Finding Our Way to the Truth: Seven Lies Leaders Believe and How to Let Go of Them

by Sarah Ciavarri, N. Graham Standish (Foreword by)

Overview

In Finding Our Way to the Truth, Sarah Ciavarri explores lies of a particularly insidious sort--lies masquerading as truths. These lies can be so engrained in how we were raised, the culture we live in, and the type of thinking that has kept us safe that we don't notice how they inform our decisions and affect the way we lead, work, parent, and live. The lies Ciavarri examines aren't the obvious ones. They are sneaky--lies that can be benign, even helpful, such as "I should finish what I start," "People must like me," and "I'm responsible for it all." But these lies can keep us from owning our ideas and strengths, following a dream, confronting dysfunction, or enjoying deeper, more honest relationships. They can replace a sense of well-being and hope with regret and resentment.

Ciavarri tells engaging personal stories to help readers recognize seven common lies that leaders often tell themselves. She then demonstrates a three-step process for unmasking each lie: pay attention, examine, and apply the learning. We do better when we stop listening to the lies. God wants better for us, and we were created for better. Finding Our Way to the Truth shows us the way.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506456607
Publisher:	Augsburg Fortress, Publishers
Publication date:	10/06/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	136
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Sarah Ciavarri is founder of This Wholehearted Life, LLC, and is a Certified Facilitator of all of Dr. Bren‚ Brown's curricula: Dare to Lead; Daring Greatly; Bold; and The Gifts of Imperfection. A graduate of Luther Seminary, she has facilitated over 200 workshops on Dr. Brown's research and has supported thousands of leaders to develop a courage practice. Sarah is a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation.

N. Graham Standish is the executive director of Samaritan Counseling, Guidance, Consulting in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, where he is also director of its Caring for Clergy and Congregations program. For twenty-two years he was senior pastor of Calvin Presbyterian Church in Zelienople, Pennsylvania--a church grounded in a spiritual approach to ministry and mission. He is the author of nine books on spirituality and congregational transformation.

Table of Contents

Preface xiii

Acknowledgments xv

Foreword N. Graham Standish xvii

1 Truth and Lies 1

2 "I Don't Know Enough" Honesty 7

3 "I Must Finish What I Start" Moderation 19

4 "I Must Follow the Rules" Discernment 35

5 "I Have to Be Nice" Boundaries 51

6 "People Must Like Me" Integrity 67

7 "I'm Responsible for It All" Hope 83

8 "I Need to Be the Right Type of Christian" 97

Authenticity

9 An Invitation 115

Editorial Reviews

"This is one of those rare books that feels more like a conversation with the author than printed words on a page. By weaving her story throughout her book, Sarah addresses the seven lies that leaders believe. This approach not only held my attention, it also solidified the insights and learning that Sarah offers. This book is a definite read for today's leaders." —J. Val Hastings, president and founder of Coaching4Today'sLeaders and Coaching4Clergy

"Finding Our Way to Truth calls us to honest self-reflection. Sarah Ciavarri's beautiful writing helps us expose the lies that lead us away from living authentically. Full of stories and inspiring wisdom, this book will help you address the falsehoods that keep you from more fully making a difference in the world." —Lois Malcolm, The Olin and Amanda Fjelstad Reigstad Chair of Systematic Theology, Luther Seminary

"A must-read for leaders! Sarah's authenticity and vulnerability leave you with practical applications for leadership and life. Her stories draw you in and keep you engaged. Inspiring, motivating, and thought-provoking!" —Barb Schwery, Executive Director, BeFriender Ministry

"Ciavarri captures some of the greatest internal struggles every pastor endures and trains us to risk leading in challenging times. Finding Our Way to the Truth is delightfully full of wry insight, masterful storytelling, refreshing humor and brave encouragement. I highly recommend this refreshing guide to anyone searching for inspiration and tools to navigate the tough terrain of pastoral leadership in our time." —Rev. Sherry Cothran, Pastor, St. Mark's UMC

"This book will make you laugh, make you cry, and most importantly, lead you in grace to overwhelming joy in the truth that 'I am enough.' It is wonderful launching point for personal and spiritual growth." —Bob Mooney, senior pastor, Messiah Lutheran Church

"Finding Our Way to the Truth beautifully entwines story and deep reflections to inspire a new vision for embracing our authentic selves. Ciavarri eloquently describes how to be brave in confronting the lies that often plague our thoughts. This practical and compelling piece provides thought-provoking scenarios and ideas for cultivating authenticity while embracing our own truth." —Nicole M. Dimich, Educator, Author, and Consultant

"In this book Sarah Ciavarri has skillfully woven critical life questions with her personal experience in a manner that invites me into the conversation and leaves me asking, 'What does this mean for me? For those I love or serve?' What a wonderful tool for helping reframe the unhelpful messages that too often dominate our inner landscape." —Rev. Jim Gonia, Bishop, Rocky Mountain Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

From the Publisher