What’s on your fall reading list? I’m actually finishing a few books from earlier this year. I absolutely love reading! However, I am realizing my attempt to read multiple books at one time is causing somewhat of a problem. I end up taking forever to finish them. While I’m not completely done with these, I wanted to share these 5 books have been enlightening and helping wrap up 2020 well.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

I am reading (listening to) this book Audible and it is getting my whole life together. It is an attention grabber from the beginning as the author tells his powerful story giving us insight into why he is equipped to teach us how to build new habits and break old ones. He doesn’t just tell us how he provides strategies using demonstrations and printable resources.

Biggest Takeaway so far: Associate your habits to your identity. What you do over time often defines who you are. Make sure they’re defining who you want to be. If not, it may be time for some habit changes

The Art of Storytelling by John Walsh

This is a great book for public speakers and those who aspire to do so. Telling a story is a great way to grab an audience’s attention. The author walks you through not only the importance of storytelling, but the process of preparing a story for your speaking engagement.

Biggest Takeaway so far: Read and reread your stories, tell them to others, put yourself in the story, tell it in 1st person and tell it 3rd. Become the story and get comfortable with it

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama gracefully and flavor-fully takes us on her journey of becoming. Her writing is so smooth and easy to relate to, reading her book feels as if you’re talking to your favorite auntie or your inspiring neighbor from down the street. I have enjoyed reading her book while taking a hot bath on my self care Thursdays.

Biggest takeaway so far: We don’t just arrive at who we are today or who we will be in the future. It is a journey of experiences that shapes. No one becomes who they are overnight and we are constantly on a journey of becoming.

The Road to Reconciliation by Brenda Salter McNeil

 Two years ago, Mrs. McNeil spoke at the Catalyst Conference I attended. Her perspective on racial reconciliation and the role of the body of Christ left such a powerful imprint on my heart, I knew I had to read about her message further. I purchased a copy of her book and it is one I keep coming back to when I feel I need guidance on how to handle the racial tension in our country. She doesn’t just tell us to hold and hand and sing Kumbaya. She provided a road map, a framework, on how we can repent our wrongs of racism, seek forgiveness, and then be reconciled.

Biggest takeaway so far: As with God, reconciliation comes after repentance and forgiveness. Also,  we can’t just assume proximity and commonalities will heal the wounds of racism in our country. We must do the work to uproot and heal what has been done.

God’s Plan for the Single Saint by Keith A. Butler II (Pastor Andrea)

While many of the topics in this book I had heard before, it has been a great refresher. I love how Pastor Andre talks to us about how to please God in singleness in such a relatable way. Instead of giving us a bunch of do and don’t tells us what and why. He talks to us about why living a life that please God won’t just bless our marriage someday, but will bless our lives.

Biggest takeaway so far: Don’t allow the world standards of what’s attractive or right and what’s not to define how you choose a partner. Use the word of God as your standards. I needed that reminder.