One (1) of the Ways to Overcome These Three (3) Problems #LeadersAreReaders April 2023

In my observations and conversations with young people (even older ones too) nowadays, I see these three areas of problem: comprehension ability, communication skills, and lack of depth. There are also admirable things that I see, but I want to focus on these three to challenge you to read books. I believe reading good books can overcome these problems. Why?

1) Reading Can Strengthen Your Brain. Reading gets your mind working across different areas. For starters, it involves comprehension to process the words you read (this is especially helpful when you read the Scripture because comprehension precedes understanding!). Beyond that, you can use your analytical abilities, stimulate memories, and even broaden your imagination by reading words off a page. Reading is a neurobiological process that works out your brain muscles. As you do so, you can help slow down cognitive decline. Paul was talking about the lack of spiritual comprehension in 1 Corinthians 3:2, but I think it can also be applied to mental comprehension: "I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger." Read!

2) Reading Boosts Communication Skills. Both reading and writing work to improve one’s communication skills. That’s why if you’re looking to become a better writer, a better thinker, and a better communicator, many of the suggestions that you come across will include reading more. Reading can open your eyes, literally and figuratively, to new words, insights, and ideas. I have a friend during Bible study who I sense has something worth saying but can't express it well because he is struggling to find words, phrases, and examples to communicate his points. If only he had the habit of reading books.

3) Reading to Become a Person of Depth. When you read a lot, you undoubtedly learn a lot. The more you read—good books—the more you can make it to the level of being considered a "well-read" or "deep person" (although to be a person of depth requires more than just knowledge). Having a diverse set of knowledge and borrowed experience will make you a more engaging conversationalist and can empower you to speak to more people from different backgrounds and experiences because you can connect based on shared information. Some people may argue that "ignorance is bliss," but the truth is that "knowledge is power" when it is rightly used. As Christ's follower, reading the Bible is indispensable for a deeper life: "For the LORD grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6).

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #ComprehensionAbility #CommunicationSkills #BeAPersonOfDepth #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.

Night (1958, 2006) by Elie Wiesel, Book Review

Have you read Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning (1946) or Anne Frank's The Diary of a Young Girl (1947)? If you have, then Night will be a good read too. It's a good read because it shows the level of human depravity and the sacredness of life. When Elie was a teenager, he and his family were taken from their home to one of the most horrible places in the memories of Jewish history, the Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp. The Holocaust. Nazi Genocide. Mass murder. Infants are being tossed into the furnace. "It is obvious that the war which Hitler and his accomplices waged was not only against Jewish men, women, and children," writes Elie, "but also against Jewish religion, Jewish culture, Jewish tradition, and therefore Jewish memory."

Night is both a fascinating read into the human psychology and theology of suffering but also a horrifying read (especially if you can somewhat imagine what you read) into the face of evil and devilish ideological systems. "Never shall I forget that night, the first night in camp, that turned my life into one long night seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. Never shall I forget the small faces of the children whose bodies I saw transformed into smoke under a silent sky. Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith forever. Never shall I forget the nocturnal silence that deprived me for all eternity of the desire to live. Never shall I forget those moments that murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to ashes. Never shall I forget those things, even were I condemned to live as long as God Himself. Never." But then again, it is a story—or a memoir—of hope and faith too. Read it!

#ServeToLead #LeadersAreReaders #TheHolocaust #HolocaustSurvivor #ElieWiesel #Suffering #LetsMakeReadingCoolAgain

Perhaps you're interested to read my short summary review of Victor Frankl's Man’s Search for Meaning, CLICK HERE

To read my other book reviews/summaries, CLICK HERE

THINK BIG. START SMALL. GO DEEP.