About book Compelled By Love: How To Change The World Through The Simple Power Of Love In Action (2008)
Mama Aida (Heidi's Mozambiqan name) writes about God's heart for the poor in spirit (poor not from an economic stance, but rather, poor in one's "posture of the heart.. where one is wholly given fully yielded completely desperate and totally dependent on God alone"). She divides stories from her time in Mozambique according to the eight Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12. She also quotes Mother Teresa throughout her book.She writes very simply (not a hard read at all), but still manages to profoundly challenge you to let God love you and to in turn, love others for Him. She calls us to love others not just with our words, but with our actions and in truth.She also brings up interesting distinctions between the Church in the West and those in third world countries - how we in the West are so self-sufficient and well-off that we are just not as desperate for God, and would settle for crumbs underneath the table rather than the full feast He has laid out for us. However, I really like how she highlights pain as the common denominator between the financially rich and poor, but how the currency of love may differ slightly (e.g., "the currency of love in the West is not always money, but it is always time and compassion").As I read on, I was so humbled by her humility, and the depth of her love for God and everyone around her. I was reminded again of how God's Kingdom is so different from the way this world works. "To love in the midst of pain, to forgive in the midst of evil, to comfort in the midst of agony, to bring peace in a time of war is the heart of God."I only wish the book was longer. Would definitely recommend reading this book! :)Here are some quotes I loved from her book:"Some of you think Ministry is a grand adventure. Ministry, however, is simply loving the person in front of you, like Jesus would.""The first part of your calling is intimacy with Him. If you are not in love with Jesus, I loudly cry, "Quit!" until you find His love so that you can carry it to others. Don't go out to share Him unless you are in love with Him. When you are in love with Jesus, then all you do will radiate Him. It is to the degree that you are in love that you radiate Him. If you are not in love enough, then you need more time with Him. My life is busy. But the busier I get, the more time I need with Jesus. When I minister, I must minister out of the fullness of my unity with Him. Our first pleasure is to be united with Jesus - to be one with Him.""God has called us to this simplicity of love. I do not feel called to what many call greatness or success. That's why I love the Beatitudes so much. My only call is to love more." Mother Teresa wrote, "The world today is hungry not only for bread but hungry for love; hungry to be wanted, to be loved. They're hungry to feel that presence of Christ." This is one of those books that is hard to put down. It's hard to put down because one senses that its words embody "that presence of Christ." Not only does Heidi's life illustrate Jesus' beatitudes incredibly well but it reminds us that love gives birth to miracles. Small things done with great love will change the world.
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This book is amazing. Heidi Baker is my hero.
—Laura
