The honesty of the book captivated me. Hodde writes frankly about her struggles in trying to live her life without always having to be in the spotlight. She shows how the self-focused life actually makes us miserable, weakens relationships and prevents us from seeing how we might touch lives with the love of Jesus. When we are "free of me," we are really free to turn our attentions to those around us and, in doing so, we reap a joyful attitude and a more satisfied and fulfilled life.
My only quibble with the book is with the "interlude" that follows the first nine chapters. Miller talks about a piano her family owned and how, over time, that piano fell out of tune. She then goes on to write about how easy it is for the human soul to fall out of tune when when is always focused on self. Her solution is to utilize resources for developing spiritual disciplines which can move a person's gaze from inward to an outward look toward God.
Because of our sinful nature, inherited from our first parents - Adam and Eve - we will never be fully in tune in this life. But when we come to God, in repentance and faith, confess our sin of self-focus and seek His forgiveness, God's Word of absolution tunes up back up, so to speak, and frees us love God and to love our neighbor.
Still, I was blessed to read this book. If you desire to take a critical look at how our selfish ways keep us from living the new life in Christ, then get yourself a copy of "Free of Me." It would be a worthwhile investment.
