The book landed in my mailbox a few days ago, and to be honest, I eagerly began to read it. Each page was a balm to my soul, the words sinking in and feeding me in ways food could not.
Bringing Home More Than Groceries by Kristin Hill Taylor is a book about hospitality that extends hospitality on every page and through each story.
Here you will go through the seasons with the author and her friends and discover there is more to hospitality than just the food we eat.
When in the middle of this past winter, we found ourselves under stay-at-home orders, it was difficult to be separated from our loved ones. As spring arrived, I eagerly embraced ways we could get together on our patio and safely visit and enjoy each other.
The spring and summer brought days of meals together – it could be a breakfast, a lunch, or a dinner. It brought days of climbing trees, ropes, frisbee, slip and slides, and firepits by which to make smores. We taught the game of Yatzee to our granddaughters by the light of the fire until we could no longer see. And all our souls healed from the long days of separation.
With the arrival of cooler fallish temps also has also come the realization that summer would be coming to a close. And that was the day the book arrived. It was here I found words to challenge me to continue to find ways to reach out and extend myself and stay connected.
“Hospitality makes others feel at home when it happens in the midst of real life. This is where I want to live out my faith.” (from page 110, Kristin Hill Taylor)
“There are no limitations for love and it is during this time that I’m reminded of how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is for each of us. He will meet us where we are and show us His hospitable love through the connections we have with our people. Let this time of distance draw us closer to people we love.” (from page 92, Christen Price)
The book is filled with rich and moving stories of hospitality and community as told by Kristin and her friends. You’ll go with them to the grocery store, to their homes, into their families and their communities. They share vulnerably and each story will fill your heart and deeply nourish your soul.
You can connect with Kristin Hill Taylor on her Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (just click through as the links have been provided). She’s a former newspaper reporter who still enjoys telling stories.
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Today I am joining … Heart Encouragement and Let’s Have Coffee and Booknificent Thursday .
Hospitality is one of my soap boxes, too, Joanne. So glad Kristin is sharing her heart in this crucial ministry!
Hi, Michele! I miss connecting in the blogging world. xo
You would enjoy her book then!
I love Kristin. Her and her husband’s lives are a reflection of pure hospitality.
You’re the best! xo
Yes, indeed!
Yes very much a theme at the moment – reaching out to offer friendship. We may have to be more inventive in hospitality, but it is such an important gift!
I so agree, Sharon. These days are nudging us to be more creative in reaching out.
Joanne, thank you for this review. I’m so grateful for your support & encouragement. I’m glad my friends and I could encourage you through these stories. xo
I truly enjoyed the book; each story was an encouragement. I know God is going to use this book to spark a wave of hospitality in His people.
So exciting to see this new book from Kristin! I know it has to be a good one if it’s from her. I could definitely need some encouragement in this area so it would be an appropriate read for me in this season.
It’s a wonderful read for us all. You will enjoy it, Lisa.
Like Michele above, hospitality is one of my soapbox issues. I think reaching out to others via the table is simply one of the most effective ways to share the love of Jesus with our world. Hospitality books are my most-read non-fiction books. I am definitely going to be getting this one. Thanks for highlighting it!!