Book Suggestion for non-Catholic coworker

[CredoUnumDeum]

I'd like some suggestions from ya'll on which book to get for a coworker of mine. She is about 50, and desperately unhappy in her life, job, and marriage. She is a typically-Southern 'Christian' in the sense that she was raised with some rudimentary form of belief in God, prays daily in some form or another, and reads the Bible occasionally. She doesn't attend a church or have much spiritual formation. I'd like to get her something inspirational and encouraging, without it being too theologically complex or specifically Catholic (ie, requiring a distinctly Catholic mindset or understanding to read and enjoy).

I've toyed the idea of a book like 'Captivating', by that 'Wild at Heart' guy's wife, or maybe something by Alice von Hildebrand, but I'd love some input from the community here.

Thanks!

PS: Is Joyce Meyer, the protestant preacher lady, more or less decent? Theres a book of hers called 'The confident woman devotional' which seems to be comprised of bible verses and brief encouraging meditations, but I don't want to get something generically protestant that ends up being wacky.

[Rich C]

I hear that Story of a Soul is a good introduction to the Faith.

[creole54]

I'm reading Marcus Grodi's 'How Firm a Foundation' right now. It's a novel about a protestant minister who converts (eventually) to Catholicism. I'm really enjoying the story and there are plenty of scripture verses to confirm his decision to convert.

Other books I've read over the past few months that's I've found inspirational:

'Rome Sweet Home' by Scott Hahn was also pretty good. It's a memoir rather than a novel.
'God's Doorkeepers: Padre Pio, Solanus Casey And Andre Bessette' by Joel Schorn *excellent!
'Little Flowers' by Katherine Lively
'Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back' by Todd Burpo
'90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death and Life' by Don Piper

[Alan55]

How about:

"Mother Teresa: A Complete Authorized Biography" by Kathryn Spink.

"The Prison Angel: Mother Antonia's Journey from Beverly Hills to a Life of Service in a Mexican Jail" by Mary Jordan and Kevin Sullivan

I've read and enjoyed both. Not heavy on doctrine, but they show contemporary Catholic women who devote themselves to serving others. Even evangelical protestant women would find much to admire in both women.

[Aggies08]

Mother Teresa: A Complete Authorized Biography" by Kathryn Spink.

I like that idea. Unless she has expressed an interest in learning more about the church, or converting, I don't think a heavy- handed approach is appropriate. So, I'd shy away from conversion stories/where in the bible stuff.

I think Mother Teresa, in particular, with all the trials she faced, may be helpful to this lady.

Then, if she does admire her, she may ask questions and the door may open!

[animalis]

Originally Posted by CredoUnumDeum

I'd like to get her something inspirational and encouraging, without it being too theologically complex or specifically Catholic

A simple, ecumenical, and small book that comes to mind is "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence, click the link for the table of contents/book http://www.ccel.org/ccel/lawrence/practice.toc.html

I stress the simplicity of the book, and it has the potential to inspire her to deeper prayer. It is not a complete presentation of a prayer life to union with God, yet he puts a stress on the moment of practice. A good portion of the book are letters.

[Alan55]

Originally Posted by animalis

A simple, ecumenical, and small book that comes to mind is "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence, click the link for the table of contents/book http://www.ccel.org/ccel/lawrence/practice.toc.html

I stress the simplicity of the book, and it has the potential to inspire her to deeper prayer. It is not a complete presentation of a prayer life to union with God, yet he puts a stress on the moment of practice. A good portion of the book are letters.

An interesting twist on "The Practice of the Presence of God" is a book called "Practicing His Presence" that includes both Brother Lawrence's classic and devotional writings by Frank Laubach, a protestant missionary who, like Brother Lawrence, attempted to practice constant awareness of God's presence. That book may be especially interesting to a protestant friend.

[Alan55]

Originally Posted by Alan55

An interesting twist on "The Practice of the Presence of God" is a book called "Practicing His Presence" that includes both Brother Lawrence's classic and devotional writings by Frank Laubach, a protestant missionary who, like Brother Lawrence, attempted to practice constant awareness of God's presence. That book may be especially interesting to a protestant friend.

Sorry, forgot to link:

http://www.amazon.com/Practicing-His...pd_sim_sbs_b_5

[CredoUnumDeum]

Thanks all! I made a list of those suggestions for future reference!

I ended up getting her 'I Am With You', a book of short daily meditations from Christ to the reader by Fr. John Woolley.

[GodsLittleChild]

That is very Christ-like of you, Credo, to reach out to this woman who is facing hard times, and to encourage her to seek answers and strength in the faith.

May you continue to scatter seeds of love and kindness to all who enter your life!