Losing Control: Finding Freedom by Letting Go - Softcover

Smeby, Mark

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798628447239

Publisher: Independently published, 2020

Synopsis

This book is about surrendering to life as it is ... all of our out-of-control circumstances, challenging relationships, wavering faith, fluctuating self-image—and finding the awesomeness in it all, rather than being frustrated that things aren’t the way we think they should be. Resting in the mess.This doesn’t come easy for me. I want to fix everything. And everyone. Because, when everything is fixed, then my life will be smooth sailing. I won’t have anything to worry about or manage. And, probably because I’m not absolutely perfect at fixing myself, most days I find it easier to try to fix other people. This isn’t about giving up on goals and dreams or rolling over and playing dead until the game is over. It’s also not about being weak, letting life bowl us over. It’s actually the opposite. It’s about moving through life with an intentional grace, surrendering to life as it is, accepting people and circumstances as they are, not as we want them to be. And then finding ways to use our passions and energy to insert love and truth into the world, unattached to expectations of how it should all turn out. We do this in order to see more clearly the marvelous in the mystery. To draw closer to other people, not further away. To live from our heart, rather than from our head. To not run from that which is messy or complicated, but to see the beauty in it. My hope is that this book will help you say farewell to fear, insecurity, ego-driven decision making, self-pity, and regret. After we’ve thrown those ugly bits in the trash, let’s aim for the warm pools of joy and peace, which include greater acceptance of ourselves, others, our circumstances, and maybe even God. We will learn how to live with wide open hands of grace and love. That’s when the magic and beauty of life will truly come alive.It all starts by letting things be a little out of control.

About this title

About the Author

MARK SMEBY has been an in-demand writer in the Christian music and publishing industry for nearly 25 years, honing his craft with a wide range of assignments from in-depth feature stories, co-authoring celebrity tomes, humorous essays, album reviews, book publicity materials, award show scripts, corporate speeches, liner notes, and ad copy--all the while building a career as a recording artist. Smeby's creative efforts are focused on the concept of hope, communicated through his books, nine music projects, live events, social media, and his daily radio feature, the "Live Hope Minute." This inspiring feature is currently heard in 250 markets around the U.S. and Canada--also available as a hardcover one-year devotional and a free mobile app. He's been seen or heard on Cornerstone Network's "Real Life," TBN, JUCE TV, LeSea Broadcasting's "The Harvest Show," UpLift TV, Charisma Magazine, The Christian Post, FaithFlix.com, World Christian Broadcasting, Face to Face, Good Life magazine, and hundreds of other media outlets. Smeby lives in Minneapolis and can usually be found cheering on the Minnesota Twins.

From the Back Cover

"I'm on a journey to more deeply discover what the gospel really is about," Smeby concludes. "If you cut away all the extraneous, albeit valuable, religiosity, what does it all boil down to? I believe it's hope. It's a hope that wakes us up to how deeply we are loved by God, and how that love can be the fuel that guides us into truly remarkable, beautiful lives."

Written in an approachable, engaging writing style similar to Donald Miller, Bob Goff, or Max Lucado, Losing Control will also resonate with readers who love Jen Hatmaker, Shauna Niequist, and Ann Voskamp (for starters!), connecting on the same level of relevancy, vulnerability, and authenticity.

From the Inside Flap

LOSING CONTROL WILL:

• Expose the lies that have been controlling us, making us think that life is up to us to orchestrate and manipulate.
• Explore ways to untangle ourselves from other people, yet still engage and serve them in healthy ways.
• Uncover a solid identity that isn't rooted in performance or what people think about us.
• Dive into a life of faith that isn't about controlling God to get what I want, but that is rooted in unfathomable, unconditional love.
• Become equipped to move courageously into the world, marked by love and compassion, finding creative and excellent ways to build the Kingdom.

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798628447239
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 218