Book Review of Biblical Minimalism and Give Away

What does minimizing look like?  To the empty nester it may mean downsizing real estate.  To the co-dependent, it may mean pitching some toxic friendships they tend to collect.  I thought I had a handle on Biblical minimalism, but I wasn’t even close.  Biblical minimalism is much more than cleaning out a drawer and discarding unwanted things into a box to take to the thrift store.

In her book, Biblical Minimalism, Cheryl E. Smith defines Biblical minimalism as “a complete, whole person release of anything unlike Jesus, a letting go of everything that hinders us from following Him wholeheartedly and single-mindedly, and a relinquishing of all that brings us under bondage to this earthly, very temporary life.”

The author gives us a visual of a whole pie that is divided into eight slices.  Each slice describes our lives with areas to analyze to see if pruning or adjustment is needed.  I won’t name them all, but one example is the “emotional slice.”   We’re asked:  “Is there negative thinking that drags you down?  Is there a need to purge some emotional baggage and release some things?”

Another slice of the Biblical minimalism pie, “management of time,” speaks into the preciousness of each day—how to be good stewards of the hours given to us and make better use of allotted time.

Every slice of pie, or topic, references Bible Scripture which gently nudges the heart.  I would finish a chapter and ponder the message letting Jesus speak to me personally for ways I can draw closer to Him with intentional focus.  I remember considering my physical possessions while reading the “physical” pie slice.  I felt convicted to let go of several things I accumulated.  I determined to discard only my personal stuff thinking my husband would never go for cutting back.  One day, he asked me about this very book in my hand, but I shared only a few thoughts.  Imagine my shocked face when he admitted he hoards too many things.  Then he began to organize and toss while I continued reading it in my corner.  There is an anointing on this book, for sure.  I think I will leave it on my coffee table forever!

Author Cheryl Smith shares her journey with Biblical minimalism in deep personal ways.  I appreciated her heartfelt words which described the tug on her emotions once she made the decision to part ways with treasured homeschooling lessons.  Her kind husband had to haul all the binders from the trash bin and lug them back into their home until she truly felt ready to dispose of them in obedience to the Scriptures the Lord placed on her heart.  She says, “It’s a process.”

I highly recommend this book.  It is one woman’s story of her family’s decision to exit chaotic living and enter a faith-filled lifestyle of simplicity.   The message is life changing.

I have one free copy to give away.  If you are interested in this drawing, please leave a comment below and mention your interest in reading Biblical Minimalism, by Cheryl E. Smith. I will draw the winning name in seven days, Wednesday, July 15 at 6:00 p.m.

If you want to purchase the book, click HERE. 

"Cheryl Smith is the author of the book “Biblical Minimalism,” the story of her family’s journey from a life of abundance to a more abundant life. She is the author of the blogs Biblical Minimalism, where she writes about minimalism from a Biblical perspective, and Homespun Devotions, where she writes devotionals and conducts “Inner Views.” She loves to spend time with her husband and son in the mountains, sing and play Bluegrass music, and write."