A culture of perfection, even within the church, has led many of us to live lives simply trying to control everything around us. We’re working harder, doing more, and feeling increasingly worn out and stressed rather than fulfilled and blessed. In Losing Control: Finding Freedom by Letting Go, author and musician Mark Smeby asks if the life we are searching for is ultimately more about letting things be as they are, releasing our need to control everything and everyone (including ourselves!)? Smeby uses humor-drenched vulnerability to chronicle his journey away from being a “control freak” to a richer life of faith.

“I’ve written this book as an invitation to turn from a me-driven life to a faith-fueled life,” Smeby explains, “This is a faith rooted in surrender and acceptance of life just the way it is, believing that it’s okay to have things be out of our control, all the while holding onto hope that God has awesome things in store. Instead of a life marked by stress, frustration, and cynicism, letting go of my need to always get my way has led to a life marked more by unshakable faith, relentless hope, and unbelievable love.”

This book is for anyone who is worn out from trying to make everything go the way “it’s supposed to go” and are desiring to find peace and joy in the midst of their challenging circumstances. Losing Control is an engaging guide into surrender, acceptance, and finding an identity beyond performance or achievement. Ultimately, casting a compelling and practical vision for a life that is rooted in faith, hope, and love.

“I never called myself a control freak,” Smeby admits. “I was just doing what I thought was the right thing. But in all honesty, I was covertly carrying around a detailed agenda for nearly every relationship and situation I was in—constantly scheming to make my relationships more fulfilling for me, working tirelessly to achieve enough professionally so I could get the self-worth I was craving, and pleading with God to give me the life I thought I deserved. And then wondering why I was feeling angry and resentful toward everyone in my life, including God.”

Written in an approachable, engaging writing style similar to Donald Miller, Bob Goff, or Max Lucado, Losing Control will also resonate with readers who love Jen Hatmaker, Shauna Niequist, and Ann Voskamp (for starters!), connecting on the same level of relevancy, vulnerability, and authenticity.

IN THIS TITLE MARK WILL:

• Expose the lies that have been controlling us, making us think that life is up to us to orchestrate and manipulate.

• Explore ways to untangle ourselves from other people, yet still engage and serve them in healthy ways.

• Uncover a solid identity that isn’t rooted in performance or what people think about us.

• Dive into a life of faith that isn’t about controlling God to get what I want, but that is rooted in unfathomable, unconditional love.

• Become equipped to move courageously into the world, marked by love and compassion, finding creative and excellent ways to build the Kingdom.

“I’m on a journey to more deeply discover what the gospel really is about,” Smeby concludes. “If you cut away all the extraneous, albeit valuable, religiosity, what does it all boil down to? I believe it’s hope. It’s a hope that wakes us up to how deeply we are loved by God, and how that love can be the fuel that guides us into truly remarkable, beautiful lives.”

Losing Control is available here from Mark (and the best way to support his mission of hope!), also from Amazon in both paperback and Kindle versions, as as on audiobook on Audible.