Good and Beautiful and Kind: Becoming Whole in a Fractured World

Well, Rich has done it again! I read his first book, "The Deeply Formed Life", last year when I was on a sabbatical. That book was helpful for me to establish some healthy rhythms of soul care. This new book he has written has helped me to continue my journey towards healing and wholeness in my life. Insightful and also very practical, "Good, Beautiful and Kind" was like a balm for my wounded heart and mind. In a world with many divisions and polarizations, I've found myself sad and often hopeless. Rich describes the forces behind the fractures in our society and then goes on to show the reader how to walk and grow on a new path towards healing. The last section of the book shares how we can move forward in our lives in a holistic way. I love that Rich's books offer very practical ways and tips to help the reader apply what they are reading. This is such a gift. I love the down to earth, easy methods to use in our day to day lives. For example, Rich shares in Chapter 6 about how to resist reactivity and cultivate a calm presence-such an important skill in these stressful and anxious times. I will also say that I love to laugh....humor is a way to lighten the mood and to experience joy often in the ordinary moments of life (which is what I've needed these past few years). Rich has woven many stories in this book, often from his own life journey, that were wonderful. I found myself more than once laughing out loud as I read the stories, often because I think I could relate to them. I appreciate his vulnerability and transparency! It makes me feel like I'm not so crazy after all! :) If you're looking for a way to walk through the storms of life in a way that will honor God and love others, this is the book for you. I highly recommend it. I hope there's a study guide coming for this book with some discussion questions because this book would be wonderful for a book club or study group! (hint, hint Rich if you're reading this! 😁) Enjoy!

As with The Deeply Formed Life, Pastor Rich’s most recent Good and Beautiful and Kind make an immediate impact due to the insightful and down-to-earth ideas and words presented on every page. A continuation of how to journey on in life as Christ’s disciple, this book is theologically robust and written in a profound but practical manner. Contained within, you will find both descriptive and prescriptive truths on topics such as the real nature of sin (i.e., lack of love), a non-sensational but biblically accurate approach towards spiritual warfare, and the effects of trauma wounds, as well as suggestions on prayer, differentiation (getting along with self and others), and a distinctive and balanced view of justice. The chapter on “The Gift of Forgiveness” is powerfully refreshing, even for a seasoned disciple like I am. This new book, with the subtitle “Becoming Whole in a Fractured World” will deliver what it promises, and it will not disappoint (until you get to the end, of course, and beckon for more).

Tired of this rotten world? Want to know what is eating at its core? Open this book and buckle up. I have read it once and it is on my desk to read again. I don’t think one time was enough. Too much to absorb. Deep. Convicting. Insightful. Good. Beautiful. Kind

I was already immediately excited to read Rich's latest book, and now I am eager to get this resource into the hands of those ready to grow deeper into renewed, wholehearted people. This book powerfully navigates the intersection between our wounds, our world, and the Way of Jesus, starting with Langston Hughes's poem "Tired." In Good and Beautiful and Kind, Rich continues the conversation from The Deeply Formed Life by looking underneath the complexities that disrupt and fracture our good original design. Curating valuable trauma-informed insights, expert voices from reputed scholars, with his own theological wisdom, Rich masterfully navigates the tension between the wounds that have shaped our perspectives, practices, and responses with this New Way that Jesus brings. Through his brilliant, thoughtful writing, Rich invites us to reflect and confront the fractures that impact us- both internally and with those around us- while interrupting and reshaping our fractured stories into a new path toward wholeness: one that is good, beautiful, and kind. As a certified trauma facilitator pursuing a family systems therapy degree and greatly committed to pastoral work, I deeply resonate with the message in these pages. I cannot wait to see this resource help us explore how God's renewed world can come through His renewed people. I will certainly introduce this resource to all the communities I serve. This book is a must-read.

The book is properly pack and perfectly paper back cover that I want. Thank you

Had enough? Tired of the factions, the noise, the ineffectiveness of Christians to show and be that ‘Better Way’? Pastor, author and veteran ‘Theology Practitioner’ Rich Villodas knows that “If it is to be, it has to start with me (and you).” This book will help start you along that path. The book is smartly divided into 3 sections: Part One – The Forces Behind the Fractures explains how we got here, why our lives have become a constant rubbing against the sharp edges of the shards. Illuminating and some surprises here. Part Two – Walking a Better Way takes your hand and introduces you to 3 critical practices that will help you do the interior work necessary for you to be effective externally. Inviting, practical, and edifying. Part Three – Embodying Wholeness takes us to the streets. It’s all about teaching us how to interact with others in the areas where you will be tested the most - Conflict, Forgiveness, and Justice work. This content should form part of every church’s catechetical program. It’s that essential. The entire book is aptly enriched with illustrations and quotations from a wide variety of sources. It’s an engaging, informative read. Don’t be put off by the hard work this book will call you to do, because that’s the only way for us to get to that Good and Beautiful and Kind life we seek. If you’re curious and serious about doing something within yourself and desire to see others and the world around you flourish and elevated, this is a place to start.

Excellent author

I read this as part of a book launch group, but what a privilege to read it! Book launch team or not, it's a great and practical book; how to abide in God's love without being sappy or inward looking. How Christianity can be loving, beautiful and kind, not the ugly MAGA hat bearing or sniffly inward looking argumentative and rather harsh examples that seem to shout loudest. We need to abide in God and His Word to do this - how do we do this and make a difference? Through life examples and the Bible, Rich Villodas takes us through slowing down, God focusing, reflective prayer; being present (with an awareness of ourselves and others); that justice is so much more than labels or calling out and getting angry about - practical, local (and regional/national) and again, listening to those who are experiencing the issue to support them in implementing their solutions and strategies. It's also about seeking forgiveness and allowing ourselves to be changed, knowing that "God will use our wounds and healing to become sources of healing, for ourselves and others". Truly a Psalm 119:18 book, thoughtfully and tenderly written (and funny) - now off to learn more about the prayers of the Desert Fathers and being in prayer.

Rich masterfully takes us on a journey from the deepest roots of our unrealized hurts to a place where we can see hope to live and be examples of the love Jesus demonstrated in the world around us. This is such an insightful work that lays bare the truth of where we are as individuals but also as a culture. Rich does not leave us to flounder but provides a path to healing in order that we can truly help ourselves and others become Good, Beautiful and Kind which the world needs so desperately. This is absolutely an essential read for those looking for an understanding of the great opportunity we have to be transformed to love like Jesus loved. Well done Rich !!