“Do you feel restless?” asks Jennie Allen.
It’s a simple question, but it’s one that has come to define a new generation of Christians. Many of us feel like we’re meant for something more than “going through the motions” of life — what that is, though, is another question.
Allen’s latest book, Restless (Thomas Nelson, January 2014), insists on the answer: “There is more.”
Allen, a writer and teacher in Austin, TX, is convinced that if we’re restless, it’s for a story that is bigger than the one we’re currently living; a story found in a God that is bigger than we assume.
Using two parallel stories — the Old Testament saga of Joseph and the modern story of Allen’s friend Sara, who suffered a stroke at a young age — Allen guides readers to discover what might be causing restlessness, and what might be done about it.
The book comprises three parts: “The Call,” which uses the Joseph story to outline God’s call to every Christian; “The Threads,” which through journaling and self-reflection helps readers uncover some of the unique themes of their lives; and “Living on Purpose,”” an action-oriented conclusion that challenges skepticism, apathy, and straight-up laziness.
Two things separate Restless from similar books trying to shake us lethargic millennials out of our narcissistic malaise. First, Allen avoids both self-help banalities and paralyzing self-analysis that might affect a reader’s self-esteem, but not her actions. Instead, she wisely sticks to the story: God is great, and He wants you to do great things. So find out who you are in Him, and then do something. Her call to action isn’t reckless; she advocates mature, considered, but fearless decision-making based on a reader’s identity in Christ.
The second is Allen herself. Multiple times in Restless, Allen expresses her wish that she could walk alongside each reader on the journey she advocates. These aren’t empty words; Allen writes with such sincerity and compassion, it’s easy to see she is a woman who genuinely wants readers to find a more fulfilling Christian life. Allen is equal parts women’s-retreat-speaker and best friend, and the combination is effective.
Though it’s not explicit, Restless feels geared toward women, which is unsurprising as Allen primarily works with women. Many of her examples are of female friends, but rest assured, there’s plenty in here for the men as well. An excellent chapter near the end of the book speaks specifically to women about the particular setbacks they face in living out a bigger story, such as conservative views of women in the church or husbands unsupportive of women taking leadership roles. “We must not separate biblical mandates from cultural Christian values”, she writes. She stresses that women should not resist God’s call for their lives out of fear or external expectations — a refreshing idea for both genders.
Through journalling, reflection, discussion, and stories, Restless presents an active and compelling challenge to the young, modern Christian who knows she — or he — is meant for “something more.” If you’re not up for a challenge, avoid this book. Otherwise, jump in and see what happens.
Photo (Flickr CC) by Thomas Frost Jensen.
