The Christ-Centered Heart: Peaceful Living in Difficult Times

Mathis, manager of medical policy for Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Tennessee, presents a compelling portrait of the impact that centering our hearts on Christ can have on our lives. Using anecdotes from his and his friends' lives, Mathis contends that centering one's life on Christ will lead to peaceful living even in difficult times. To illustrate his thesis, the author tells a story of someone finding notes in a tree. The notes contain simple directions: ""Love God in spite of yourself. Love God in the tensions and contradictions. Pray life."" Mathis says that if seekers contemplate the truths of these notes and incorporate them into their daily lives, they will experience changes in their hearts, souls and minds and be closer to centering their hearts on Christ. Each message proclaims that we are neither perfect nor in control; by seeking God in all matters, we can be at peace in this confused, pain-ravaged world. In addition to his own anecdotes, Mathis incorporates the words of such ancient Christian writers as the Desert Fathers as well as contemporary spiritual writers such as Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen and Richard Carlson. Each chapter closes with a meditation exercise. Mathis's little spiritual guidebook is sometimes simplistic, but his exhortations to deeply live the Christian spiritual life can be heard loud and clear. (Mar.)