In a culture that applauds what can be produced and noticed, it’s hard to spend time hidden from others—the long afternoons with a toddler, the fourth-floor cubicle, the laundry room. Aren’t those wasted hours? Wasted gifts?
In Unseen, Sara Hagerty suggests that God created every heart to be seen—and it’s the unseen moments that draw hearts closest to the One who sees them best.
Through an eloquent exploration of both personal and biblical story, Hagerty calls readers to offer every unseen, “wasted” minute to God so that they might find new intimacy with Him. She looks in particular at the story of Mary, who wasted perfume at Jesus’s feet. Mary had such love for Jesus that she was able to pour herself out for Him, though no one applauded. In doing so, with nothing tangible to show for her actions, she changed the world.
God is in the secret place. The beautiful news is that He doesn’t relegate His children to those hidden seasons, those unseen hours. He invites them.
(book description)
I have been a fan of Sara Hagerty's blog for as long as I can remember. Her writing style, so full of honesty, story, and truth often appeared on my computer screen at opportune times with messages I couldn't help but ponder in subsequent days. When I heard Sara had released a new full length book I was curious to see if the beauty and truth of her messages on line would convey adequately in a different, more drawn out setting.
They did.
I love Sara's honesty because she allows herself to be vulnerable with her readers and go to topics that aren't often discussed with the perspective Sara brings.
For years I've listened to my generation asking how does one live their faith during the mundane times,the common days when life simply goes on. Sara re-frames this mundane, unseen reality into a gift of being hidden that is sure to bring about discussion and reflection for those who read the book. I couldn't get over how many times while reading I considered the practicality of these chapters as a devotional aid or group study, the message really is that important and potentially transformational. Sara has a way of bringing thoughts and ideas forward that makes me long for a group of women to discuss this with.
I really believe Sara Hagerty has provided a timely message content wise as well. Sara brings such a wisdom and uniqueness to her approach. Let's face it there are hundreds of books out there on self-help or life growth devotionals or how to grow your faith. Sara, however, has the most clear and concise message I've read yet, keep turning your focus back to God. I love those simple to understand yet fundamentally changing to implement lessons.
By focusing in on the story of Mary pouring out the perfumed oil, Hagerty locks readers into a story that ties her message together with a strong anchor point. Her provision of further reading at the end of each chapter allows readers to take the book further and see just how widespread the message of spending that intimate, hidden time with God is spread throughout scripture. Sara really sets up readers to see the contrast between our social media driven society and it's quest for superficial recognition with the desire to know and be known by the creator.
For years I've listened to my generation asking how does one live their faith during the mundane times,the common days when life simply goes on. Sara re-frames this mundane, unseen reality into a gift of being hidden that is sure to bring about discussion and reflection for those who read the book. I couldn't get over how many times while reading I considered the practicality of these chapters as a devotional aid or group study, the message really is that important and potentially transformational. Sara has a way of bringing thoughts and ideas forward that makes me long for a group of women to discuss this with.
I really believe Sara Hagerty has provided a timely message content wise as well. Sara brings such a wisdom and uniqueness to her approach. Let's face it there are hundreds of books out there on self-help or life growth devotionals or how to grow your faith. Sara, however, has the most clear and concise message I've read yet, keep turning your focus back to God. I love those simple to understand yet fundamentally changing to implement lessons.
By focusing in on the story of Mary pouring out the perfumed oil, Hagerty locks readers into a story that ties her message together with a strong anchor point. Her provision of further reading at the end of each chapter allows readers to take the book further and see just how widespread the message of spending that intimate, hidden time with God is spread throughout scripture. Sara really sets up readers to see the contrast between our social media driven society and it's quest for superficial recognition with the desire to know and be known by the creator.
5 out of 5 stars
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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