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The Book of Common Courage: Prayers and Poems to Find Strength in Small Moments
The Book of Common Courage is a collection of prayers, poems, and blessings to help you find a flicker of strength in the small and hard moments of life. Beloved author and therapist K. J. Ramsey invites you to journey word-by-word through Psalm 23 to experience how the Good Shepherd is with you and for you , especially in the valleys of life. When you struggle to find the words to hold your pain or trauma, be encouraged to cultivate the compassion and courage to believe that your story will, in fact, end in joy. Through K. J.'s lyrical and emotive writing, you are invited Courage is a common hope that we can cultivate together . These prayers and poems can be read in group settings--among friends, families, and worshipping communities--and are also ideal for personal reflection. Inside, you will This is a gorgeous gift to give for Easter, Christmas, birthdays, during a time of loss, during a life transition, or when looking for a new church community.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published January 17, 2023
291 people are currently reading
3461 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Ramsey
3 books903 followersK.J. Ramsey is a trauma-informed licensed professional counselor and author whose work offers space to see every part of our souls and stories as sacred. She holds degrees from Covenant College and Denver Seminary and is the author of This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers and The Lord is My Courage: Stepping Through the Shadows of Fear Toward the Voice of Love. K.J. writes at the intersection of theology, psychology, and spiritual formation to guide us in recovering the rhythm of resilience through nervous system regulation and the wonder of communion with God. She and her husband Ryan, along with their two exceptionally cuddly dogs, Merton and Resa, live near Denver, Colorado where K.J. listens for the liturgy of life in wildflowers, sunsets, sorrow, and church. Connect with her online at kjramsey.com and across social media @kjramseywrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
February 24, 2023
Writing this book was a practice in showing up as my full self—including as a new poet. I pray it gives you the same permission. Be fully human. Be fully honest. With God. And with yourself.
January 18, 2023
*I was one of the fortunate ones given an advanced copy of this book. I’ve been an enthusiastic supporter of K. J. Ramsey’s work (including her Instagram page) since her debut book was released a couple years ago. This book, in addition to her previous two, did not disappoint me.*
The Book of Common Courage is a breath of fresh air from the beginning. After I cracked the pages of this book and began reading, I heard the echo of Exodus 3:5 “Do not come any closer, … Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Indeed this book is holy ground. Holy ground for the traumatized, the spiritually abused, the devoted, the seeker, and the doubter.
There is a quote that reads: “What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”
This book is a well. A well of poems, blessings, and prayers that will cradle your heart from beginning to end. Her warmth, sincerity, and tenderness, is found on every page. You can sense that she is just as wonderful, if not more so, in “real-life.”
Now I must say, one does not simply read through K.J.’s writings carelessly. No, they are to be read and digested slowly. I often come back and reread her passages. Sometimes I process them in my journal. Nevertheless, Ramsey’s work is so profound you’ll want to return to it time and time again. This book reminded me I am seen, known, and loved. And isn’t that what we all want to feel in this life?
I want to ease any concerns you may have about purchasing a book of poetry. Although I enjoy some poetry, I often find it difficult to understand, but you’ll find K. J. ‘s writing style very accessible. I think there is something in this book for every reader. Something that will touch your heart and allow you to feel loved and held.
If I could buy everyone a copy of this book, I would. Unfortunately, I can’t. I can only encourage you all to buy a copy for yourself today and allow her words to permeate your soul. You’ll be pondering the contents long after you’ve finished reading it. It is aesthetically pleasing inside and out and would also make a cherished gift for anyone special in your life.
Reader, potential customer … you are SO loved! If you don’t feel so, you just may begin to believe it after the turn of the last page.
The Book of Common Courage is a breath of fresh air from the beginning. After I cracked the pages of this book and began reading, I heard the echo of Exodus 3:5 “Do not come any closer, … Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Indeed this book is holy ground. Holy ground for the traumatized, the spiritually abused, the devoted, the seeker, and the doubter.
There is a quote that reads: “What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.”
This book is a well. A well of poems, blessings, and prayers that will cradle your heart from beginning to end. Her warmth, sincerity, and tenderness, is found on every page. You can sense that she is just as wonderful, if not more so, in “real-life.”
Now I must say, one does not simply read through K.J.’s writings carelessly. No, they are to be read and digested slowly. I often come back and reread her passages. Sometimes I process them in my journal. Nevertheless, Ramsey’s work is so profound you’ll want to return to it time and time again. This book reminded me I am seen, known, and loved. And isn’t that what we all want to feel in this life?
I want to ease any concerns you may have about purchasing a book of poetry. Although I enjoy some poetry, I often find it difficult to understand, but you’ll find K. J. ‘s writing style very accessible. I think there is something in this book for every reader. Something that will touch your heart and allow you to feel loved and held.
If I could buy everyone a copy of this book, I would. Unfortunately, I can’t. I can only encourage you all to buy a copy for yourself today and allow her words to permeate your soul. You’ll be pondering the contents long after you’ve finished reading it. It is aesthetically pleasing inside and out and would also make a cherished gift for anyone special in your life.
Reader, potential customer … you are SO loved! If you don’t feel so, you just may begin to believe it after the turn of the last page.
November 7, 2022
Thank you, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Gift, for the advance reading copy.
I would say this book is for those who are well thorough with the Bible.
The book has amazing content with colourful pictures and heartfelt writing. I really love the beautiful cover!
The book does a really good job on bringing out what we can do during our worst moments, how to find the courage when we struggle during these moments. A good one I say.
I would say this book is for those who are well thorough with the Bible.
The book has amazing content with colourful pictures and heartfelt writing. I really love the beautiful cover!
The book does a really good job on bringing out what we can do during our worst moments, how to find the courage when we struggle during these moments. A good one I say.
February 6, 2023
As I finished the last page of this beautiful book, I immediately wanted to (and will!) begin it again. KJ Ramsey takes us through each phrase of Psalm 23 pairing them with words from the Gospels about Jesus and her own poetry and prayers. Every morning I felt newly enriched and encouraged, many times to tears, by her words. I could relate so deeply with some of the spiritual church trauma she’s experienced as well as her significant health challenges. She threads the needle beautifully of not glossing over hardship but also bringing forward the truth of who Jesus is in our suffering. I immediately sent this book to two different friends and will be recommending it to everyone. KJ is a trauma informed therapist and has an amazing gift of expressing experiences and the truth of who Jesus is. Her book, The Lord is My Courage, is amazing as well and goes into detail about the challenges she’s faced. Highly recommend!!!
February 1, 2023
|| For those who think themselves not brave ||
With hardwon courage, that she practices right alongside you, KJ again is shepherding us to Jesus. Wherever you are on the journey with God and others, you will be surrounded with kindness by receiving the words in this book. Don’t be distracted if poetry or prayer “isn’t your thing”; if any part of you wonders whether anyone is with you in the wilderness, this book is your “yes”. “May your barrenness become a beginning…”
With hardwon courage, that she practices right alongside you, KJ again is shepherding us to Jesus. Wherever you are on the journey with God and others, you will be surrounded with kindness by receiving the words in this book. Don’t be distracted if poetry or prayer “isn’t your thing”; if any part of you wonders whether anyone is with you in the wilderness, this book is your “yes”. “May your barrenness become a beginning…”
January 29, 2023
KJs books is meant to be savored. It is meant to be picked up when you are tired and let your eyes find the one phrase to give you hope. Read it with your Bible or by itself. Read it out loud and silent. Read it slowly, repeatedly, and let it be a soothing balm to your aching soul.
March 1, 2023
Another beautiful book and balm for my soul by K.J. Ramsey. The added bonus is the beautiful photography sprinkled throughout!
September 28, 2023
niche review alert, but i knew this book was going to be exactly what i needed and wanted when there was a retelling of the Heidelberg catechism q & a 1 on page 5 or so (like i told you, niche!)
i’m so excited for this little book to become a regular piece to come back to, to take comfort in the prayers and poetry of others.
i’m so excited for this little book to become a regular piece to come back to, to take comfort in the prayers and poetry of others.
February 15, 2023
I just can’t even express the beauty of this book. both visually & poetically. ∞/10
January 17, 2023
I am privileged to be a member of the launch team for this book of blessings and poems.
Truly, being a person of faith in the modern American landscape is…challenging. A lot of people assume a lot of things about you and it’s not always easy to show up in spaces and places that do not act as though they want you there.
KJ knows what this feels like and reminds us of our beatitude. We are seen, known and cared for in these times of separation. I am grateful for her liturgical approach to blessing — the rhythm is helpful when prayer is difficult.
I also just really admire how truly beautiful this book is. We, I think, have lost touch with making something beautiful for its own sake.
Thank you, KJ. May you always remember your own beatitude, you brave woman.
Truly, being a person of faith in the modern American landscape is…challenging. A lot of people assume a lot of things about you and it’s not always easy to show up in spaces and places that do not act as though they want you there.
KJ knows what this feels like and reminds us of our beatitude. We are seen, known and cared for in these times of separation. I am grateful for her liturgical approach to blessing — the rhythm is helpful when prayer is difficult.
I also just really admire how truly beautiful this book is. We, I think, have lost touch with making something beautiful for its own sake.
Thank you, KJ. May you always remember your own beatitude, you brave woman.
March 5, 2023
K.J.'s writing is a balm to the soul, making this book a treasure for the weary. In this journey through Psalm 23, she beautifully articulates, both in word and image, the reality of being human—living in a world of both/and—putting to words the deep cries of the heart. Highly recommend.
May 30, 2024
Such a beautiful book. The Book of Common Courage is a collection of the author’s poetry and prayers, all of which are drawn out of Psalm 23. I read it slowly and it spoke to me over and over. I’m someone who often struggles understanding poetry, but the poems and prayers of The Book of Common Courage were very accessible while still deeply meaningful. The photography in the book is so peaceful and coincided beautifully.
July 1, 2024
Love. At a time where scripture feels impersonal, KJs writing alongside scripture was exactly what I needed. I loved her use of non-ESV translations that allowed verses to feel new and different. KJ has such a gift with words and language and I was brought to tears a few times. I look forward to reading her other books.
November 8, 2022
I have long loved Ramsey's writing and was delighted to she had written another book. This is a beautiful collection of prayers, poems and liturgy that walk through Psalm 23. The language felt like my own and I deeply connected with it. The layout is beautiful, the changing colours and textures demarcate the end of one passage and the start of another well. The photography is a beautiful addition to it and I found myself meditating over these as much as the words.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2023
This is a book that needs to stay on my “currently reading” shelf because it is such a beautiful companion. KJ’s voice shines through in prayers and poems and photography, reminding us that we are good and that we are loved by a good shepherd. She calls us (back) to connection: with our own bodies, with each other, and with a God who is tender and faithful. Her words have given me courage through some of my darkest moments in a very difficult year of growth and change. It’s a gift to have so many of them collected and curated here. I love this book!
May 19, 2023
Wow this book was beautiful. I read The Lord is My Courage last year and it was transformational for me and this book is like a sweet companion to it. I used this in my daily quiet times in the morning and it was great to pray through the prayers and meditate on the words of the poems. I love how wholistic the author’s writing is - combining spirituality and faith with physical and psychological aspects as well. I definitely recommend getting the physical book as it is beautifully put together and adds to the experience. I will continue to re-read this probably several times!
February 25, 2024
This book was a balm to my soul when walking into a church and opening my Bible were too hard. I’m reminded of God’s kindness and the goodness of the Church. I will come back to this book for years to come when my heart needs a reminder. And I’ll be giving this book as a gift for years to come, to friends whose hearts grieve. “We are not just followed. We are being found.”
December 31, 2024
The most relatable devotional/prayer book I've encountered. It took me a year to finish because it's best experienced with a pause after each line. K.J. Ramsey writes deep, and I'm the better for her vulnerable grit.
June 28, 2024
This will be on my absolute favorite shelf for rest of my life. The beauty, words to life's pain, clarity of Christ's human experience and love for us. Moving, healing, tender.
March 17, 2023
Christ never stops chasing us where pain is piercing us through into communion, into joy. Courage is simply the surrender to love.
A encouraging read on facing the reality of our need for God. Beautiful photos are included in each chapter. These photos and the truth of resting in Christ gives the reader peace and courage to face each day. It is not about the 10 steps of getting courage but of knowing God. It is a reminder that courage comes in different forms. From parents raising their children to employee's saying a kind word. Courage is lacking in this world due to the unknown and trusting in systems.
This book has the markings to become a classic.
A special thank you to Zondervan and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
A encouraging read on facing the reality of our need for God. Beautiful photos are included in each chapter. These photos and the truth of resting in Christ gives the reader peace and courage to face each day. It is not about the 10 steps of getting courage but of knowing God. It is a reminder that courage comes in different forms. From parents raising their children to employee's saying a kind word. Courage is lacking in this world due to the unknown and trusting in systems.
This book has the markings to become a classic.
A special thank you to Zondervan and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
January 16, 2023
“Faith is not mustering up
courage to no longer be broken.
Faith
is practicing
the courage to name
even your broken pieces
as beloved.”
This book so rich. Full of the hope, beauty, and goodness of Christ. And every now and then there is one line that stops me in my tracks and takes my breath away. I read it quickly because I wanted to keep reading, but I will read it again because it is one to to linger with and savor—to let it’s words wash over and restore you.
courage to no longer be broken.
Faith
is practicing
the courage to name
even your broken pieces
as beloved.”
This book so rich. Full of the hope, beauty, and goodness of Christ. And every now and then there is one line that stops me in my tracks and takes my breath away. I read it quickly because I wanted to keep reading, but I will read it again because it is one to to linger with and savor—to let it’s words wash over and restore you.
February 7, 2023
Beautiful, beautiful book! Her prayers and poems drawn from Psalm 23 and other passages of scripture are a balm to the weary soul. She puts into words the emotions and groans so many of us share. If your current sorrow or struggle makes it difficult to know how or what to pray, may this book be the courage you need to give voice to your pain.
March 8, 2024
Kj’s words never fail to amaze me. She writes with truth, vulnerability, kindness, and honor. she writes at the intersection of despair and hope, courage and fear. I’ll always be grateful for her words in my days and nights of doubt
March 29, 2024
This book reads like an invitation. It invites Jesus into the beloved words of Psalm 23, through collects and gospel readings. It invites people into nature, through beautiful imagery. Love that kind of book. Beautiful words from a talented writer as well.
March 21, 2024
A refreshing read at a perfect time in life.
October 19, 2023
this book was something I needed. simple words + prayers that my heart was looking for. the line “let wonder wrap herself around your angst” just keeps rolling around and won’t leave me alone. can’t wait to read and re-read.
January 29, 2023
This book felt like a refuge in the form of poems, prayers, and liturgies. R.J. Ramsey is unique because she can capture the feelings and emotions of trauma and grief while also capturing the beauty of Creation.There are so many beautiful lines from this book that will stick with me.
One of my favorites is: “If the Body feels like a pile of deconstructed beams and upturned nails, a faith without a home or a people to call your own, look at the One who cried in anguish in the garden alone.”
This book could be helpful for individuals in the midst of or who have deconstructed their faith of origin. I wish I could give this book more stars!
One of my favorites is: “If the Body feels like a pile of deconstructed beams and upturned nails, a faith without a home or a people to call your own, look at the One who cried in anguish in the garden alone.”
This book could be helpful for individuals in the midst of or who have deconstructed their faith of origin. I wish I could give this book more stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2023
Have you ever had an artist who always seems to arrive when you need them the most?
Creativity has always been an integral part of both my faith journey and my healing journey. So, I suppose, it's unsurprising that I have at times found myself drawn to similarly inspired creative spirits who resonate with my soul.
Artists like folk/Americana singer John Hiatt, cartoonist John Callahan, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman have been a few of those artists whose entire careers seem to resonate deeply within me.
My faith journey has always been an interesting one. From being raised Jehovah's Witness to being kicked out of a Vineyard Christian Fellowship congregation to my time spent as an ordained minister in a New Thought congregation to my years in licensed Church of the Brethren ministry, I have long found both peace and frustration within my faith journey and within the world of organized religion.
For anyone who has followed my reviews and my writing for any length of time, it's no secret that I was born with spina bifida and have lived far beyond my life expectancy. Having had well over 50 surgeries before I was 21, I went through a relatively lengthy period without having any major medical issues before a few years ago when the difficulties of aging with spina bifida, double amputation, and a myriad of other issues became a challenge.
In 2019, I was hospitalized with dehydration and a serious infection that resulted in further limb loss. I'm now a below-knee and above-knee amputee in addition to the existing challenges of life with spina bifida. I started over in terms of learning life skills, no small challenge considering I have a relatively small circle and most people were encouraging me to "just go on Disability."
Um, no.
As a longtime person of faith, I found myself on occasion reaching out those whose writings, music, or social media presence had inspired me. This included such diverse creatives as Nadia Bolz-Weber, the band Rend Collective, theologian Miroslav Volf, and several other writers.
In the midst of it all, I discovered K.J. Ramsey.
You knew I'd eventually get to this book, right?
As I shared in my review of her book "This Too Shall Last," I discovered Ramsey rather accidentally when she happened to "like" my review of Rachel Held Evans' "Wholehearted Faith." Having been unaware of her prior to that moment, I began following her on social media and read her first book.
It was refreshing to have an author not try to change me because, quite honestly, there's so much of my life that will never change. If I'm not okay with God now, I'll likely never be okay with God because, quite simply, this is me.
I am a sexual abuse survivor and sexual assault survivor as an adult.
I am a widow who lost both my wife and newborn.
I am a disabled adult with a myriad of health issues.
I am an adult who once (okay, more than once) tried suicide and comically failed.
I sometimes think that my middle initial should be T instead of D because it feels like trauma is my middle name.
Quite simply, Ramsey has become one of "those" authors for me. She's a literary lighthouse whose writings seem to come along at exactly the right time. With "The Book of Common Courage: Prayers and Poems to Find Strength in Small Moments," I began reading not long after my holiday season was interrupted by a diagnosis of bladder cancer.
I assumed this was Santa's way of saying I was on the naughty list.
Since my late 2019 hospitalization and amputation, life has been a weird kaleidoscope of awesome achievements and heartbreaking losses. My mother, only brother, and one of my dearest friends have all died in the past three years. I've had smaller health issues and a seemingly endless array of wound care issues.
Yet, I've also been promoted at work, received several awards for activism, had a film festival start an award in my name, and officiated my goddaughter's wedding.
Weird and wonderful.
The cancer diagnosis hit hard. I've always lived with the idea of death hanging over me, however, this felt like it was knocking on my door. I'd only recently joined a new church and I felt incredibly overwhelmed while also remaining optimistic.
I must confess that I found myself in tears on page one of "The Book of Common Courage," a collection of prayers, poems, and blessings designed to serve as a companion for life's small and big moments. Both an author and a trauma-informed licensed professional counselor, Ramsey's weakness is her strength as she guides our journey through Psalm 23 as we experience God's presence meeting us wherever we are at.
As is always true for Ramsey, this is not a step-by-step guide toward change because as Ramsey herself knows our circumstances don't always change in life. "The Book of Common Courage" is a warm embrace from a literary friend who understands both significant health concerns and the world of dysfunctional, abusive organized religion. It is possible as a writer to truly hold space for your reader and this is what Ramsey accomplishes with "The Book of Common Courage," a book that is beautifully designed, magnificently illustrated, and written in language that vulnerable, compassionate, bridge-building, and absolutely inspired.
"The Book of Common Courage" works as much for individual reflection as it would for a group experience. It's the kind of book that comes to life in different ways for different people, each subsequent reading (and I've already read it three times) revealing new gems and touching me in entirely different ways.
"The Book of Common Courage" is a reminder that we are invited by God to surrender our true selves and our true life experiences. We are reminded that our emotions, our traumas, and our dramas are all sacred and holy. Yet, it's also a reminder to open ourselves to the restoration of God and good in our lives. "The Book of Common Courage" invites us into an authentic prayer life and into a journey with God that allows for our hurts to be fully present with us and to know that God doesn't go away.
If you're like me, you've likely experienced way too much going away.
As I gathered at an Indianapolis cancer center earlier this week for a surgery that would begin to reveal the next steps to be taken in this latest health challenge, I gathered feeling a greater peace and a little less alone for this journey that feels so profound and overwhelming that sometimes I can't help but feel alone even in a crowded room. With her trademark theological insights and fierce compassion, Ramsey holds space for those who can't quite see the light and for those who can, in turn, both give and receive the light to one another.
With tenderness and wonder, "The Book of Common Courage" equips us to have the courage to believe and the courage to love one another.
And so it is.
Creativity has always been an integral part of both my faith journey and my healing journey. So, I suppose, it's unsurprising that I have at times found myself drawn to similarly inspired creative spirits who resonate with my soul.
Artists like folk/Americana singer John Hiatt, cartoonist John Callahan, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman have been a few of those artists whose entire careers seem to resonate deeply within me.
My faith journey has always been an interesting one. From being raised Jehovah's Witness to being kicked out of a Vineyard Christian Fellowship congregation to my time spent as an ordained minister in a New Thought congregation to my years in licensed Church of the Brethren ministry, I have long found both peace and frustration within my faith journey and within the world of organized religion.
For anyone who has followed my reviews and my writing for any length of time, it's no secret that I was born with spina bifida and have lived far beyond my life expectancy. Having had well over 50 surgeries before I was 21, I went through a relatively lengthy period without having any major medical issues before a few years ago when the difficulties of aging with spina bifida, double amputation, and a myriad of other issues became a challenge.
In 2019, I was hospitalized with dehydration and a serious infection that resulted in further limb loss. I'm now a below-knee and above-knee amputee in addition to the existing challenges of life with spina bifida. I started over in terms of learning life skills, no small challenge considering I have a relatively small circle and most people were encouraging me to "just go on Disability."
Um, no.
As a longtime person of faith, I found myself on occasion reaching out those whose writings, music, or social media presence had inspired me. This included such diverse creatives as Nadia Bolz-Weber, the band Rend Collective, theologian Miroslav Volf, and several other writers.
In the midst of it all, I discovered K.J. Ramsey.
You knew I'd eventually get to this book, right?
As I shared in my review of her book "This Too Shall Last," I discovered Ramsey rather accidentally when she happened to "like" my review of Rachel Held Evans' "Wholehearted Faith." Having been unaware of her prior to that moment, I began following her on social media and read her first book.
It was refreshing to have an author not try to change me because, quite honestly, there's so much of my life that will never change. If I'm not okay with God now, I'll likely never be okay with God because, quite simply, this is me.
I am a sexual abuse survivor and sexual assault survivor as an adult.
I am a widow who lost both my wife and newborn.
I am a disabled adult with a myriad of health issues.
I am an adult who once (okay, more than once) tried suicide and comically failed.
I sometimes think that my middle initial should be T instead of D because it feels like trauma is my middle name.
Quite simply, Ramsey has become one of "those" authors for me. She's a literary lighthouse whose writings seem to come along at exactly the right time. With "The Book of Common Courage: Prayers and Poems to Find Strength in Small Moments," I began reading not long after my holiday season was interrupted by a diagnosis of bladder cancer.
I assumed this was Santa's way of saying I was on the naughty list.
Since my late 2019 hospitalization and amputation, life has been a weird kaleidoscope of awesome achievements and heartbreaking losses. My mother, only brother, and one of my dearest friends have all died in the past three years. I've had smaller health issues and a seemingly endless array of wound care issues.
Yet, I've also been promoted at work, received several awards for activism, had a film festival start an award in my name, and officiated my goddaughter's wedding.
Weird and wonderful.
The cancer diagnosis hit hard. I've always lived with the idea of death hanging over me, however, this felt like it was knocking on my door. I'd only recently joined a new church and I felt incredibly overwhelmed while also remaining optimistic.
I must confess that I found myself in tears on page one of "The Book of Common Courage," a collection of prayers, poems, and blessings designed to serve as a companion for life's small and big moments. Both an author and a trauma-informed licensed professional counselor, Ramsey's weakness is her strength as she guides our journey through Psalm 23 as we experience God's presence meeting us wherever we are at.
As is always true for Ramsey, this is not a step-by-step guide toward change because as Ramsey herself knows our circumstances don't always change in life. "The Book of Common Courage" is a warm embrace from a literary friend who understands both significant health concerns and the world of dysfunctional, abusive organized religion. It is possible as a writer to truly hold space for your reader and this is what Ramsey accomplishes with "The Book of Common Courage," a book that is beautifully designed, magnificently illustrated, and written in language that vulnerable, compassionate, bridge-building, and absolutely inspired.
"The Book of Common Courage" works as much for individual reflection as it would for a group experience. It's the kind of book that comes to life in different ways for different people, each subsequent reading (and I've already read it three times) revealing new gems and touching me in entirely different ways.
"The Book of Common Courage" is a reminder that we are invited by God to surrender our true selves and our true life experiences. We are reminded that our emotions, our traumas, and our dramas are all sacred and holy. Yet, it's also a reminder to open ourselves to the restoration of God and good in our lives. "The Book of Common Courage" invites us into an authentic prayer life and into a journey with God that allows for our hurts to be fully present with us and to know that God doesn't go away.
If you're like me, you've likely experienced way too much going away.
As I gathered at an Indianapolis cancer center earlier this week for a surgery that would begin to reveal the next steps to be taken in this latest health challenge, I gathered feeling a greater peace and a little less alone for this journey that feels so profound and overwhelming that sometimes I can't help but feel alone even in a crowded room. With her trademark theological insights and fierce compassion, Ramsey holds space for those who can't quite see the light and for those who can, in turn, both give and receive the light to one another.
With tenderness and wonder, "The Book of Common Courage" equips us to have the courage to believe and the courage to love one another.
And so it is.
March 6, 2023
Summary:
This book, The Book of Common Courage, is a prayer/poem book, it’s based on the previous book by Ramsey. It is a companion book or a book that compliments the first. It is also a stand-alone book because you need not have read the first book in order to understand and enjoy the prayer book.
The Bible focal passage is the 23rd Psalm. The entire psalm is in the front inside cover and the back inside cover. Each verse is taken apart verse by verse and prayers and poems are given to them.
Lovely photos of the Rocky Mountain area are displayed.
My Thoughts:
I love The Book of Common Courage. It is meaningful, thoughtful, comforting, encouraging, and personal.
The pages are almost as thick as cardstock paper.
The photographs are organized at least every other page. The photographs are of flowers, leaves, snow, dogs, mountains, valleys, and lakes. They contribute to the overall feel and tone of the book’s message of comfort and peacefulness.
Courage is the strongest theme in the book. Ramsey believes “courage is something we hold in common.”
Some examples of other themes: fear, honesty, communion, healing, trust, trauma, pain, Jesus is a Shepherd, being present, tears and sadness, and bravery.
The Book of Common Courage can be read cover to cover, meditatively, for reference, and used as a devotional.
It is a thinking book, but not difficult. It is not theologically deep to the point of being unapproachable for readers. However, in pondering some of the themes it is deep because it makes me think about where I am in the present. And where God is working in my life. And where I need to call out to God in help. And where I need to pray honest, penitent, repentant type prayers.
This is an excellent book for a person going through trauma related recovery.
The copy of the book read I purchased.
This book, The Book of Common Courage, is a prayer/poem book, it’s based on the previous book by Ramsey. It is a companion book or a book that compliments the first. It is also a stand-alone book because you need not have read the first book in order to understand and enjoy the prayer book.
The Bible focal passage is the 23rd Psalm. The entire psalm is in the front inside cover and the back inside cover. Each verse is taken apart verse by verse and prayers and poems are given to them.
Lovely photos of the Rocky Mountain area are displayed.
My Thoughts:
I love The Book of Common Courage. It is meaningful, thoughtful, comforting, encouraging, and personal.
The pages are almost as thick as cardstock paper.
The photographs are organized at least every other page. The photographs are of flowers, leaves, snow, dogs, mountains, valleys, and lakes. They contribute to the overall feel and tone of the book’s message of comfort and peacefulness.
Courage is the strongest theme in the book. Ramsey believes “courage is something we hold in common.”
Some examples of other themes: fear, honesty, communion, healing, trust, trauma, pain, Jesus is a Shepherd, being present, tears and sadness, and bravery.
The Book of Common Courage can be read cover to cover, meditatively, for reference, and used as a devotional.
It is a thinking book, but not difficult. It is not theologically deep to the point of being unapproachable for readers. However, in pondering some of the themes it is deep because it makes me think about where I am in the present. And where God is working in my life. And where I need to call out to God in help. And where I need to pray honest, penitent, repentant type prayers.
This is an excellent book for a person going through trauma related recovery.
The copy of the book read I purchased.
October 18, 2023
A heartfelt collection of prayers, poems, and blessings by author and therapist K. J. Ramsey. Inspired by Psalm 23, it offers solace and strength in life's toughest moments. Ramsey's lyrical writing encourages readers to believe that even in pain, joy will prevail. These verses are perfect for group settings or personal reflection, making it a meaningful gift for various occasions.
This book was beautiful. Not simply an esthetic book, but the writing was lyrical, the meaning heartfelt, and design very personal. Ramsey included scenic nature photographs all throughout that she has taken on trips to national parks and in moments of quiet prayer. I primarily listened to the audiobook, which is read by the author, but I recommend having a physical copy of the book to view the photos. I also really enjoyed her emphasis on Christ’s life and ministry. The book is walking through Psalm 23 but she is connecting each part to the Gospels and Jesus’ teachings. I appreciated her mentioning that these poems and prayers were written through reflecting on her illness and her experience leaving a spiritually abusive church.
Perfect for you if you like:
Poetry with spiritual depth
The Book of Common Prayer
Gospel based prayer guidance
Similar to:
The lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowler
Liturgy for Wholeness by Audrey Alledge and Elizabeth Moore (currently reading)
What Cannot be Lost by Melissa Zaldivar
This book was beautiful. Not simply an esthetic book, but the writing was lyrical, the meaning heartfelt, and design very personal. Ramsey included scenic nature photographs all throughout that she has taken on trips to national parks and in moments of quiet prayer. I primarily listened to the audiobook, which is read by the author, but I recommend having a physical copy of the book to view the photos. I also really enjoyed her emphasis on Christ’s life and ministry. The book is walking through Psalm 23 but she is connecting each part to the Gospels and Jesus’ teachings. I appreciated her mentioning that these poems and prayers were written through reflecting on her illness and her experience leaving a spiritually abusive church.
Perfect for you if you like:
Poetry with spiritual depth
The Book of Common Prayer
Gospel based prayer guidance
Similar to:
The lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowler
Liturgy for Wholeness by Audrey Alledge and Elizabeth Moore (currently reading)
What Cannot be Lost by Melissa Zaldivar
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