Endorsements
[This is] a book about much more than social media fasting. If you feel you have lost your way in a noisy world, this book will help you. If you feel overcome by your attachment to the numb of the scroll, in these pages you will find hope.
God has a plan to meet with youa fresh revelation He wants to speak into your soul. Of that, I am sure. While this fast might at first feel like a tremendous sacrifice on your part, its really a huge gift from Him.
From the foreword by Lisa Whittle , bestselling author, speaker, podcast host, and ministry coach
Its almost impossible to be still and hear the voice of God with the relentless hum of technology in the background. I love that this book invites usin fact, gives us permissionto tune out social media and turn toward the Savior instead for forty days. As you set aside this sacred time, get ready to hear from God and replenish your soul. You wont lose much by ignoring social media posts, but you have much to gain when you seek God!
Arlene Pellicane , speaker, podcaster, and author of Screen Kids and Calm, Cool, and Connected
Our thoughts determine our beliefs, our beliefs determine our attitudes, and our attitudes determine our behaviors, so what we spend time thinking about impacts both how we feel and ultimately how we behave. A decade ago precious little time was spent on the internet; whereas today, social media profiles are growing exponentially and online surfing comprises more of our day than spending time gathered around the table for family meals. The 40 - Day Social Media Fast is a challenge to all of us to turn from what our behavior proves is our first love (all things online) to the One who desires to be our first and only love. Wendy Speake helps us to see that in and of itself, social media (or food, or music, etc.) is not inherently bad, but when we turn to it to cope rather than to the God with all wisdom, we trade that which will last for eternity for the momentary gratification of a like, a ping, a calorie, or a tune. If youve found yourself growing disenchanted with life, Id recommend you read The 40 - Day Social Media Fast , and intentionally and purposefully reengage with the One who died to have a relationship with you.
Dr. Michelle Bengtson , board certified clinical neuropsychologist, national and international media resource for mental health and wellness, and award-winning author of Hope Prevails, the Hope Prevails Bible Study, and Breaking Anxiety s Grip
Its hard for me to overstate how badly we need this book and how badly our families need this book. I long to go to Jesus more than my phone. I long for my children, one day, to go to Jesus more than their phones. We need help to keep technology in its rightful place, and this book is precisely the kind of help we need. Wendy is gracious and humble, and she speaks with authority and kindness. Ive always wanted to take a social media break but couldnt get up enough nerve to do it alone. Thanks to this book, Im not alone. Thank you, Wendy, for blazing the trail as we set the phones down and look to the One who gives true life.
Jessica Smartt , author of Memory- Making Mom
If you are done being distracted and sucked dry by a scrolling device that doesnt really satisfy, you need The 40 - Day Social Media Fast . Wendy helps us discover the joy of real-life devotion to the Lord, our family, our coworkers, and the amazing world around us that we so often miss because were a generation that lives with eyes glued to our phones instead of eyes up to God and the people Hes gifted us. Theres a better way. Get ready for change!
Becky Keife , author of No Better Mom for the Job
Over ten years ago I never would have left home without my keys and purse. Today I make sure that more than anything, I never leave home without my phone. Its the first thing I check when I wake up, the last thing I look at before I go to sleep, and the one thing I glance at more times throughout the day than anything else. Although my smartphone has smart features that help me throughout my day, I find that my brain feels more crowded now than ever before. My neck aches from looking down, my eyes feel the strain of staring at a screen for much of the day, my shoulders are cinched up from the stress of it all, and my spirit... my spirit feels empty and drained. After reading The 40 - Day Social Media Fast , I knew that although I cant completely remove technology and social media from life, I need to take a step away from it all and adjust how I get through each day. This is a wonderful book that reads easily but is abundant in rich content!
Jenn McClure , @thebooknest.boxbus
40-Day Social Media Fast Testimonials
One thing the fast taught me was that I was reaching for my phone instead of reaching out to God. It was so freeing to live my life for the past forty days, instead of reading about everyone elses lives!
Angela D.
These forty days have been fabulous. I realize that I need connection... with people somewhat, but especially with my Creator. Its been the most joyful, laughter-filled, life-giving time I think Ive ever experienced! I will continue to fast from social media and only be present on my business page!
Allison C.
The enemy takes advantage of not only the distraction social media offers but also the comparison it encourages. Thank you for sharing your heart and giving us tools to help us grow closer to the Lord!
Christina S.
During the 40-Day Social Media Fast, my big focus was on increasing my prayer life. Specifically, I felt the Lord calling me to stop and actually pray in the moment with someone when they ask. I dont think its a coincidence that during the fast one of my pastors (who knew nothing of my new goal) asked me to join the prayer team for alter calls! God is obviously at work, growing me and stretching me, which is both scary and exciting.
Susan C.
I enjoyed this social media fast so much! The first four or five days I couldnt believe how many times I clicked on the Facebook button out of habit. As the days went on, I created a new habit . Bible study. Since then, Ive been in the Word daily. Im praying more and feeling much more refreshed.
Kelli K.
Jesus first!
Shawnda R.
Title Page
Copyright Page
2020 by Wendy Speake
Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2020
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-2767-3
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.
Scripture quotations labeled CEV are from the Contemporary English Version 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by permission.
Scripture quotations labeled ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2016
Scripture quotations labeled MSG are from THE MESSAGE, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.