Love Does

Love Does by Bob Goff

I am constantly reading books. And I typically enjoy most of the books that I read. However, sometimes there are ones that really impact you. They move you to do something. This was one of those books. 

I had heard about Bob from Donald Miller’s blog and his books. I have to be honest. Bob seemed larger than life. He seemed like someone who was so amazing that you could tend to get irritated with him. Why? Because you automatically think that you could never be like him. You want to. Deep down, you want to be as generous and giving and whimsical, but you just can’t. There are always a million excuses why you can’t. And Donald Miller is describing him as the person who has had the greatest impact on his life. Ever! Donald Miller. The one who has written amazing books that have impacted people all over the world.  

But then I read this review on Bob’s website:

“For anyone who’s wanted to change the world but thought they needed money, a committee, and permission to get started, Love Does shows what can happen when you decide to do instead of plan, act instead of strategize, and fiercely, invisibly fight for the possibility God has gifted you to uniquely see.”

So I ordered the book. And, I loved it right away. Bob has a way of making you feel like his friend. He has a way of writing in a manner that helps you see that he ISN’T larger than life. He is a normal person. But he chooses to LIVE life. In a secretly incredible, awesome way. Bob starts off by explaining how his office is on Tom Sawyer Island at Disneyland. He talks about how most people never go there when they visit Disneyland. They always think they will get to it next time. Then, I love what he says.

” Tom Sawyer Island is like most people’s lives, I think: they never get around to crossing over to it.”

He goes on to explain, “Living a life fully engaged and full of whimsy and the kind of things that love does is something most people plan to do, but along the way they just kind of forget. Their dreams become one of those “we’ll go there next time” deferrals. The sad thing is, for many there is no “next time” because passing on the chance to cross over is an overall attitude toward life rather than a single decision. They need a change of attitude, not more opportunities.”

Wow. Can anyone else relate to that?? 

This book hit home with me. I have been continually reminded of how we can make a difference right where we are. We don’t have to move to Africa. We don’t have to start a non-profit. We don’t have to have a huge dream. The bigger difference sometimes is made right where you are. With the people who are in your life. Your family, your neighbors, your coworkers, your acquaintances. We can all make a difference. We just have to be willing to do it. Here are some of my favorite lines from the book. There are so many great words of wisdom in here!

“God usually chooses ordinary people like us to get things done.”

“I used to think God guided us by opening and closing doors, but now I know sometimes God wants us to kick some doors down.”

“Actually, the real game of Bigger and Better that Jesus is playing with us usually isn’t about money or possessions or even our hopes. It’s about our pride. He asks if we’ll give up that thing we’re so proud of, that thing we believe causes us to matter in the eyes of the world, and give it up to follow  Him. He’s asking us, “Will you take what you think defines you, leave it behind, and let Me define who you are instead?””

“I used to think religion tasted horrible, but now I know I was just eating the fake stuff.”

“Jesus doesn’t invite us on a business trip. Instead, He says let’s go after those things that inspire and challenge you and let’s experience them together.”

“It seems that what God does most of the time when He has something to say is this…He doesn’t pass us messages, instead He passes us each other.”

“I used to think I needed to record stories, but now I know I just need to engage them.”

This doesn’t even cover half of the passages that I have underlined and gone back to in this book. It is so engaging and powerful. I want to share this book with as many people as possible. So, I am giving away a free copy. Just leave a comment below, or on Facebook. Retweet this on Twitter. I’ll randomly choose a winner by Tuesday.

I am confident you will get something out of this book. If you’d like to learn more before you order the book, or win it here, here are some additional resources. My friend Kristen, or Keeks, is doing a chapter by chapter review of the book on her blog. That’s how good this book is!  And my friend Andy also did a great podcast  review. Stop over there and check them out for additional views on the book.

How do you engage stories?