One Thousand Gifts and More

Most of you have already heard from me by now of the book I finished recently, One Thousand Gifts. It moved me deeply and inspired me greatly. I purchased several copies for loved ones, and I have been trying to spread the word with friends I think would be interested.

I learned about the book in a review in World magazine, and I ordered it after I read several customer reviews on Amazon. It is currently on the New York Times Bestseller list, so it is very popular. Unfortunately, as a result of its popularity, it has gotten some negative press, specifically in the blogosphere.

One Thousand Gifts is the personal testimony of the author, Ann Voskamp. She shares how God transformed her life by teaching her how to be thankful in all things (I Thes. 5:18). She is a homeschooling mother of six who has endured tragedy and hardship. She loves the Lord, and knows His Word. She reads broadly and has the mind of a poet. She thinks deeply and expresses spiritual truths in ways I had never considered.

The criticism of the book is primarily directed at Chapter 11, "The Joy of Intimacy." The first line of the chapter reads: "I fly to Paris and discover how to make love to God." The chapter recounts her visit to Paris, and how God spoke to her during this visit. I have to admit that the idea of making love to God made me uncomfortable, and I didn't quite get it. But I'm not her, and she's not me, and after reading the previous ten chapters, I see her heart, so I don't let it bother me. I am not one to throw out the baby with the bathwater. Besides, the church IS the bride of Christ, you know.

I have seen real change in myself since reading One Thousand Gifts. I started keeping my own list of blessings and being more intentional in thanksgiving. My attitude and outlook have changed—although my circumstances have not. God has been doing a great work in my life in the past year, and He has used this book to take me to the next level in my walk with Him. I am grateful.