scary close {giveaway}

I just finished reading Donald Miller’s newest book, Scary Close. He takes a very up close and personal look at relationships and intimacy. He’s raw and real about his own life, his own mistakes and learnings that have led him to believe true intimacy is scary. Why? Because it takes a vulnerability to be the true you and let yourself really connect with others. It takes “dropping the act” to be known. That can be scary, but like the tagline on scaryclose.com says, “When you’re good at relationships, you’re good at life.” Relationships are worth it.

I found Scary Close to be an enjoyable read packed with punches that caused me to stop and ponder. There’s some incredible truths with a depth that can easily be missed if you don’t pause and process. There were two main parts of the book that I found challenging as I examine my own life. The first was the chapter on the five kinds of manipulators. Ouch. He was spot on with describing them. It was when he mentioned that we’re guilty of all of them at some point and that we need to work to keep them in check, that I realized I needed to be in tune to my words and actions. Manipulation destroys relationships, and I don’t want to be the cause of destruction at any time.

The other thing that impacted me was when Don talked about his friend, Bob, and how, in the height of Don’s relational difficulties, Bob told him that he was good at relationships. That’s not how Don felt, but Bob was speaking to the potential, and you know what it made Don do? Rise up, and be good at relationships. I want to be someone that speaks to the potential in others.

After reading this book, I feel challenged to let myself be “scary close” to others. True intimacy is a blessing that should never be taken for granted. Even though it’s vulnerable, it’s worth it.

Two thumbs up, Don Miller. Thanks for your vulnerability as you revealed the deep parts of your heart and let us in on your learnings. Go read it, guys. Seriously.

Giveaway

Good news! I have one copy of Scary Close up for giveaway courtesy of Thomas Nelson! Giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only and ends Thursday, July 2nd at 11:59 PM CST. Enter through Rafflecopter below!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit ScaryClose.com to download a free soundtrack! There’s some awesome artists on there!

Disclosure: I received a free copy of Scary Close from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.