cover image Restless: Because You Were Made for More

Restless: Because You Were Made for More

Jennie Allen. Thomas Nelson/W Publishing, $15.99 trade paper (230p) ISBN 978-0-8499-4706-3

How do Christians know when they've been called by God to serve? What if that calling isn't a dream, but instead perceived as a burden? Bible teacher Allen (Anything: The Prayer that Unlocked My God and My Soul) offers readers%E2%80%94mainly women%E2%80%94methods by which they can better understand and act upon the "restless" feelings they may experience when at a crossroads between receiving a calling from God and accepting it. Allen uses a tool she calls Threads, which helps readers organize personal stories, strengths, and passions and tie them together in a way they can use to move forward to respond to a calling. Borrowing from the biblical story of Joseph, Allen leads readers through the process of recognizing restlessness (The Call), identifying personal passions (The Threads), and remaining focused on purpose (The Process). Personal stories from Allen's friends and family help to inspire and encourage readers. Allen's experiences reflect her age (mid-thirties), so she may appeal most to her peer group of young women between the ages of 18 and 35. (Jan.)