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Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance is maybe the funniest, most hopeful, and happiest book I’ve read about the life of faith–and the God whom we walk it out with. It has been an utter joy to experience; which is fitting, because its key theme is joy! Brant Hansen’s marvelous book was put into my hands by FrontGate Media. And I’m thrilled to share more about it with you. Just know, this is a book you’ll want to start out the new year with!
Here’s a bit from the publisher:
“‘Life Is Hard, God Is Good, Let’s Dance’ by Brant Hansen is about one central idea: joy. The book emphasizes that a deep sense of well-being, regardless of circumstances, is not only possible but is promised to all who follow Jesus. The author, Brant Hansen, doesn’t follow a success plan. Instead, he keeps showing up and taking Jesus very seriously. By doing so, he has become more joyful, peaceful, and full of laughter.
In this book, Brant shares stories from around the world, as well as from his own heart and head, with a writing style that will likely make you laugh, cry, and rethink your outlook on life and the kingdom of God. Through his unique life experiences and extensive travels, readers will see how God is moving through people all over the world. They will learn to live each day simply and with a faith and joy that is contagious.
Through short, energetic, captivating, and often humorous chapters, Brant’s message will leave you with a renewed love for a simpler life that overflows with greater joy than you’ve ever experienced.”
And, my experiences with Life is Hard. God is Good. Let’s Dance.
When I was reading Life is Hard. God is Good. Let’s Dance, I:
- Laughed out loud. Sometimes til I cried off mascara.
- Teared up. Sometimes even cried. (Again, with the running mascara.)
- Made my husband and son listen to me read it out loud (then they laughed).
- And I kept reading, and finding thoughts and ideas that I didn’t want to forget. That were breathtaking in their beauty and simplicity about God. So I used lots and lots of Post-It flags. (You can see those in the picture at the top of this post!)
Those were some really amazing moments, really. (I do love laughing til I cry.) What really made them amazing experiences is that the funny and sad and heartwarming things were all words that resounded with two messages that came through loud and clear to me. The first was, that God loves us. And the second was, that He is WITH us–through the beautiful, the hard, and even the things that feel as though they’ll crush us.
Brant, who has experienced trauma and suffering himself, has had the privilege of walking with God in spite of those; and also of traveling overseas to see CURE hospitals, who provide life-changing surgeries for children and teens in countries who’d likely never have been able to receive healing. He has seen precious children who, because of their disabilities, were looked upon as “cursed” or as “monsters” by their own villages. And then, whose lives were changes by hospitals who could turn those “curses” around—and heal these little ones.
Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance shares some of these precious ones’ stories as well as Brant’s own. And he talks about the ways that God has revealed Himself through these hardships and joys. What is the kingdom of God like? What is God like? How did Jesus show us who God really was? With quirky humor, the Bible, and honesty, Brant draws us into some marvelous answers. And we’re reminded that the kingdom of heaven is a jewel and a treasure even as it’s something that grows in us. As God walks through our lives, in both the ugly and in the beautiful. Always, with His love and His mercy.
Wow!
Some of my favorite parts
Here are just a few of some of the passages I marked with my Post-It flags. I hope they whet your appetite to get your own copy. You’ll have such joy and humor as you read this book!
- “We all have our own kingdoms. And sure, your kingdom, or my kingdom, might be a small sphere of influence, but we all have one. The kingdom of God that Jesus described is stunning, surprisingly subtle, and the exact opposite of boring. It’s life-giving.” (p. 78)
- “I’ve learned that spiritual growth isn’t about gritting your teeth and forcing yourself to do that thing, or stop doing that other thing, day after day and into forever. That’s not it at all. Spiritual growth is about letting God give us a personality makeover, from the inside out.” (p. 107)
- “The God of the Bible? He’s all in. He not only defends the little ones, but He enjoys them. He even tells us that if we want to enter His kingdom, we need to be like them.” (p. 115)
- “So yes, I have questions too. Big ones. But I keep seeing reasons to trust God. I keep seeing that style of His at work, how He operates. How difficult or tragic things happen, and there He is at the end of it, proving He was there all along. I keep seeing how He makes things beautiful.” (p. 118)
There are so many more wonderful moments in this book. But they all point us to God’s goodness and joy–and how we can live and walk in that, every day, regardless of our own circumstances.
Also, the way Brant speaks will make you smile. And yes. That *is* a disco ball on the cover.
Where you can purchase Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance.
You can purchase Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance at the highlighted purchase link below. I so wholeheartedly recommend this book to you!
Purchase Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance here
Also, you can learn more about Brant Hansen at his website, where you’ll also find out about his podcasts and shows.
I’ve learned if I want joy in life, I have to pay attention to the right things. After all, we are all being formed, and the things that shape us are precisely the things we are paying attention to.
Brant Hansen, Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance
Enjoy! –Wren
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from FrontGate Media. These are my own honest and personal thoughts and reactions.
finchnwren 