Falling Free: Rescued from the Life I Always Wanted

Sometimes one loves a book because the content is inspiring. Sometimes one gets drawn in because of the quality of the writing. This book has everything. Shannon is a consummate wordsmith and I found myself stopping over and over to savor a descriptive phrase, seeing it in technicolor and trying to unpack its implications - like this one; "living together in harmony would sometimes feel like knitting a blanket with one broken needle and two skeins of steel wool." She is real, with both quirky humor and heart-pinching pathos, honest with a courage that is amazing, baring her thoughts and feelings, with all the good, bad and ugly that is in my own heart and soul, but that I cowardly keep hidden, dressing up and showing only what I think will be acceptable to the view of others. Her story is heart gripping and challenging in a way that brings tears and laughter and the burning desire to live the edgy adventure that is complete trust in God and walking in his shadow, crowding close to be in a front row seat to see what He will do next; and freed from all the cushy things, lifelong mindsets and stuff we think we want only to discover too late the tyranny those things bring.This is a book that both broke and filled me. I am still reading it through the first time, and want to begin again straight away.

This is the kind of book that just sticks with you...and messes with you, in the most hard and beautiful way. There is just no way to read it with an open heart and not walk away changed somehow – whether it’s in how you see your neighbor down the street or the poor and battered soul on the corner or the kid who just got out of jail, or in how you view your bank account or your role in the Kingdom or your place at the table—this book captivates and inspires as much as it challenges and convicts. Every chapter left me wanting to lean in closer to the heart of Jesus and to really know and hear His heartbeat for this broken, busted-up, beautiful world around us.Shannan writes about letting go of the life she always wanted, of loosening her grip on the things of this world and her own plans and dreams, and embracing a life of selfless generosity and sacrificial love. She tells the story of her own journey, how she learned that the way up is actually down, how “weak is strong, small is big, and less has most definitely always been more.” It’s an incredible story, actually…a brave story of obedience even through uncertainty, of faith even through loss, of community and love and strength even through brokenness and disappointment and imperfection. It’s a story of trusting God, of letting go, of falling and finding freedom there.I really love this book. I am thankful for how God used the brave words within its pages to soften my own heart and adjust my perspective. I could not recommend this book more.

I've followed Shannan Martin's blog for several years without really knowing the backstory to her current life. I picked up this book out of a desire to know more.I got way more than I expected.I found Shannan's story of her move from rural, bucolic "God's country" to the "wrong side of the tracks" equally enthralling and squirm-inducing.Why did it disquiet me to read her story? In hers, I realized a similar theme of mine: I am very committed to my own security. I have lived my entire adult life believing Jesus' words about not considering myself better than others, but all the while doing so.Shannan's tone is never condemning; she simply lets truth speak of itself and land its own punches. She never projects superiority or judgment. She simply admits to being unable to return to denial after being blinded by the light of reality.One of my favorite lines from an early chapter describing the beginnings of their epiphany was this: "I was called not to pretend I could save them, but to love them, to simply be with them."Shannan doesn't attempt to persuade anyone with her story, but she invites you to begin your own examination of the place you live and what you're committed to. I doubt you'll be able to walk away from this read unaffected. At least that's what I'm hoping will be the lasting impact for me.

I read this book in one sitting-didn't want to put it down. It really made me think hard about my life and what God wants for us(it's not necessarily what we want).

I thoroughly « enjoyed » this read! A make me sit up and listen. A James 4 warning. You will not read this and sit comfortably in your skin. God will use this read to speak into your heart of generosity or lack of; love or lack of, and so forth. The author’s sense of humour and full out honesty will make her real and this an enjoyable read, even though I guarantee you’ll say « ouch » a few times!

Beautifully written and wonderfully fresh. Inspirational and honest. LOVE the title!

This is the first book I've read cover to cover in one sitting in years. It's 5 days before Christmas and the time was an early Christmas gift to me. Shannan shares humorous, candid, vulnerable, engaging insights to radical discipleship. Humility wrapped in humanity. I read portions of her book out loud to my wife. That is a rarity, like the book.

Inspiring and very challenging!

Shannan writes in such a way that is honest, insightful, and useful. I truly think that anyone who wants to grow in the ways of the Lord will love this book. And those who aren't quite willing to change, they should read it too.