Ashley Abercrombie
Have you found it as difficult to engage with others as I have? Has staying true to your convictions while speaking frankly and freely come at a high cost? Do you dread talking to family members and friends because the political divide between you is now unmanageable? Do you struggle to keep your peace, hold your boundaries, and connect meaningfully with others? Are you grieving the loss of your faith community? Have you begun to hate people, communities, and institutions you once loved and respected? Do you feel pummeled by transitions, grief, and the roller coaster of life—goodness, I’m right there with you, for many of these. We’ve gone through some thangs the last few years, and we’re reckoning with all the “isms.” Racism, sexism, classism, cynicism, everyone-in-the-comments-section-is- annoying-ism. In the public space, Christians are not known for our love, or the fruit of the Holy Spirit, or for uniting together to care for the common good. There are plenty of reasons for this. Primarily, our life has shaped us to be who we are. A great amount of the choices we make and the reactions we have to people and circumstances are the result of that shaping. The good news? We can change. We can grow. We can accept our past—the coping mechanisms and learned behaviors—and trust that despite our relational history, we can learn new skills. You can learn how to communicate and better understand the why behind the conflicts and tensions in your life. You can have difficult conversations, weather the unexpected, and begin to enjoy honest, reciprocal relationships. It’s time to rethink the way we relate. If you’re tired of engaging in fruitless arguments or biting your tongue… If you long for greater compassion and understanding with your friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors… If you’re tired of turmoil and want to be an agent of peace, understanding, and reconciliation… If you long for the church to actually be the church… Love is the Resistance is for you. When love becomes our habitual reaction to the conflicts and divisions in our lives we discover the resistance we need to stay true to our convictions without sacrificing our relationships. Grounded in Scripture and illustrated with compelling true stories, this brand new book from Ashley will help you gain the confidence to communicate and connect with others, stop avoiding necessary tension, and resolve your internal and external conflicts. http://ashabercrombie.org