The Opposite Life: Unlocking the Mysteries of God’s Upside-Down Kingdom

Seeley (Tailor Made), founder of Christian outreach organization the Belonging Co., encourages Christians to embrace their God-given purpose in this impassioned work. To explain how to “unlock God’s mysteries” Seeley moves between her own biography and examples from the Bible, exploring her decision to enter seminary, which eventually led her to start a basement church in Nashville. Her version of finding God’s word often requires trusting instincts, as when she turned down a job in California based on prophetic words from a stranger who suggested she start the Nashville church. “If we trust that God is ordering our steps, we may be in the very place of victory and not yet know it,” she writes. Each chapter examines overcoming obstacles by leaning into the opposite of one’s desires or expectations—which, Seeley writes, are often misguided or underdeveloped. She also makes lively comparisons to get her points across; an entertaining analogy compares God’s kingdom of Heaven and Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, both of which are attained by “humility... and an honorable heart,” and she presents approachable, scripturally grounded expositions on many complex Christian issues, such as overcoming unhelpful comparisons to others. Christians looking to deepen their faith in God’s plan will appreciate Seeley’s reassuring life story. (Aug.)