I can fully appreciate the truths Kristen shares and the way that I can apply them to my life.

[Julie Joiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first sentence of this book drew me in and every sentence after was like the piping of pan; I had to follow Kristen down the Back Roads to Belonging. This is one of the healthiest and truest books I have read on belonging. People are so desperate to belong we have created a sense of artificial belonging in our culture. But Kristen brings us back to God; all true belonging begins with Him. Kristen writes, “It’s well worth our time to consider sitting out as a back road way to finding our place to belonging. It just might be the gift that allows you and me the opportunity to evaluate our position within where we want to belong and where God calls us to belong.” We are also given traveling companions in each chapter as an offering of experience and insight. It is an invitation to reconsider what belonging is and where we belong. There is great freedom in Kristen’s Back Roads to Belonging approach, a road that winds around to our own front doors. It is here we come to recognize our place of belonging often begins when we create a place of belonging for others. Kristen is a beautiful writer, a true story teller. In her spunky, tenacious and vulnerable way Kristen models for us how to find our people in our own life experiences.

[Kristin Vanderlip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know if it’s the fact that I’ve never quite felt like I’ve belonged (hello enneagram4) or the fact that as an Army wife I’ve moved 8 times and lived in 4 different states in the past decade (which will mess with anyone’s sense of belonging), but this book wrecked me in the best possible way—and by that I mean brought sweet healing.

I’ve had the privilege of reading an early copy of Back Roads to Belonging and resonated with every chapter.

Back Roads to Belonging spoke straight to the belonging wounds I’ve carried with me and my eyes just keep welling with thankful tears of being known as I read. I am so grateful for the sweet way Kristen speaks Jesus into these pages and into the longing to belong we all have.

If you’re a fellow 4, if you’re a military spouse, if you’re anyone who has struggled to fit in or longed to belong, this book is a must read for you.

I’ll leave you with some of Kristen’s words that have been reverberating within me: “I still fight to remember that belonging is not a state of my circumstances but a state of my soul.”

[Marina Bromley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Kristen's done it again with a book that hits straight to my always-feels-out-of-place heart. With biblical truths to cement my place in this world, she exposes the lies and reminds me that it's no accident that God has brought us to each place in life, every neighborhood, church, social group—you name it—He meant for you to be there. I appreciated the "Traveling Companions" of each chapter, lending examples from outside her own life to show other ages and stages and how people relied hard on God's wisdom. I loved the "Belong Blessings" to extend each chapter into ideas and actions. I know that this is a book that I'll be picking up often in life (just like her last book, Girl Meets Change, that I STILL read and recommend often!). It is well written, well thought out, and an enjoyable and encouraging read. I really loved it!

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I began to read Kristen's book, I felt like we were sitting down for a chat on her front porch. She put into words many of the feelings I have had about belonging over the years. I loved how she dived into what God was doing behind the scenes and his heart for us to belong. She didn't sugar coat friendship and say if you do this or that all will be great. Instead she pointed the reader to Jesus. Her book also had great actions steps in figuring out not only where we belong but where we don't. I loved the book so much I bought an extra copy to send to my daughter who is new to where she lives. I wish I had read this book in my 20's. My favorite quote of the book was "Belonging is not a state of my circumstances but a state of my soul. Thank you Kristen for your honesty about your struggles and giving some much needed wisdom about the back roads of belonging.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have all had a time in our life where we felt a sense and need to belong. If you have ever felt like an outsider and desired a place to belong, this book is for you! We all want to find our people and this book helps bring comfort in the wait until we reach our belonging place!

[Trish · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't understand how this book rates this high. I could barely get to page 51. How many times does the author have to repeat the same point over and over?

[Shirley Alarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A motivational pep talk on belonging.

Who hasn’t struggled with the need to belong? Saddled with feelings of inadequacy and loneliness that come from feeling like you don’t belong? In Back Roads to Belonging: Unexpected Paths to Finding Your Place and Your People author Kristen Strong commiserates with this common human condition and provides a roadmap for finding your place of belonging. The book reads like a pep talk from your best friend.

Broken into three progressive sections of Wandering, Finding, and Inviting, Back Roads to Belonging: Unexpected Paths to Finding Your Place and Your People follows a logical path from identifying the struggle, through finding your way through lack of belonging, and ultimately to a proactive solution.

In her conversational and friendly tone, Ms. Strong lays out a smorgasbord of motivational tips, such as:

“We are in the center of God’s plans for us, our forever belonging place.”

“There are simply places not meant for us. As important as it is for us to know where we do belong, it’s important for us to know where we do not.”

“What happens when it doesn’t work out as planned? It’s simple, really. Try again. It’s much less likely we’ll find our place of belonging if we give up searching altogether.”

The supplemental material hammers the points home, such as the Travelling Companion stories within each chapter. These gems provide more examples of how other historical and contemporary non-belongers (my new term) found belonging. Also included at the end are helpful resources and Scriptures that affirm we all belong.

How this book affected me:
I related to Ms. Strong’s nomadic lifestyle, both during my college and early career years, and now as a snowbird. It’s no joke to feel like you don’t belong – to feel like you’re on the outside looking in. I wish the younger me would have extended myself out of my comfort zone, but the older, wiser me does this more easily and readily. For me, Back Roads to Belonging gave me a comforting sense of belonging to the non-belongers.

Who would enjoy this book:
Back Roads to Belonging was written from a viewpoint of the constantly up-rooted military lifestyle, making it a wonderful fit for military families, particularly the spouses or older children who have to keep finding belonging each time they settle in a new area. The introduction even touches on the rise of suicide and the dire circumstances that can stem from a lack of belonging. As such, this book would validate the feelings of any non-belonger and offer hope that there’s a pathway to belonging - if we just reach out.

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[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for those who feel like they don’t fit in anywhere

As Christians who sojourn through this life with the Lord on our way to discovering our place in this world, we often encounter many thorns along the way: Toxic people, loneliness, rejection and other difficult situations that can often rattle our sense of belonging to its very core. They can also make us feel unwelcomed or even unwanted, like we don’t fit in anywhere in this world.

In her new book, “Back Roads to Belonging: Unexpected Paths to Finding Your Place and Your People,” Kristen Strong invites the reader to start finding the road back to fitting in wherever we may find ourselves in our own proximity of place and community.

In her 208-page book, published by Revell Reads and broken down into three parts (i.e., wandering, finding and inviting), Strong illustrates that no matter where we try to find our belonging, the Lord is ultimately the One in whom we will find rest and peace in knowing where our true sense of belonging will always be. Strong does this by first telling the reader of her own struggles with fitting in and belonging. Then, throughout the book, she introduces others who have similar stories regarding belonging that enhance her book and can further beg questions.

For instance, how many of us as believers have left churches, living situations or jobs because we had no sense of belonging? How many times do we find ourselves in situations that further punctuate our lack of direction in where we belong? Why do other believers make it so difficult for us to belong when they are supposed to love us unconditionally and without judgment?

These scenarios can leave a person wanting to give up all hope of ever fitting in anywhere. Yet, even when we haven’t yet discovered a sense of belonging, we can still find our place in this world – even when others refuse to welcome us in or even want us to belong. This is exactly what Strong finds in what seemed to be an unwelcoming circle of friends at church (page 13-16).

This can also be true for us guys – especially when we think we can handle anything life throws at us. But we, too, can have trouble finding our place in this world. This book is for us guys who may have felt out of place in any sphere of community, be it a church family, job or just the struggles of daily life. That’s why this book spoke to me in ways I never would have imagined.

One of my favorite chapters is Chapter Seven (Growing in the Dark), where she writes, “There’s a time to learn about yourself before the song comes within the longer light of spring. There is a time to grow down and take inventory of the good things around you today by leaning into Christ as He reveals more of Himself to you, including more about where you belong (page 84).”

But as much as I liked this book, I do have some qualms: The print is too small and it may have helped others if each chapter had study questions. But I still would recommend this book. It’s well-written, insightful and timely for anyone still struggling to find their place is in this world.

I gave it a 5 out of 5 stars.

Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Bloggers Program of Revell Reads, a division of Baker Books. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.

© 2019 by Doug S., M.A.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

You've probably been in a setting where you felt you just didn't belong. I know I have. Perhaps it was church or a small group or some other gathering. You feel on the outside. Maybe you are unsure of where and how you belong at all.

Strong wants us to be attentive to the back roads God uses, those wandering journeys where God is bringing us to an environment of connection. Often there are detours, uncomfortable places, dark places and lonely places. God's ways are often mysterious and, as Strong writes, often just plain odd. (571/3128) She reminds us that God moves “in a way that maximizes the consequences for good.” (2164/3128)

I appreciate the many insights Strong shares. Writing about the dark times, she encourages us to be available to bless others. Don't berate yourself for not belonging where God never intended you to belong, she says. (929/3128) Perhaps the most surprising insight for me was that God may be keeping us from belonging because of the people involved. He may be guarding our heart, protecting us from hurt. (2164/3128) I like Strong's encouragement: “I will be where Christ wants me to be in this moment.” (341/3128) We can rest in that and not force our way into some place God doesn't want us to be.

This is a good book for women who struggle with feelings of being an outsider. You'll find good wisdom and some serious encouragement in this book. You'll read many of Strong's own stories as well as those of others and some from the Bible. You'll be encouraged to be the one to reach out and be one who brings others to belonging. But most of all, you'll be encouraged to trust that God is taking you on the back roads to His best for you.

Food for thought: “Remember, there is always room at the table God picks out for you.” (2173/3128)

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Cindy Tomisich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was part of the launch team for this author and as always Kristen did not disappoint. The title along with the beautiful book cover spoke to me in a heart piercing way. These past couple of years have been long and rough. I have found myself separated (by choice and fears) from my friends, church family and even my family. Looking at life from the outside in and wondering if belonging is really for me. Feeling broken and sorry for myself as the lies circled inside of my head.

Kristen walks us through the many detours of life...guiding us to the ultimate place of belonging. Looking up! While in theory this process may seem quite simple, from experience, it is not that easy. Kristen writes " When we're in a season of change, hope guest buried beneath fifty layers of defeated thinking, and we're sure we need to do something to reassure ourselves that we belong." On the next page she goes on to say " If God is still good today, and he wants me to belong somewhere, then when I'm ready I need to pack up my courage and explore that new back road."

I have found this wonderful book to be filled with understanding as well as encouragement. Kristen is both vulnerable and funny as she walks the back roads to finding the unexpected places. Please add this to your book shelves, your shopping cart, and consider it for that family/friend who is in need of some uplifting words. You will be glad you did and they will be blessed because of it. My courage has been packed so I am off to explore where God sees me belonging...see you there.

[Rachel B · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author's tone is too casual for my personal taste. The book is very repetitive. The message is, in a nutshell: You belong somewhere; trust God to bring you there.

There's not much in the way of practical help; "trust God" and "keep reaching out to others" is about the gist of it.

There are several other minor things I don't love:

- The author frequently utilizes The Message paraphrase of the Bible, instead of the actual Bible.

- She cites a 'secular' study (I don't know why she needed to clarify that it was secular, as it wasn't a study about religion.)

- She uses the word 'toxic' when referring to a friendship.

- She uses the incorrect word 'helpmate' at one point. (The actual word in the Bible is 'helpmeet.')

- She states that we (Christians) read the Bible because it makes Satan back off, as if this were a good thing. But the Bible is really how we get to know God better! Yes, God is able to use it as a weapon against the enemy, but surely that shouldn't be our driving motivation to read God's Word...

There's certainly some good in the book, as well; judging by the Goodreads reviews, it encouraged a lot of people. I was encouraged at several points throughout, too, but overall, it just wasn't for me.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be in the hands and hearts of everyone who has ever had difficulty believing that they belong. Everyone at one time or another has had difficulty fitting in: at work, socially, in the neighborhood, etc. The author does a masterful job of addressing this issue and presenting solutions in an organized and practical manner. Each chapter offers useful advice as well as a testimony of a story in which this “path to belonging” has helped someone in the author’s life. Each chapter also ends with a “Belong Blessing” with Scriptural verses that the reader can use to strengthen them in their quest to fit in. I loved this book and really needed it years ago, when I was moving from place to place and needed to fit in quickly before we moved again! The author is a wife of a military veteran, just like I am, so I identified with her from the beginning. But this book is not just for people like me who have faced constant moves. This book is for everyone, because doesn’t everyone want to belong somewhere?

Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Revell Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Mary Beth Faba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristen Strong is the authority on talking about transition. Back Roads to Belonging is about finding where you being, even when you feel like you being nowhere. She has a gentle way of reminding you that you belong LOTS of places- keep your eyes open. This book is filled with scripture, real life examples, and wisdom from Kristen herself. I can’t say enough great things about this book!

[Terry Felix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristen Strong’s new book Back Roads to Belonging took me a little bit by surprise. I read and loved “Girl Meets Change” during the tough time while we were trying to put life back together following total loss in an EF 4 tornado (no small amount of change there). Her wisdom and encouragement perfectly fit that time in my life. While I was excited to read Back Roads to Belonging, I thought at my age/life stage (60 year old grammy 😀) I might be a little past this target audience. I was so wrong. I think women of every age will find this message relevant and encouraging. Turns out that it’s difficult at any age to be left out of places you once were included or when you just want to be. Kristen offers lots of wisdom on how to be content on the journey to belonging as well as practical steps to getting there. The book is well written, organized, easy to read, and full of scripture and wisdom gained from life experience. An added bonus... the cover is beautiful and has a lovely texture. It just feels good in your hands.

[Rebecca Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Struggling to find your where we fit in is somewhere we all find ourselves at times - sometimes over and over! Whether you've moved to a new city, your friends have all moved to new states, or you are staying put but moving into a new phase of life such as married when all of your friends are still single, connecting to a community, especially in our culture of virtual connection, is often an overwhelming, seemingly impossible task. If that is where your journey has taken you right now, Back Roads to Belonging is a great place to get started on your path to developing the meaningful relationships God has waiting for you. With honesty and humor, Kristen Strong puts to paper the feelings of isolation and doubt we all feel but rarely give voice to. After reading Back Roads to Belonging, you will know you are not alone when you're place doesn't look like you imagined it would and you will be encouraged to take a practical, helpful step or two toward belonging where God has you today. You will come away knowing without a doubt that God's desire for you is to live in community with Him and others and Kristen's words will give you the hope and courage to look at those unexpected places you find yourself and make them your own.

[Cristina Schnizler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belonging is something that everyone wants, and yet most of us feel on the outside somewhere. Kristen meets the reader at that place of un-belonging and guides them to a place of belonging.

The book doesn't put an emphasis on belonging as the ultimate goal in life, that if you're on the outside of a group then your life is not full. Rather, belonging is spoken of as one part of life or a season of life that we may stay in or leave. Un-belonging is spoken of in just as reverent of a way as belonging; it is the time when our roots grow deeper in our faith. The idea that growth happens in the un-belonging, the dark times of life, is truly beautiful and one of my favorite parts of the book.

This book is kind and warm. It will not leave you feeling as if you are lacking in life. Instead, it will give you hope and a salve to your wounds. It is not a "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" kind of book, for which I was thankful. But it does give you a road map of back roads to lead you to a place of belonging in faith and in your community.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

WOW. This book was so timely for me. In Back Roads to Belonging, Kristen walks with you through how to find your place and your people. She gives you practical ways as well as encouraging words for those struggling with finding their place. Half of my book has been written in and highlighted because there was so much good in it. It feels like you're sitting on the front porch catching up with an old friend. Kristen's words bring life and hope to anyone who feels like they've been walking the back roads for too long. I needed this book for my current season of life more than I realized. This is definitely a book I'll be rereading in the near future.

I have always struggled with finding community, but I think it's going to be a little easier now. Thank you, Kristen, for your honesty and openness in this book. It really makes all the difference.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Back Roads to Belonging” was my first book I’ve read by Kristen Strong so I was not sure what to expect but I did have high hopes based on the title and cover that it was going to be a good one. I really like how she puts a little summary of sorts at the end of the chapter called “Belong Blessing”. The “Belong Blessing” to me felt like a friend was giving me some good advice as well as praying for me in a way. I also could relate to the author’s feelings of not belonging and the explanations she told herself as to why she didn’t feel she belonged in certain cases. I liked the personal stories she put in. I really felt like I was reading a book written a friend instead of someone that I don’t know.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book to write an honest review.

[Kristin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book is like sitting across a good friend and sharing stories. Kristen's writing style caused me to shake my head in agreement time and time again. As a women who has been through her own struggles of trying to "belong", Kristen shares openly about her heartache and also how God met her in the hardest of places and showed her His path. My favorite parts of the book were the "travelling companion" sections in each chapter. A glimpse into either a Bible story or a fellow friend who has walked their own path of finding belonging. This book is a reminder over and over again that not only are we not alone in our struggles...but we are never alone when we walk with God. It is transparent and refreshing and hopeful.

[Dorina Gilmore-Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kristen offers up a warm Southern hug as she vulnerably shares on the hard topic of belonging. We all long to belong, to have deep friendships and feel part of a community, but sometimes it's hard to get there. Kristen is a girl who gets it. She offers up a compassionate and encouraging perspective on how find community by leaning into Christ and his promptings. Although I feel like I have a lot of friends, I'm in a season where a lot of lives are shifting. People are moving; friendships are changing. There are new demands with kids and aging parents. I loved the way Kristen invited us into a Biblical perspective on finding your people and welcoming others.

[Elaine King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in awhile, a book comes along that hits me right where I am in life at the moment. That is Back Roads to Belonging. As Kristen Strong talked about the need for personal connections, I felt like she'd been reading my mail!

Kristen Strong is well experienced with being the new person as her husband is in the military and they've moved often. Out of her own life experiences, Kristen shares principles to help the reader connect with God, with themselves and with others. In addition, she brings in life stories from both biblical people and contemporary people. And each section ends with a beautiful blessing based on the chapters.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is desiring to belong and is needing a fresh approach to finding that way.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back Roads to Belonging gave a fresh perspective on belonging and community. On this topic, we often hear from extroverted voices, who are surrounded by close family and friends. Kristen Strong gives a biblical perspective on belonging, and practical steps towards belonging, from the viewpoint of an introvert who has moved frequently.

One of my favorite quotes comes from a chapter in the book where she was counseling her daughter. It is a great piece of advice. "Keep participating in your own life, even if others aren't inviting you to participate in theirs the way you'd like."

It is well worth the read. After I preordered the book, I was provided with an early copy for review. All the opinions are my own.

[Kirstine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back Roads to Belonging came into my life at just the right time. Parts of chapter 4 Extending Kindness to yourself - were like the words that Kristen wrote were my own. I was relieved to read someone else thinks the way that I do sometimes. Love how she calls it a perfectionist-loving heart. I love how each chapter finishes with a travel companion section and a belong blessing. I was blessed with an early copy in exchange for my honest review. I loved it so much I preordered a copy for myself. I hope you enjoy this book too.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a book by Kristen is just like sitting down and having a chat on the porch with a good friend. She's got a way with words that just resonates with me. Being a military spouse I have to find a new place to belong every 3 or 4 years when the Air Force tells us it's time to move. This book couldn't have come at a better time as we are prepping for another move in just a few weeks. Being able to read this book at this time was like having Kristen along on the journey speaking encouraging words to my soul every step of the way.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really has spoken to me and encouraged me that I need to remember that my worth isn't found in fitting in with a group of friends or feeling like I need to be a part of something, my worth is found in Christ and if I start with Him I will always end up finding the path to where I belong. This book is filled with so much encouragement and Biblical truth that it will be one I will keep on my shelves and definitely reread whenever I feel left out/alone and need a reminder as to who the One is that I really belong to and who alone I need find my worth in.