One thing I hear over and over when grappling with how to live out justice in my everyday motions is to start small. Find what I can get behind and do that. For some, they have the energy and passion to call their representatives every day or to attend town hall meetings. For others, writing postcards or op ed articles is the best use of their time and resources. Some find inspiration through book clubs or small groups. But still, doing justice every day can be overwhelming.
In the midst of writing about doing justice in my daily life, I received a copy of A Pocketful of Seeds by Debbie Johnson. She understands the challenge of staring at the thousands of avenues of spreading hope so she breaks down Bible verses, encouragement, and practical ideas into daily “seeds.” The idea is that when we start with a small seed, life grows.
With a background in social work, Johnson knows first-hand best practices for helping those in our neighborhoods, as well as across the world. Because of her experience, the advice and suggestions given come from a place of expertise.
What I appreciate about A Pocketful of Seeds is that each day is truly a small nugget. They’re an easy couple paragraphs to incorporate into my routines – whether first thing in the morning or during those first few minutes of nap time. Johnson also gives incredibly practical suggestions for how to begin, from ideas for how to help local food pantries to what joyful giving looks like for you and your family.
If you’re looking for a practical way to explore what doing justice can be for you, I’d recommend this daily devotional.
How do you incorporate justice into your daily life? What are some small seeds that have worked for you?
GIVEAWAY! I am giving away a copy of A Pocketful of Seeds. Leave a comment about how you are pursuing justice and I’ll randomly select a winner on Friday, November 10, 2017. (United States addresses only.)
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Annie Rim 
Seeking justice is becoming more of a passion of mine as I’m becoming more aware! I’m looking for ways to serve more. Looking for avenues to stand up for others and not being afraid to have those difficult conversations. A seed from that: God is in every situation, good and bad, making it work out for our good and His will! His word does not return void!
Yes! Remembering that God is good and promises justice and redemption…. Isn’t it funny how, the more we learn, the more we can’t keep life at the status quo?
You won my copy! Email me your address and I’ll send it to you this week. anniehrim@gmail.com
A Pocket Full of Seeds – I love the title. I can tell you my pocket has run over from seeds planted by others over several years and decades. Last month you dropped many and I have them in my back pocket waiting to sprout. This is an idea that has been on my mind a long while, waiting patiently for the moment the seed breaks its shell and reaches for the sun and blooms. The small ways I have planted seeds in my community is through the Green Bag Project that collects food for the local food bank. This season I am organizing the Angel Tree Ministry in our church to help show some love and put a smile on a few kids in our area. Through Southeast Florida Emmaus as our church organizer and volunteer I hope to help build more Church Leaders and Volunteers. And the easiest it to simply smile and say hello to my neighbors keeping my heart and ears open to them.
Be well – and BTW I purchased “In Joyful Hope” – Thank you for the feedback!
Oh, I can’t wait to hear your experience with “In Joyful Hope.” I’ve been reading it each year since college. 🙂
You are spreading seeds everywhere! Love that you are helping others become leaders, too. That is so empowering!
This reminds me of that children’s book about the woman who walked each day tossing seeds and planted the fields of flowers… tulips? What was the name of that book?
Miss Rumphius! Good text connection! 😉 Love you!