The Grace of Yes

An Emptying of Self: Only when we empty ourselves –our self—into God’s ever-present hands do we become who we are created to be. "The Grace of Yes," by Lisa Hendey, gives us eight virtues as stepping stones on the path of that emptying. Through Lisa’s experiences, we see something happening—we notice God’s grace, we ponder acceptance of it, and let it lead us to discover our own new, grace-filled ‘yes’ to God.
--Kaye Park Hinckley, "Birds of a Feather," and "A Hunger in the Heart"

Wonderful book. I´m always amazed how Lisa is able to open her heart and tell us her struggles and successes, leading us to go further in our path to Heaven, one step at a time. This book also shows a very close synchronicity with the teachings of the Church, specially what´s very dear to Pope Francis: the "culture of encounter" and also the joy to spread the Word of God with "infectious enthusiasm". Lisa challenges us to every day say to our Father: "Your plans, my yes".

The cover appropriately displays a fish out of water. Ever felt like that? Like you were in over your head? Like you were way outside of your comfort zone? Then this book is for you!

Part spiritual memoir/part advice book, like many of Lisa Hendey’s writings, it takes you to the heart of a life well-lived and helps you to look at your life in a different way. She lays her heart bare so you can relate to and learn from her experiences. It has definitely helped me in thinking about some of the ways I’ve been called to graciously sacrifice and listen to God’s call.

This brief book can be read in a couple days (initially I did), but it would be best to read slowly. Take a break between chapters to ruminate on the questions. It would work great for group study. I can imagine the questions would lead to great conversations and a deeper spirituality for all involved. I mean, here’s an example:

What logical and emotional constraints keep you from fully trusting God?

That would definitely not be a question I’d feel comfortable answering in public. Maybe that says something about my own constraints.

The story in the book that has stuck with me the longest is a description of her visit to Rwanda. I don’t want to go into too much detail of it because I don’t want to take away from it’s power for you. Just trust me that it is something you won’t get out of your head easily and it will prompt a lot of reflection on the suffering you’ve seen in your own life. Hopefully any suffering you’ve endured or witnessed will pale in comparison.

I recommend this book to anyone, but especially to women and book groups. Reading it on my own, I found myself wishing I had someone to share it with. Grab a friend or two and pick it up this November!

You don’t have to be a mom to appreciate the wisdom in this book. For that matter, you don’t even have to be a parent. With The Grace of Yes, Lisa Hendey has broadened her focus even as she bares her soul and tells the story of her own struggles and joys as she lives out God’s plan in her life. It’s not a big book, but there’s a lot of food for thought in those 160 pages.