Books I love

Holier than Thou

by Jackie Hill Perry

This book is like a dear friend. It holds a sentimental value for me that not many books do, and honestly, it all has to do with timing. 

For whatever reason, this was the book that was in my hands as I sat in hospice next to a loved one several years ago. I simultaneously found myself thrust into other people’s emotions and difficulties at a level I wasn’t sure I could survive. It felt like being forced to drink water from a fire hydrant. 

During all of this, the message I needed to hear more than anything was how God was in control of the mess I was wading through. I needed a lifeline. I needed to know that even though I felt very alone, I wasn’t actually alone at all. When I felt like I didn’t know who to trust, I needed to know I could trust God. Thankfully, that is precisely the message this book sets out to give. 

I’ve been a fan of Jackie Hill Perry for years now. One thing I deeply appreciate about her style is her unique way of speaking a truth I’ve heard before but never truly understood. The truth radiating throughout this entire book is this; God is holy.  

Well, of course He is. I’ve been singing and reading about God’s holiness since I was a child. But, I realized I’d never thought much about the implications of God being holy. What does it mean, on a practical level, that my God is holy towards me? What does the word holiness even mean? How does this meaning impact me each and every day? 

I can’t recommend this book enough. Everyone should read it. Knowing that God is holy, set apart, unlike me, and completely trustworthy literally saved me from falling apart during one of the most challenging times of my life. I encourage you, especially if you’re going through a hard time, to pick up this book and let it draw you to a level of trust in God that you may not have even realized was possible.