Stay by Anjuli Paschall

This book is much more a memoir than one containing a good deal of teaching. It's a book for younger women who like insights drawn from experiences rather than from the Bible. Paschall shares stories such as meeting the Dalai Lama in San Francisco, her experiences with a therapist, having difficult discussions, etc. She is very introspective of her experiences and draws spiritual insights from them.

This book is a good example of journaling and the lessons one can learn from the practice. At times I felt like I was reading Paschall's journal as she experienced life or thought about past events. Readers who face internal struggles will appreciate her accounts of her own battles with insecurity, regret, shame, failure, acceptance, guilt, and more.

Paschall invites her readers to be real and vulnerable. To not cover up the questions, the discontent. And most of all, to stay and not run away. She writes, “I can't reconcile a good God with the evil in the world. I can't. I can't make sense of God's sovereignty in a world of suffering. I can only do one thing. I can be in the waiting.” (150)

Many Christians have understood their purpose in life is to glorify God, based on 1 Cor. 10:31. Paschall has a different take. “My one and only purpose in life is to be loved by God.” (202)

This book is good for young people and those who like spiritual insights derived from personal experience. It is also a good example of potential writers who would like to have their “pain have a voice...” (201) Older Christians who grew mature on teaching directly from the Bible like I did, may not be as excited about this book.

Discussion questions are included for reflection and discussion. 

You can read an excerpt here.

My rating: 3/5 stars.

Anjuli Paschall is the founder of The Moms We Love Club and is a writer for Dayspring's (in)courage. After graduating from Point Loma Nazarene University, she earned a master's degree in spiritual formation and soul care from Talbot Seminary. She lives in Southern California with her husband and their five children. You can find out more at https://www.anjulipaschall.com/hello-1

Bethany House, 224 pages.

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