Notebook book notes: Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World

Title:  Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World 

Author:  Joanna Weaver  

Link:  https://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/having-a-mary-heart-in-a-martha-world/ 

I borrowed Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World from my prayer-warrior Auntie, whose library of Christian texts is extensive!  I remember taking it along as we headed to a family cottage one summer.  Throughout that week, I absolutely devoured it while swaying lazily in the shade of the porch swing.   So many critical lessons lay within its pages - lessons about priorities, lessons about juggling, lessons I needed to hear without a doubt. 

This book is centred around Bible sisters Mary and Martha, who were privileged to know Jesus personally while He walked the earth.  In fact, it is widely accepted that Jesus counted them and their brother amongst his closest friends.  If you are familiar with their story, you will know that Mary and Martha have very different personalities.  Mary might be considered “type A”, let’s say, while Martha tends to operate more from the heart.  (Luke 10:38-42)

Our culture favours the “Mary’s”, as did I’m sure the culture of their day.  Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World reminded me that when we give in to that trend, we miss out on the “better part”.  

One image from the book that really stuck with me is that of the hoola hoop.  Most days, it feels like we are trying to keep several hoops going at the same time.  (If you’ve ever seen me with a hoola hoop, you will know that one hoop is quite challenging enough!)  Joanna’s point is that in order for this to work, we need to keep Christ at the centre of it all so we can stay balanced and grounded.  Simple but profound truth, I’d say.  

I found Joanna Weaver’s style to be light and easy to understand, as she dives into a meaningful topic with such deep implications.  I have since purchased my own copy and now lend it out to others in hopes it will resonate in their own journeys.  

Are you like Mary?  Or are you more like Martha?  Either way, Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World encourages the reader to seek the better part and walk more closely with Jesus.