Do you enjoy reading? When you pick up a book to read, do you finish it or are you like me and have many books started with the intention of finishing?

On this thankful Thursday, I share with you the four books I chose to finish reading as part of my 54 Before 54.

In February, I chose to finish Grit, by Angela Duckworth. You can find my previous post here, Are You Ready? I learned about growth mindset (being open minded) vs fixed mindset, following your passions and believing in yourself. The book is filled with stories of people of all walks of life who persevered by pushing through obstacles either by self motivation or having someone believe in them and giving them hope.

In April, I finished Catherine of Siena by Sigrid Undset. This was not an easy read. It was packed with details of her life and countless accounts of her devotion to God. She was smart and courageous with an intense passion, overcoming all obstacles while keeping her focus on serving God through serving others. What an example of living out your faith! I finished this incredible book on her feast day, April 29th. When I chose April for this book, I was unaware of her feast day 😇🙏🏼

The month of May was chosen to finish Final Exam, by Pauline W. Chen. I was immediately struck by how committed she was to her medical training and she took advantage of learning from EVERY situation presented before her. This gave her wisdom and insight of empathy while dealing with her patients and their families. In the midst of her medical practice of surgeon and liver specialist, she enrolled in writing classes!!! And wife and mother!!! She is constantly seeking ways to better herself to be of service to others.

This brings me to my fourth book I chose to finish in June, Something Other Than God, by Jennifer Fulwiler. She takes us on her journey from atheism to Catholicism. As she states in her book, it was after the birth of her first child that she had an openness and willingness to learn if there really was a God. She questioned everything, and kept on researching and seeking answers through prayer, walking alongside God every step of the way. The faith that her and her husband stepped out on during this journey is one to be greatly admired. Spoiler alert: her answer was crystal clear, which led her to the Catholic faith.

Jennifer is a talented writer and has a great sense of humor. I had the honor and privilege of meeting her in February of this year at the Abide Catholic Women’s Conference. I was so nervous & excited to meet her and she was so welcoming and gracious. She represents the Catholic faith well ❤️

What I’ve learned after finishing these books is that these incredible women share a common denominator: passion.

Strong women who didn’t allow obstacles to get in their way, but allowed the obstacles as growth opportunities. Four women with a gift of serving others.

Imagine with all your mind ~ Believe with all your heart ~ Achieve with all your might

Life With Lisa