40 Days of Decrease: A Different Kind of Hunger. A Different Kind of Fast.

I don't usually write reviews simply because I don't usually know what to say. However. I have been moved for days to need to write something regarding this outstanding book. I was raised in a somewhat "Christian home", I am a Social Worker of 30 years, a firm believer in the 12 steps as a recovery tool, a firm believer in the power of spirituality and how God changes lives. I don't know that I actually devoted my life to Christ until two years ago through a series of events at age 54. This year I really wanted Easter and Lent to have special meaning and had prayed that God/Jesus would lead me to something that would assist me in this desire. I looked through a series of different devotionals and was led to 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole. One of the first things I had noted was that Alicia was originally a devout atheist. I read several reviews and was led to believe that this book was the one that God wanted me to read. After reading it I have no doubt that it was. Alicia's style of writing is superb, her daily writings were beyond sensational as they increased my knowledge and understanding. However, as a Social Worker/therapist her daily reflections were the winner!! If taken seriously, one cannot resist being drawn to tears, in fact my partner who is also a therapist and M. Div. became very interested in the book as well after hearing me crying while reading, came in asked what was wrong read that days readings including the reflection and had the same experience. It inspired the two of us to lead a reflection based Holy Week experience at our church which was moving for those who attended. After completing this book, words cannot describe how much this book assisted me with increasing my commitment to our Lord and Savior, also how much it enriched my love and understanding of the meaning of Lent and Easter. God does answer prayers. We cannot recommend this book highly enough. I would recommend it's reading to anyone wanting to grow in their love and knowledge of Christ. I would also suggest that if that is your desire, do not wait until next years Lent to take this journey. I pray that this made sense and might be helpful.

A phenomenal book! In a world that touts never depriving ourselves of anything, the idea of fasting for spiritual reasons can seem out of place and extreme. Our decreasing that Christ might increase is a biblical principle, but not one celebrated much in our culture. The author invites us to a different fasting season--a time to "abandon the world's illusions, embrace His kingdom's realities, and journey cross-ward and beyond." This book leads us to view the cross and what Jesus's journey to the cross looked like, in a fresh and unusual way, while calling us to follow Him. "The cross is the ultimate call to decrease. The cross is a call not to forget our own names but to live and die for the Name of Another. The cross is a call to renounce self-direction and shift leadership loyalties from our selves to our Savior." (Alicia Britt Chole) This book challenged and encouraged me in unique and meaningful ways. Entering into a season of decrease in order that Christ might expand in and through me, pulls at the desire deep within my soul to know God in deeper ways and to consider "fasting" things such as unforgiveness, judgment, apathy, etc. My faith was challenged and deepened by walking through assignments and statements such as, "The appearance of faith without the fruit of faith and worshipful words without a worship-filled heart are, in Jesus's words, 'vain.' Today, fast all appearances. Fast facades." This a powerful book and one that is easily used devotionally, with brief but thought-provoking daily readings followed by a time of reflection and response. I, for one, am a different person for having read it. I highly recommend it!

I’m loving this book. I’m not Catholic but the faith principles are great, sometimes I skip the historical aspects of Lent shared in the book, but I LOVE the way the author writes. There is a rhythm and softness to it that opens my eyes and heart to the challenge at hand for the day. She has a way about balancing introspection as well mirroring the grace of the cross in the process.

This book accompanied the 40 day journey with spiritual insights and historical background. A great devotional to help with deeper prayer and devotion.

I am not Catholic, but I loved this book and the faith principles shared. Alicia leads the reader on a fasting journey, inviting each of us to a deeper walk and fresh understanding of Lent. After completing this devotional, I feel closer to Jesus. I highly recommend it.

Well written with grounded theological insight producing practical steps. I recommend for Easter time, but valuable throughout the whole year

I’m over halfway through and it’s such a detailed and eye opening devotional. The author has really done her research and I can’t wait to read her other work! Edit: I finished this devotional and it’s ruined other superficial devotionals for me forever! If you’re wanting to dig deep in Gods word (specifically around lent and all it means) then this is for you. The perfect base of research, faith and excellent resource references! We’ll done to the author this is EXCELLENT work👏🏾👏🏾

Upcoming book that looks amazing for fellowship group.

This book is different from every Lent we can take. Practical steps that helps getting closer to Jesus but also to our relatives and change our perception of ourselves and our relationship to one another. Great book!

One of the richest devotionals I've read. Taking a 40 day journey of decrease of all that could clutter my soul & inhibit my rich friendship with Jesus has been life changing. The words that Alicia Britt Chole pens are words that are lived & therefore carry an authenticity & an insight that is stunning! Highly recommend it.