Stories to fight the (spiritual) summer slide

Educators are always working to fight the “summer slide” for kids. That is, to keep kids from regressing in their academic progress during the summer months. Whether or not I agree with this (I think summer is the best time for learning!), a commitment to reading is the widely accepted as the best way to prevent this so-called summer slide.

But I think the summer slide happens spiritually as well, for adults. I feel it. I get hot and tired and lethargic and I don’t have much routine, the strenuous schedule of speaking and teaching (that usually keeps me on my toes!) is paused, and the next thing I know I really want a spiritual vacation.

For me biographies and memoirs and true stories are especially helpful during summer months, when we are prone to this spiritual slide. I find a great story has a particular power to lure me out of my self-focused stupor and give me hope, perspective, fresh faith, and a renewed passion for life, for people, for the Lord. I’m neck-deep in The Heavenly Man right now and it’s incredible! Every short chapter is a shot for my spirit. Here are a few of my favorites, and I’d love if you’d share yours too! The most impacting books I’ve ever read have all been recommendations from others. 

I also love how biographies open our eyes to what God has done and is doing around the world. International travel is great, but international biographies are definitely the next best (cheaper!) thing.

The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun with Paul Hattaway (China)

Rees Howells, Intercessor by Norman Grubb (Europe)

The Purple Pig by Dick Eastman (USA and Russia)

No Compromise by Melanie Green (USA)

Running for My Life by Lopez Lamong (Africa)

Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Howard and Geraldine Taylor (China)

The Hiding Place  by Corrie ten Boom (Nazi Germany)

{What are your favorite stories? Please share! Thanks for reading.}