Finding Your Bearings
How Words That Guided Jesus through Crisis Can Guide Us
Foreword by Paul W. Chilcote
Imprint: Cascade Books
If you feel you've lost your bearings, you aren't alone!
Global pandemic . . . Economic crisis . . . Racial tensions . . . Political polarization . . . Climate change. The converging crises expose our timeless need for an internal compass to guide us through disruption, disorientation and change. James Harnish invites you into six crucial moments when Jesus found his bearings by recalling words and stories from the Old Testament. By connecting Jesus' story with your own, you can find your bearings as you walk the way Jesus walked in the way that Jesus walked it. It's the way that leads to life!
Questions for Reflection create an opportunity for you to pause, find your place in the story, and determine your next step along the way. These may also be used for journaling or small group discussion.
James A. Harnish retired after 43 years of pastoral ministry in the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. His numerous books and bible studies include A Disciple’s Path, Extraordinary Ministry in Ordinary Time, Easter Earthquake: How Resurrection Shakes our World, and Make A Difference: Following Your Path and Finding Your Place to Serve. He and his wife, Martha, live in Longwood, Florida.
“Keep not only your eyes but your heart open to the glimmers of hope and the signposts of love. They will be surrounding you at virtually every point in the journey as you find your bearings.”
—Paul W. Chilcote, Methodist theologian and award-winning author
“Jim Harnish is one of our wisest and most trusted spiritual guides. He knows the terrain of life and ministry, he reads the present moment with realism and honesty, and he relies upon an array of resources that are sufficient for the journey. As we live through multiple crises and pandemics, a deep tradition provides assurance and hope. Finding Your Bearings is a guide in this faithful journey.”
—Ken Carter, Bishop, Florida Conference, The United Methodist Church
“‘Where are you going?’ ‘What is guiding you?’ Jim Harnish has spent his life beckoning individuals and congregations to respond to these questions. While the current terrain may be fierce with the path more difficult to find, Finding Your Bearings reveals how Jesus, Scripture, and the witness of the faithful can continue to not only guide our way through a rapidly changing landscape but steady us for all that is yet to come.”
—Donna Claycomb Sokol, Pastor, Mount Vernon Place United Church
“Finding Your Bearings showcases Jim Harnish at his best: insightful, creative, and deeply faithful. He is our traveling companion along the uncertainties of our day, showing us how Jesus rooted himself in the wisdom of the Scriptures during times of crisis. This book will help you anchor yourself in these timeless truths and find your way by the grace of God.”
—Magrey R. deVega, Senior Pastor, Hyde Park United Methodist Church