(Ir)responsible by Rebecca Green

(Ir)responsible is a book that anyone who is sinking under the weight of life responsibilities should read. The author, Rebecca Green, was a born perfectionist and people-pleaser, and in her life, her responsibilities of juggling pastoral work and her family meant her suitcase was so full there was no room for anything else, and things would need to be taken out. She knew things had to change when she started experiencing panic attacks, and that she was operating her life without any margins.

In this insightful and well-written book, Bec shares examples from her own life as well as from the Bible. She takes the reader on a heartfelt journey of learning to be less responsible and to live a lighter life as a consequence.

‘You are not responsible for everything’ is a key phrase from the book, and although it might take a while for this to fully sink in, it’s an invaluable thing to learn if you are overloaded. Becs examines the quest for perfection and its potential for harm. She examines how we might keep up appearances, rather than admitting that we are in trouble. She talks about finding our life’s calling and learning not to be so in control all the time.  She has excellent strategies for unpacking a too-full suitcase and being mindful of the changing needs of each season. All in all, this is a book that will help you incorporate rest back into your life, be a bit irresponsible and have fun, and establish margins, so a minor setback or unexpected life curveball doesn’t completely derail your life.

(Ir)responsible is an excellent book that will resonate with many people, with just the right blend of life examples and strategies. It will undoubtedly provoke discussion.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Torn Curtain Publishing