Self-Care: Selfish or Sacred

by Susan L. Fink

If you can identify with any of the following, this book is for you!- Me-time is selfish and time-wasting.- It's easier to say yes to others than to myself.- My work computer is part of my vacation luggage.- My goal is to live the biblical definition of joy: Jesus first, others second, yourself last. For many Christians, the concept of loving themselves sounds contrary to Jesus's words: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross" (Matthew 16:24 NIV). Does ''Love your neighbor as yourself" mean our earthly needs are as important as our service to others? Each chapter of Self-Care: Selfish or Sacred? An Interactive Guide to Myths and Misunderstandings looks at a myth about self-care, shares the author's personal struggle, and identifies misconceptions. Scriptural explanations, questions, and prayer prompts are included with blank spaces for interactive use. The book's easy-to-use format is conducive to personal or group study

160 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Jim B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title Self-Care: Selfish or Sacred hints at the audience and the particular challenges this self-help book addresses. Christians who are eager to help others will find that this book has been written for them. I remember my own struggle in this area. I summed it up this way, "Who can argue that helping others is not good or that personal sacrifice is sometimes not Christian?" It's a particularly difficult blind spot for some of the most helpful Christians you know. Ultimately it comes down to a matter of balance as the Lord summed up, "Six days shall you labor, but the seventh is to be a Sabbath to the Lord."

The author has created a book that is so densely packed with concepts that each section requires time to absorb and reread and reflect. As each misconception is addressed, the book offers the author's own experiences for the reader to relate to, really wonderful quotes from many others, and then all sorts of prompts to help the reader reflect and have those "aha!" moments. Each section also offers questions to spark reflection and pages to write thoughts about the chapter's contents.

Sometimes you read a book and you think to yourself, "This is one view. What about . . . ?" Self-Care will contain a list of a wide variety of examples so that the reader will surely spot himself or herself in one of the many examples.

I would recommend this for thoughtful Christians who enjoy journaling. Not everyone learns best on their own by reflecting on questions, so I think an even larger audience is book clubs, Bible discussion groups and Bible classes. Christians who struggle with a vague sense of guilt and unworthiness surely find relief, joy and understanding when their misunderstandings are cleared up and they learn how to recover balance in their lives and a way to assess future involvement helping people.

Don't think you have time for this book? Get a group of friends to work through it together, so you overcome your self-neglecting mindset and you can give God and others space to help others!

[Lisa Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not found any other book on this topic that is so biblically grounded. One by one, Susan Fink debunks the myths of self-care that many people face regarding their value, purpose, time, energy, and priorities. Susan's book is a gentle and refreshing wake-up call for all who have trouble recognizing God's loving mandate to rest.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covid brought the concept of mental health more to the forefront, but it doesn’t mean everyone has understood what self-care is all about or bought into the concept. Many ask, “Isn't self-help just selfish?" Susan gives addresses this core question as well as many other myths Christians have about self-care.

Susan in this labor of love and service to the Christian church, cements self-care in the Scriptures and addresses common myths Christians might have about taking care of themselves spiritually, mentally, and physically. Susan challenges you to ask questions of yourself, journal your answers, and deliberately engage in both the Scriptures and prayer.

But if you're not the journaling type, there are plenty of other tools you can use. The wide variety of approaches, penetrating questions, and dense content makes this a valuable resource for those desiring to better care for the body God gave them.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading "Self-Care, Selfish or Sacred?" with the mindset that since I'm not an A-type personality, I probably wouldn't need to learn how to schedule my time better. I couldn't have been more wrong. I found the teaching, encouragement, quotes and Bible verses in this book to be illuminating. Susan Fink's life and work history more than qualifies her to share her expertise with those who are weary in spirit.

The lessons aren't just concerning taking time for yourself. There are sections that deal with spending your down time the right way - being careful with your TV shows, games and entertainment choices. Investing in a healthier diet so that you can be a better version of you - where the Holy Spirit dwells.

My favorite part of the book was in Myth #4, where the author shares how she enjoys leisurely walks, enjoying nature and green spaces ... the Japanese custom of forest bathing ... a beautiful poem ... the idea that God might have made animals fur soft for our pleasure, and my favorite Bible verse: Psalm 119.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking for Godly advice on a real and honest way to live this life He has blessed us with.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

At one time or another, I think we have all thought of Self-Care as selfish, believing that putting ourselves above others is un-Christian, and well - just plain selfish. This book is a great reminder that we can't help others when we don't take care of ourselves first, that we need to get enough rest and self-nuturing. The author shares countless Bible verses telling us how God wants us to love ourselves. I recommend "Self-Care: Selfish or Sacred?" to anyone who does too much and needs the validation that it's okay to "no".

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very balanced, scriptural, easy to read, would make a good study.