Long before Cognitive Behavioral Therapy had a name, the apostle Paul described a way of life that retrains the mind, reshapes emotional patterns, and restores peace—not through sheer willpower, but through repeated practice.

This reflective book list explores how a year of reading shaped one pastor-leader’s thinking across faith, leadership, psychology, trauma, culture, and everyday life. From spiritual formation ideas like The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and Practicing the Way, to leadership insights from Reset and Unreasonable Hospitality, the post offers honest, thoughtful reviews of books that challenged assumptions, deepened compassion, and clarified values.

We don’t argue to understand; we argue to survive. We don’t defend ideas; we defend our sense of meaning. Every issue feels existential, every election apocalyptic, every headline a new tremor under our feet. What’s happening to us isn’t just political or cultural. It’s deeply psychological—and, at its core, spiritual.