Robin Dance - For All Who Wander: Why Knowing God Is Better than Knowing It All

Copyright 2020 by DaySpring Cards, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

978-1-4336-4308-8

Published by B&H Publishing Group

Nashville, Tennessee

Dewey Decimal Classification: 248.84

Subject Heading: BELIEF AND DOUBT / FAITH / CHRISTIAN LIFE

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible and CSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

Also used: English Standard Version ( esv ), Text Edition: 2016. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

Also used: New International Version ( niv ), copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Also used: New American Standard Bible ( nasb ), copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Cover design by Faceout Studio; Lindy Martin. Cover images: CACTUS Creative Studio/stocksy; jumpingsack/shutterstock; ilolab/shutterstock; Art Stocker/shutterstock; arigato/shutterstock. Author photo Jennifer Faris.

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To Lora,

My first best friend, my biggest cheerleader, and the big sister God knew I would need in this life,

and

To my father-in-love, Tommy, for faithfully showing me what it looks like to live out Matthew 6:33.

Acknowledgments

A lovely surprise I discovered about writing a book is it honest-to-goodness takes a village. I had some misguided notion it was all about the author and her longhand or laptop, but Ive learned many, many people contribute to what readers ultimately hold in their hands. They are the unheralded secret sauce for authors, and without them, were doomed. So, it is with great affection and in all sincerity, I offer my deepest gratitude:

To Steven Pressfield. I am certain it was God Himself who placed your book in my hands precisely when I needed itjust before I was given opportunity to write my book. The War of Art was at first a crutch, and then a kick in the behind every time I needed one.

To Jen, who first introduced me to blogging by sharing her own beautiful words.

To longtime PENSIEVE readers, to those whove followed my words when I transitioned my blog, and to brand-new friends, thank you for ever reading my words and offering your encouragement. I do not take it for granted, and Im honored and humbled that you would give me a second of your time.

To Stephanie Bryant and Holley Gerth. Who wouldve imagined that my tentative yes to write for some new website you were founding could one day lead to this? Youve quietly continued to inspire and encourage me, and one day I might just have to blawg you .

To DaySpring, LifeWay, and B&H Publishing. Saul Robles and Janie McReynolds, there was no way you could have known how incredible the timing of your invitation was to write this book; even a year earlier would have been too soon. Saul, thank you for your steadfast support and leadership for all these years and for believing in me now. Janie, Im so glad you were the one tasked with bringing me on board. Your early enthusiasm set a beautiful stage. Devin Maddox, your ability to hear my heart as a writer astounded me, and Im grateful beyond words for the freedom you extended to mea relatively unknown first-time authorto write a memoir. It is a gift I do not take for granted.

To Mary Carver. Weve been in it for the long haul, havent we? Your insight and work on the prescriptive pieces for the Journey Guide are invaluable. Plus, you always seemed to have just the right words I needed to hear when I was all wobbly.

To Joy Groblebe. God must be especially fond of me to have allowed me the privilege of working with and learning from you. Youre an absolute rock star for knowing when I needed you to crack a whip or hold my hand. This book is better because of you.

To Ashley Gorman. Working with you has been an absolute delight, and I cannot imagine my words in any more capable hands than yours. Truly, I am spoiled going forward because you do your job so well. Thank you for how you thoroughly answered every question, for giving shape and direction to my story for reader benefit, and for tenderly offering me grace when I needed it. I am your biggest fan.

To Mary Wiley and Jenaye White, a dynamic duo if ever there was one! Theres so much you bring to the book marketing and PR table, wisdom and insight beyond your years. Your enthusiasm, encouragement, confidence, and kindness made you perfect coaches for me, and Im beyond grateful for your support and hard work.

To my co-(in)courage contributors. For ten years you have inspired me by pointing me to Jesus through your beautiful words and stories. You have influenced me in the best of ways, and Im thankful our lives are intertwined now and forever.

To our (in)courage reading community. You are incredible women of courage and grace, and you have blessed me in ways large and small. Our first ten years together have been special, havent they? How bout ten more?

To my prayer team. That you said yes when I asked for help, consistently prayed for me during the second half of my book, were willing to pray daily at a specific time, and emailed encouragement when I needed it most, I am humbled but thankful. I felt your prayers.

To hope*writers Authors Connect. Oh my... the timing of our little circle came at just the right time. Thank you for your wise counsel, enthusiastic encouragement, insight and observations, and friendship.

To Tsh Oxenreider. Our late-night retreat talks were some of my favorites, and Im grateful our online lives crossed into real life. Thank you, too, for seeing me at a time I needed to be seen, and for the honor of writing for Simple Mom and then The Art of Simple.

To Patsy Clairmont and Liz Higgs. On more than one occasion you have extended a rare sort of generosity toward me that has meant more than you can possibly know. You have given without any expectation of receiving in return, teaching me much in the process. I admire and appreciate you both on a thousand different levels.

To Grace Writers. Kris and Elizabeth, our little circle of three may be small but its mighty. Then, again, didnt a wise man once say, A cord of three strands is not easily broken? Thank you for listening well, praying hard, and offering your hearts in friendship.

To Shelly Wildman and Richella Parham. The Class of 63 is special, isnt she? I am indebted to you for your wisdom, encouragement, and honest counsel. You arent just two of the best writers I know, youre two of the best humans . Your friendship is a dear and precious thing.

To my Best Girls. Bonnie, Diane, Mary, and Susan... who knew Voxer could cement a friendship? The four of you have been beautiful Gap Standers in my life, women who dared to pray boldly when I put limits on God. Your encouragement has been fuel to my faith and spurred confidence in writing this book. I love you and thank God for you.

To my First Pres and CBS sisters. I have found the most beautiful sense of community among you. What a joy to see so many women seeking truth through the study of Gods Word, and then pouring out what you have learned so we all can know God better. Ive felt like a broken record asking you to pray for me as I wrote this book, and yet you always prayed. You are difference makers. Saynor, Gina, and Joan, your leadership is a blessing.

To Macon-Bibb Word Weavers. How much do I love your influence showing up in the pages of this book? Your gentle critiques strengthened my writing. And, Jeannie and Dena, that day your encouragement was just what I needed to keep going.