Dios te tiene un plan

by Hannah Brencher

Necesitaba un cambio. A Hannah siempre le atrajo la idea de mudarse, conocer más personas, explorar otros ambientes. Después de romper con su novio se aventuró a un nuevo lugar y dejó atrás familia y amigos. Seguro ahí encontraría —con la compañía de Dios— lo que tanto éxito, fama, amor, felicidad.

La sorpresa de la novedad pasó y Hannah regresó a su rutina: sentía que algo no estaba bien, que algo faltaba, y, sin notarlo, empezó a esconder esas angustias y se inventó una imagen lejos de la realidad. Poco a poco fue cayendo en una depresión tan profunda que los días se volvieron un sufrimiento total.

Se vio obligada a buscarse a sí misma, a pedir ayuda para descubrir que no estaba sola, a privilegiar lo espiritual por encima de lo material, a comprometerse con los suyos y dejar de huir. Y lo más importante, entendió que Dios le tenía un plan, solo debía escucharlo.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Faith, Self Help, Memoir, Personal Development, Christian Living

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2018

About the author

Hannah Brencher is the author of four books, the founder of The World Needs More Love Letters, and an online educator who teaches others how to establish important disciplines in their lives.

Her newest book, The Unplugged Hours, is about cultivating a lifestyle of profound presence. It will be released on September 17, 2024.

She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Lane, and their little girl, Novalee.

Reviews

[Hailey Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

People told me this book would change my life, and it did.
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“You don’t find a home, you build it—build out of love.”
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“Maybe the prayer isn’t, ‘God, take this away from me.’ Maybe it’s, ‘God, help me move through this.’ ... We think darkness like this could only be a punishment, but maybe it’s the start of building something new.”
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“Waiting is divine.”
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“I am meant to make my faith my own.”
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“With love, there’s always more left over.”
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“Love is always creative, and fear is always destructive.”
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“We have to be the ones to work harder, here and now, to find one another... We have to be willing to have honest conversations, to meet up in person, to call each other, and ask the hard questions.”

[Kayla Hollatz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in two days. I intentionally shifted around my work schedule so I could finish this book. I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy from Hannah. As a fellow 4w3, I had so many passages underlined and it inspired conversations with God I needed to have. I love authors who can open up and share their truth so their readers can do the same. This is exactly what Hannah has done with this book. I’ll be passing it along to many friends!

[Stephany Caratachea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siempre lo digo, y es que los libros llegan a ti en el momento en que los necesitas, el correcto te busca, te encuentra y al leerlo lo notas, por que precisamente eso que estás leyendo lo necesitabas.

Así me sentí con este libro, estaba pasando por un momento que me tenía muy mal, que de nuevo había perdido la cabeza en tanto overthinking, me estaba perdiendo en mi ansiedad y en un bloqueo lector de hace casi 6 meses, cuando finalmente quise leerlo, estaba en mi librero y dije creo que es momento y por supuesto que si.

Me dijo lo que quería escuchar, me dijo lo que quería saber y me hizo sentir lo que en realidad necesitaba sentir con todo esto. Amo este tipo de libros, me enseñan muchas cosas, me enseñan de Dios pero me enseñan de mi también.

[Annalise Kraines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swallowed this book. It reads like a memoir and is full to the brim with encouragement and truth that Brencher has learned through her own journeys through the deep. If you are transitioning to a new life, feeling stuck where you are, or moving through something that feels impossible, read this book. It has so many important things to say.

[Daniela Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

2021 Update:
The past three years I’ve challenged myself to read Come Matter Here during the new year. It’s a book about new beginnings and trials and tribulations. While we can and do face periods of darkness and transition at all times of year, I think it’s really special to read Hannah’s words at the beginning of a new year. A fresh start.

Each time I read her words, I resonate with different stories and learn new lessons. This year, I found myself drawn to the lessons of love - of showing up for people, of sharing where one is on the map, and of tiny acts that can add up to lasting miracles.

I’m not entirely sure of what lays ahead in this year. As I approach another graduation ceremony, I feel a sense of uncertainty and some fear. I’m not sure what I’ll do, what sort of work I’ll contribute to, or even the people that will contribute to my life. All I know is I want to start living out of love and not out of fear. Perhaps 2021 will be the year we all try this.

If you haven’t already, please give Hannah Brencher a shot! Her newest book was released this month - Fighting Forward - and I’m very excited to pick it up!
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Come Matter Here was the first book I read in 2019. With 2019 coming to a close, Come Matter Here officially earns the place of being my favorite book of the year. I cannot recommend this enough! Hannah Brencher has a genuine way of connecting to our innermost thoughts and feelings. She speaks the truth many are afraid to admit. Writing from her own experience, Brencher resonates with each and every reader. Beautiful. Honest. Raw. Authentic. Come Matter Here needs to be read. It needs to be talked about. Take this book in and give it the time it deserves. You will not regret it.

[Cat T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’m almost always waiting on a text from someone that reads, ‘Come matter here.’"

"I know beautiful things are born out of the dark all the time."

This. Book. I could never do it justice in a review. This book is one that stayed with me for long after I read it. Hannah Brencher's storytelling is masterful and so relatable and heartfelt. You could really feel her heart for God and her heart for people as you read her words.

My digital copy is so highlighted and I really want to own the physical book someday. I have so many favorite quotes and I can't manage to pick just a few for this review. Please read it yourself. Highly, highly recommend. One of my favorite Christian nonfiction books.

[Destiny]

This book is phenomenal! It was hilarious, endearing, relatable and it exposed my heart. I highly recommend this for everyone, specifically for those who are struggling with what it means to matter and learning how to stay put instead of running to the next thing that we think will give us value.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND :)

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Brencher is an author that pulls you into her stories and makes you feel like you’re seen in a world that is constantly bombarding us with what the next best thing is. Come Matter Here is the next big step in her life story where she gets real about depression, love, faith, and staying even when things are hard. As a reader who is two years younger than her, all of her stories are extremely relatable and I’ve laughed, cried, and felt like I’ve received pep talks from the older sister I never had. She truly has a wonderful way with words.

[Monica Morenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I promise it did not take me 6 months to read this book. I would read when I needed a nudge or some reassurance during this crazy year. Prior to reading Come Matter Here my collection of the self help/ spiritual genre was pretty slim. It’s hard for me to get into a book that doesn’t tell a story. Which is why I loved Come Matter Here. Before reading this, I considered writing in books other than textbooks to be blasphemy. But, I couldn’t stop underlining, highlighting, or circling while I read. I wanted to make sure I could go back to Hannah’s words whenever I needed them. Every young person in their 20s should read this book. Those days when we sometimes feel we lack purpose or can’t find our path? Hannah shows us we aren’t alone. She explains how to love and how to be grounded. She shows why learning to matter “here” where you are is better than always searching for something you won’t find.

[Ashlee Gipson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am constantly amazed with Hannah Brencher's ability to put into words those feelings you thought no one else felt but you. She is a genius with words and makes readers feel seen and understood. Come Matter Here was nothing short of brilliant. This book tackles issues such as anxiety and depression as well as the various issues that are attached to being human. This story is for anyone and everyone who has found themselves craving something much deeper than what the world often has to offer and for those who want to know how to be better friends, better followers of Christ, and better people in general. I finished this book feeling encouraged and and renewed. I would recommend (and have recommended) this book to anyone I cross paths with. You will not regret purchasing this book. I am a long time follower of Hannah Brencher and she has truly been such a positive example in the media. Purchase this book if you want to have your life changed and support a phenomenal human being in the process. #ComeMatterHere

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took longer than i needed to read this book. I wanted to slowly take it in. Hannah has a way with words, and an easy intentional way of bringing you in to her story. Come Matter Here is a book that anyone can both relate to and have speak in to their lives. So many ah-ha moments, about love, the church, and my relationship with God.

100% worth the read.

[Leah Vogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.MAZ.ING.
Hannah hits the nail on the head, over and over again. She speaks truth in confidence and love, and with the voice of a best friend, big sister, and straight-up preacher all in one. Cannot recommend this book enough.

[Ana Terpstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so thankful to be apart of this book launching team! Reading this book has helped me accept my "now". To gladly and joyfully occupy the space that I'm in with openness and enormous gratitude for Jesus to do anything, big or small.

[Rachel | All the RAD Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautiful and relevant and powerful and just so. dang. good. I'm so grateful for Hannah's voice and the way she lives so authentically and boldly. This book met me just where I am and encouraged me to live fully, presently, intentionally, and meaningfully alongside others and toward the Lord, and I'm so grateful I read it in this season of being thick in the woods of counseling and some serious personal growth work. Her words are like a balm to my soul and like a love letter from a dear friend, and I can't rave about this one enough. Plus, HOW PERFECT is that cover?!

[Fern Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books you pick up and are not really sure why but by the end you know it was something you really needed and were meant to read. Thank you Hannah for writing this and being so real, raw and honest.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was paramount to my faith & what I’ve been through in the last 3 years. It’s relevant to everyone and it’s written so beautifully.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to pin this book down to one particular thing. It feels like coffee with a close friend. It's feels like confiding and hearing in reply, "oh yeah, same". It's about depression and singleness and wanderlust and staying put. It's about being here in a getting there world. It's about life. It's surrendering the narrative arcs, the before-and-after stories, the rom-com meet-cutes and endings. It's picking up the tools of growth, waiting, of being reliable, of showing up, of planting roots and being people of consistency. Of giving fear a name and a bio so we can tell it to **** off. Of learning to swap being impressive for being deliberate and being flaky for being reliable.

In short, would reccomend.

[Olivia Alnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah writes with an authenticity and heart connection that pulls you in and makes you want to stay in the pages of the book. I devoured most of the book and then slowed down at the end because I didn't really want it to end. It's a transformative sort of book, one that I'll be sure to revisit often whenever I need a reminder to live and love well.

She talks about faith and God in a way that is so down to earth and personal. She talks about mental health in a way that pulls at your heart and makes you say "me too" without feeling like you have too many details or there's nothing left that's sacred for herself.

Hannah is a gifted writer and this book shows her love for the craft of writing while seeking to serve readers instead of just being impressive.

I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Brooke Gunderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I read this book at the perfect time, right when I needed to. Hannah drew me in with her relatability and this book actually got BETTER as it went which I feel like is hard to do with non-fiction. Solid read, one of my favorites of 2022

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read this year. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a book that related so much to where I am in life and what I needed to hear. 1000/10
This book had me sobbbbiiinnnngggggg

[Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the author’s vulnerability and the fact that even though this book touched on some heavy topics it still felt conversational! This was a super timely read for me, lotsa wisdom to soak up!!

[Lilian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to Hannah Brencher's work after watching her viral TED talk about sending strangers love letters. But what keeps me reading her blog posts as soon as they appear on my feed is her obvious heart for people as well as the grace and candid way that she answers reader questions. Therefore, it was a no-brainer that I would be excited about her latest book.

At the core, Come Matter Here is about investing in relationships and building community in an age that encourages putting your head down and working incessantly to get to the next level of success, so that we can be regarded as "important". Drawing from her experiences, Hannah shares with her readers how she was able to build roots in Atlanta, GA despite her struggles with depression and anxiety.

Like Hannah, I have been consumed by the meaning of "matter". She says:

For years, I was consumed by what it would mean to "matter" in this world. to people. To people. To someone special. To God. I used to think you needed to leave if you wanted to change your life or something different. I thought geography could heal the mess that comes from comes from being human- like a clean slate. We all want different things that keep us coming and going and staying and living...Be where your feet are.

Reflecting on these lines, I thought that maybe millennials have drunk too much of the "eat-pray-love" elixir and opt to find quick fixes through escapism. In most cases, they are fuelled by fear. Hence, they do not take time to process life's issues while seeking help from the positive people in their lives. Hannah digs deep into what aided her anxiety while still trying to be a normal twenty-something.

She gives readers glimpses into her life through excerpts from personal notes and quips her profound friends with the hope that they will be able to plug into the church community. (She definitely gave me #squadgoals.) The church does get a negative wrap for not being the most positive place in the world 24/7 365 times in a year. However, we gloss over the fact that the church is a community of flawed human beings who are seeking a relationship with a perfect Being. So there definitely will be bumps in the road while creating communal bonds while on earth.

Hannah encourages readers to ask themselves the following questions when trying to figure out who are you're supposed to hang around with:

>Who do I want to be a year from now?
>What hurdles do I want to overcome?
>What am I good at and how do I bring that into a relationship?
>How do I take care of people?
>What do I value in myself and other people?

Come Matter Here is a book that will leave you feeling like you had a long enriching conversation with your best friend. A deep conversation that reflects on faith, friendship, mental health and life's pressures. As Jess Connelly advises in the foreword, "I'd make sure you have three pens at least lined up to read this book. There's nothing worse than starting with one pen to make notes or doodle in exclamation marks and have to switch to another halfway through."

This is one of those books that you would purchase multiple copies to hand out to friends.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es una lectura muy sencilla y con la cual puedes llegar a hacer catarsis sobre ciertos aspectos de tu vida con los cuales te puedes identificar. Conforme iba leyendo me recordaba a Carrie Bradshaw de Sex & the City, pero sin el sex y sin la city espectacular, pero me refiero a que todo el libro está platicado de una forma muy cándida; platica sobre su historia de vida, aciertos, tragedias, la añoranza de encontrar a su alma gemela y la búsqueda de Dios en el proceso. Si bien habla sobre ciertos salmos de la biblia, no se centró en solo comentarlos sino explicarlos y dar un punto de vista mas agradable. Me gustó que al final de los capítulos te regalaba una pequeña oración, de las cuales ya anoté varias que me gustaron. No necesitas creer en Dios para que este libro te resulte interesante, tampoco necesitas ser una creyente fanática, es como leer la historia de una amiga que te puede abrir los ojos en varios aspectos.

[Moriah Conant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book at 11:30 pm and could not put it down. I kept telling myself that I would go to bed after this chapter, but couldn't follow through.

Hannah's longing for roots and struggle to be vulnerable enough to form them is something I relate to.
I know what it is like to have people close to you pulling you through an episode of depression, rooting for your life because you can't care enough to get yourself out.
We all long to be known and struggle to get there.
Hannah's advice to be the invitation when struggling with FOMO is something we all need to hear. Community isn't instant and we will have to struggle through hard moments on our journey to find our people. Not everyone will choose to stay, but the people who do are still worth it.

Come matter here: an invitation to be known and to know others.

[Erin Salmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I think of Hannah Brencher, the word that comes to mind is "committed." This is a woman who is absolutely committed to knowing Jesus, gaining wisdom, and celebrating the beautiful people and moments that make up life. Take one look at Hannah, and you will find this to be true. You'll see a woman who knows the secret to contentment and is willing to share it with everyone she knows. In fact, that's what this book is about. Come Matter Here is a love letter to people who feel caught up in the wrong kind of hustle -- the people who, in their effort to get there, are missing out on the beauty, joy, and opportunities right in front of them. It was such an honor to help Hannah launch this book. It's one that everyone should have on their shelf.

[Josh · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has an overarching theme of narcissism. Whenever I thought that the book was progressing to show how individuals could change and grow it was redirected to refocus on the author and everything she has done. The refocus distracted from useful tools that could have been clearly given to help people move forward in life. There are Bible references that are misquoted and generalized that can be misleading for those who have not read the Bible or those particular spots yet. I would not recommend this book to people.

[Chriselle Correia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah yet again explores her relationship with God, her relationship with herself, her relationship with prospective partners. There were bits of this book I found hard to relate to but then, there were bits I absolutely loved. And for those bits, I give it five stars. There are lessons and insights and advice that hit you in the deep spots if that's the road you're on. I'd definitely go back and reread bits because I'm sure I'd still take something new away with me.

Grateful for HB and her way with words.

[CARMEN QUIROZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me gustó bastante, en esto momento al estar con una pierna fracturada y teniendo que guardar reposo obligatorio no ha sido nada nada fácil, la ansiedad viene y me ronda pero se ha logrado mantener a raya.
Me identifique en muchos puntos con la autora por ejemplo el hecho de hacerte tan independiente y autónoma en ocasiones hace que construyas un muro invisible en torno a ti, y ahora tener que pedir todo a los demás hasta un vaso de agua....
Pfff es complicado.
Me gustó bastante

[Natalie Herr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah takes us on an honest walk through a season of fear and depression and what it looks like to face the things we want to run from. I was moved by her vulnerability- especially as it relates to her feelings about the church and bible reading. Really refreshing to read someone writing the way that we really think sometimes!

[Montse Aleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tocó partes sensibles por las que actualmente estoy pasando; me sentí acompañada por Hannah en cada capítulo y durante varias hojas sentí la presencia de Dios a mi lado, susurrando: no estas sola.

📖Citando al libro: “Sean fuertes. Sean valientes. No permitan que el miedo se interponga, porque su Dios va un paso adelante. Lo tiene todo bajo control. No los decepcionará; no los abandonará.”