BOOK REVIEW: Change your world one small act of compassion at a time. Can ordinary people make a lasting impact on the world around them? Matthew Barnett’s answer is an emphatic Yes! In One Small Step, the founder of the Dream Center shows that it is not as daunting as you think. It all starts with a heart open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and a willingness to do as He asks. These small steps—most often very simple acts that can be done by anyone, anytime—require only our obedience and follow-through.With inspiring stories and scriptural insight, bestselling author Matthew Barnett calls you to set aside your fears and boldly embrace the life-changing adventure of becoming the hands and feet of Jesus to the broken people right outside your front door.
You will soon discover that “random acts of kindness” are not so random after all.
MY REVIEW: Matthew Barnett pastors the Dream Center in Los Angeles, CA; a place of refuge and second chances for anyone who comes to their door. They help thousands of people each week. In the introduction he writes: “Do I have all the answers? No! Not even close. This book is not about solutions; in fact, it is about something greater. It is about doing good and having no clue how to make sense of it. It is about the Holy Spirit, the encounters we face daily and the willingness to break free from a me-centered world to embrace the messy life of someone who is willing to step out. It is about taking risks for people who most others would say deserve their fate, dreaming for people who have lost their dreams and refusing to give in to reasons that hold back compassion.”
I got so much good insight from this book—I could fill this whole review with quotes from it. I consider the book to be as much about change in yourself as in doing good for others. Thirteen chapters—Thirteen ‘steps’, each with a page at the end to record ways you can follow God's nudges.
Follow the Nudge. We are often nudged to do a small deed of kindness, etc, that is out of our comfort zone, habit, or schedule. Get into the habit of acting on them—don’t let fear keep you back. Even if it seems unimportant. The smallest things can make a huge difference.
A Life-Changing Step. Being willing to take a step that requires giving up all that we have and are, and leaves us vulnerable and relying completely on God.
The Steps You Think You Cannot Take. Take the big step that looks unattainable. Rejoice in each small win. Rely on God to give you the strength for each step of the way.
Make Everything A Big Deal. Every step forward is a win—celebrate it, in yourself as well as others. Never underestimate the power of encouragement, for it can turn a person’s resolve around.
The Small Steps That Change Lives. Those who are falling, or have already fallen, do not need judgment, but love. Rather than holding what they have done against them, give them a reason to rise again.
Step On Toes. Be willing to call out talent or potential in those who can’t see it for themselves. Graciously accept others calling you out when you don’t realize your own potential.
Step Out Of Yourself. Lose the selfish focus and look to serve others.
When You Feel You Cannot Move. Sometimes we come to the end of our capacity to move forward and God calls us to rest. We may need to gain strength for the way ahead. It’s not failure, it’s maintenance.
One Small Thought. Don’t dismiss that thought that seems out of the box or impossible—yours and other’s. Try it out, see where it goes. Just because it hasn’t been done doesn’t mean it can’t be.
The Attitude of A Servant. Be so full of serving others that you have no time to wallow in self.
The Risk-Taking Step. Be willing to step out before you have all the answers. Be brave despite your fear.
Step To The Future. It’s not too late. You’re not too far gone. You can still turn your life around and live in hope for the future.
Leave A Local Legacy. You don’t have to be a celebrity to leave a legacy. Be the one who is remembered for always being there, always loving, always giving.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a good read, but also an easy one. It didn’t bog down, overwhelm, or stall out. Matthew wrote in a very honest and down to earth way that revealed his own humanness which only strengthens the book.
I received a copy of this book from CHOSEN and was not required to write a positive review.
