Read These Incredible Christian Memoirs and You'll Be Encouraged!
Christian memoirs remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that God is with us through it all. Memoirs written by Christians often share how they overcame great obstacles through their faith in God.
These stories can be an inspiration to others who are facing difficult times. Christian biographies also remind us that God is interested in every aspect of our lives, no matter how small it may seem. By reading these memoirs, we can come to know God better and learn more about what He expects from us.
Why Christian Memoirs Are Worth Reading?
Christian memoirs & biographies are worth reading because they provide an intimate glimpse into the life of a Christian. Autobiographies offer readers a unique perspective on the author’s life, faith journey, and thoughts on Christianity. Unlike a book of theology or religious history, memoirs are written by someone who is living out their faith in the present. This makes for compelling reading, as readers can see how the author’s faith impacts their everyday life.
Christian memoirs can also be helpful for spiritual growth. By reading about how other Christians have dealt with difficult situations, we can learn from their mistakes and successes. In addition, memoirs often contain prayers or Bible verses that have been meaningful to the author. As we read these passages, we can allow them to speak to our own lives and grow in our own faith.
There are many excellent Christian biographies and autobiographies available today. These books offer rich insights into what it means to be a Christian and how to live out one's faith in a practical way.
What Are The Best Christian Memoirs & Biographies?
Wake Up With Purpose!, by Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt (2023)
“Sister Jean, the cherished matriarch of Loyola Chicago and a college basketball icon, shares her extraordinary journey in her memoir. Co-authored with Seth Davis, an acclaimed writer and broadcaster, the book interweaves Sister Jean's life story with her philosophical insights and spiritual guidance, resonating beyond religious boundaries.
It chronicles her experiences from teaching during World War II to her involvement in the 1960s college scene, and her iconic presence at Loyola's basketball games. The memoir not only highlights Sister Jean's centennial life lessons, humor, and wisdom, but also underscores the universal themes that unite everyone.
Engage with the essence of Sister Jean's spirit, offering a glimpse into the conversations she still enjoys with Loyola students, reflecting her ongoing commitment to guiding and inspiring others.
How I Learned to Like My Mom, by Dorenda Doyle (2022)
Definitely the type of story to impress and help you rebuild relationships with your loved ones, even if you actually have a good relationship with your mother. The book tells the story of a woman who loved drinking and married seven men throughout her life – a woman who was too busy to be a parent.
Dorenda Doyle has written one of the best Christian memoirs out there and aims to answer a few questions through her personal and emotional writing – can you love someone without liking their behavior? How about forgiving them for not looking after you?
The biography takes the reader through a deep story of abuse and neglect – helpful, but dramatic.
Affirming, by Sally Gary (2021)
There are certain things in life that simply do not go hand in hand with religion, and sexuality is one of them, especially if it implies same-sex relationships. The author knew she was attracted to women ever since she was young.
However, as a practicing Christian, coming out of the closet was out of the discussion. The book goes through all the feelings she had to endure in order to explore her sexuality, as well as aspects of her journey that many gay Christians will find useful in dealing with their families and those around them.
This Christian book is about courage, family, and love.
Good Apple, by Elizabeth Passarella (2021)
The author grew up in a conservative family, which defined her attitude towards life. She knows that she is complicated, but she is happy with it. Her mother? Christian. Her father? Jewish. Religion was a big thing, but eventually, she moved out of Memphis and ended up in New York.
Her brain pushed her towards politics – her heart pushed her towards religion. As she grew up, she went through a plethora of experiences, especially with her stereotypes from childhood. All in all, this book takes the reader through a funny story filled with chaos and all sorts of relationships.
It is a must-read for anyone who struggles to define themselves when growing up in a religious family.
Miraculously My Own, by Samantha J. Morgan (2021)
Trying to become pregnant and failing, the author had to see a doctor – she was given two options only. She had to take the in vitro alternative or simply give this thought up. There was a third option the doctor did not mention though – adoption. Was this a good option?
This story follows the couple's struggle to get a child. It is the type of story where God opens doors while closing others. Eventually, one thing leads to another, and the two end up in a Russian orphanage. This is where their whole world changed when they fell in love with Krishina and Yegor – two siblings.
In the end, the adoption was jeopardized. This book will take you from one emotion to another. You will be happy for their success, but then, everything seems to fall apart. However, God always has a plan, making this book one of the best Christian memoirs.
Born to Fly, by Sara Evans (2020)
A smile every now and then, a bit of drama, God's plan for everyone, and plenty of stories that everyone could learn something from – this is what the book is about. Rated as one of the best Christian biographies out there, Born to Fly will take you through a series of experiences – both sad and happy.
The author takes you through a bunch of stories from her career, but she also explains how faith has helped her manage her personal life. She describes some of the most challenging struggles in her life, as well as things that truly matter in terms of happiness and personal comfort.
This is the type of book that will make you comfortable with who you are and teach you a few lessons.
Clouds, by Laura Soblech (2020)
This is by far one of the most touching Christian memoirs out there. If you are after something to make you cry a little, then fill your heart up and break it again a few pages later, this is the perfect book. The author found out that her 17-year-old son only has another year to live.
Devastated, she released him to God. As the time was coming, she advised her son to start writing letters to those he loved – his friends and family, letters to say goodbye and express his feelings. But he had a different idea – he chose to write songs.
One of these songs – Clouds – became viral and showed him how small things can change the world.
Fear Gone Wild, by Kayla Stoecklein (2020)
The author’s story begins in a dramatic way. On a hot summer day of 2018, she lost her husband to suicide. He was a local pastor, so she found it difficult to understand what happened. But her life changed overnight, as she had to figure out why, as well as how to overcome this stigma.
She knew that her husband was battling depression, and despite all the prayers and treatments he went through, he could not get healed. She turned to the scripture to find answers, and she did eventually – it looks like God prepares everyone for a greater purpose.
The author describes some of her mistakes and aims to help people struggling with similar issues.
Walking Through Fire, by Vaneetha Rendall Risner (2021)
Vaneetha Rendall Risner ended up with polio as a kid. Unfortunately, she was misdiagnosed, so she ended up paralyzed. She spent the first ten years of her life between different hospitals, bullying moments, and sadness. Then, she became a Christian, hoping things would improve.
Unsurprisingly, they did. She ended up in college, got a dream job, and even found the love of her life. But then, God works in mysterious ways, and everything crumbled again – miscarriages, the death of her son, and even the possibility to become a quadriplegic.
The point? All the suffering you go through can be sweet as you develop a closer relationship with God.
Final Thoughts on the Best Christian Memoirs & Biographies
In conclusion, these Christian memoirs and biographies are excellent resources for learning more about faith, biography, and inspirational stories. They are powerful tools for personal growth and provide hope in difficult times. I highly recommend them to anyone who wants to learn more about Christianity or grow in their faith.
Check also our favorite inspirational Christian books or our selection of the best memoirs of all time.
My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.