So Long, Normal: Living and Loving the Free Fall of Faith

by Laura Story

Overview

In the shifting (or even collapsing) of everything familiar in life, you don’t have to wring your hands in fear. Push past the loss of your “normal” with bestselling author and Bible teacher Laura Story, and step into the new story God is writing for you.

You've been faced with circumstances beyond your control. Your plans are altered. But you have the blessing of a Father who loves you enough to take off the training wheels and place his beloved child in the best possible scenario for your good and growth. So Long, Normal guides you to leave behind the idols of comfort, caution, and routine so you can live strong and well, even when life takes an unwelcome turn.

In her confessional, conversational style, worship leader, Bible teacher, and Christian recording artist Laura Story weaves her own personal stories with examples from Scripture of characters whose lives were upended by unexpected (and undesired) change.

So Long, Normal will help you:

• Process the trauma of the loss of your “normal”
• Learn to rest in God’s plan for you instead of trying to control your circumstances
• Find true community and encouragement in your struggle with uncertainty
• Discover three great comforts and three gifts to steady you on your journey
• Face the future with fresh spiritual eyes and find joy in the unwavering strength of Christ

Losing your “normal” is not the end of the world but the beginning of a new adventure. It is possible to grow with grace through tough times, navigating the unknown secure in the knowledge that God is with you—every step of the way.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780785248521
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	07/13/2021
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	484,232
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Laura Story is a wife, mother, songwriter, worship leader, author, artist, and Bible teacher. Her songs—which have won Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, and Dove Awards—include “Blessings” and Chris Tomlin’s “Indescribable.” She is the bestselling author of two books and Bible studies, When God Doesn’t Fix It and I Give Up. Laura has a master of theological studies and a doctorate in worship studies, and has served as a worship leader at Perimeter Church in Atlanta since 2005. Her greatest joy is being a wife to Martin and mother to Josie, Ben, Griffin, and Timothy.

Editorial Reviews

05/17/2021

In this encouraging guide, Story (When God Doesn’t Fix It), a Grammy Award–winning musician and worship leader at Perimeter Church in Atlanta, invites Christian women to say “goodbye to normal and hello to unshakeable faith.” She shares biblical stories, personal experiences, and anecdotes from friends that illustrate the value of letting go of safe expectations and learning to trust God’s plan. For instance, Story writes of how the birth of her daughter coincided with the popularity of her first hit song, “Blessing,” which made her “trust that God would show me how to be a good mom, even away from home.” Story acknowledges her need for routine and how the pandemic threw everything into “strain and upheaval.” To remain steadfast, she emphasizes finding one’s identity in Christ and discusses the challenge of letting go of perceived security, contrasting the responses of bitterness and faith as illustrated in the biblical story of Naomi and Ruth. Story also stresses the need for a freeing view of one’s personal mission: “The beauty of anything God calls us to is that it was never intended to be burdensome.” She draws from scriptural examples of Gideon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the disciples who initially expressed reluctance about God’s mission for them to illustrate that “when we step into our divine roles within the story of redemption, God will do something remarkable in and through us.” Story’s uplifting challenge will resonate with Christians who enjoy the work of Lysa TerKeurst. (July)

Publishers Weekly

'Change, upheaval, and tough transitions. They're God's favorite way of shaking you up and out of what's 'normal.' Yes, it's hard, but it's necessary if we are to grow in grace. My friend Laura Story speaks to this beautifully and powerfully in her wonderful new book, So Long, Normal, and I give her work a double thumbs-up! Read it and you'll understand why saying goodbye to 'normal' is your passport to a faith- filled life of surprise and adventure.' —Joni Eareckson Tada Joni and Friends International Disability Center

'Laura has been a friend of mine for quite a while. This is a beautiful story of love and hope and Jesus. As you read these pages you are going to laugh, you are going to cry, and best of all, you are going to think.' —Bob Goff Author and speaker; Sweet Maria's husband, dad of several kids, and grandpa of a couple more

'Laura is a voice I trust, so much so that I invite her to join me every chance I can at Fresh Grounded Faith. And this book is another affir- mation of why I love her! It's a guidebook for navigating the unknown written by one who has traveled that land herself. So if you're struggling to feel secure in an uncertain world, Laura's wise and gentle voice is for you.' —Jennifer Rothschild Author and founder, Fresh Grounded Faith Events

'With a lightness of touch akin to her piano playing, Laura Story helps us to stay steady in a world turned upside down.' —Alistair Begg Senior pastor Parkland Church, Cleveland, Ohio

From the Publisher