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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Amen Effect summary
Sharon Brous
Ancient Wisdom to Mend Our Broken Hearts and World
12 mins
Brief summary
The Amen Effect by Sharon Brous demonstrates the transformative power of collective prayer and action, encouraging communities to seek justice, compassion, and spiritual vitality through shared faith and committed social engagement.
Table of Contents
The Amen Effect
Summary of 3 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 3
Showing up
Gail was the caring mother of two children, living with her family in a tight-knight community. One day, a drunk driver sped down the road and crashed violently into her vehicle. Though Gail and her husband barely survived the horrible collision, losing their beloved teenage children left them utterly devastated.
This tragedy brought about an outpouring of support, as acquaintances and even strangers gathered in her home to offer sympathy. But her mother couldn’t help but express cynicism – questioning whether people were perhaps fake gawkers, pretending to care.
But another grieving mom helped Gail understand the significance of this support. “Your house,” she said, “is the scariest place on earth right now. So anyone who walks through your door is a friend.”
Whether they cried together, sat together in silence, shared memories, or told stories, the presence of Gail’s community ended up providing real comfort for her grief. Though the pain was still immense, this support helped put her loss in context, alleviating her isolation. Their willingness to participate in her suffering created a sense of solidarity that bore profound meaning.
The author recounts this story as a beautiful example of the importance of what she calls showing up. This can manifest in different ways. It can mean being present with loved ones enduring illness, loss, depression – for all of life's hardest moments. The comfort and care we extend to others – visiting loved ones in hospital, helping them with funeral arrangements, sitting shiva in their homes, or just listening to them cry – awakens our innate compassion. And though bearing witness to acute suffering often feels profoundly uncomfortable, it is deeply affirming. In this way, grief itself reveals its intrinsically communal nature.
That said, showing up isn’t just about sharing in grief. It's also important that we make an effort to attend our family and community’s celebrations, milestones, and achievements. It’s possible that someone else’s success or good fortune can trigger our own jealousy or feelings of failure. But even so, being present to toast the joys of others can foster profound connection. And, whether it’s a promotion, wedding, project launch, or graduation, it likely means they’ll be there to celebrate our successes as well.
When times are toughest, communal mourning rituals can serve as vessels for this supportive showing-up. Whether reciting ancient prayers as a group, collecting earth-stained hands together in burial, gathering to share memories over a meal, or simply physically sitting with one another, such ceremonies carve out space for emotions that are meant to be experienced in togetherness.
The ancient Jewish prayer known as the Mourner's Kaddish is rich with meaning. When someone in mourning stands up to recite this prayer, the community responds with "amen" after each line. This refrain conveys a world of significance – it's an affirmation meaning "I'm with you," "I hear you," and "I'm bearing witness."
The mourner expresses their anguish through this difficult prayer, and the community offers comfort and recognition by responding "amen." There is a back-and-forth between mourner and community – a supportive dialogue. In this way, "amen" represents the communal participation so vital for grieving – the act of showing up for someone suffering unimaginable loss. Even when finding the right words feels impossible, the collective ministry of presence – and the utterance of "amen" – carve out space for pain to be experienced within togetherness.
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What is The Amen Effect about?
The Amen Effect (2024) is an inspiring exploration of the power of community to mend our broken hearts. It contends that our most basic human yearning for connection can reawaken our shared humanity, offering a hopeful blueprint for more meaning, connection, and compassion.
The Amen Effect Review
The Amen Effect (2022) explores how we can transform society through the power of community and faith. Here's why this book is worth your time:
- Offers inspiring stories of individuals who have made a difference in their communities, showcasing the impact of collective action.
- Provides thought-provoking insights on the intersection of spirituality and social justice, challenging readers to rethink their role in creating change.
- Delivers a compelling framework for building inclusive communities based on empathy, compassion, and shared values, making it a practical guide for social engagement.
Who should read The Amen Effect?
- People experiencing grief, loss, or life transitions
- Anyone seeking inspiration for living boldly and with purpose
- Leaders of faith-based or social justice organizations
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The Amen Effect FAQs
What is the main message of The Amen Effect?
The main message of The Amen Effect is about creating positive change through communal rituals and social connections.
How long does it take to read The Amen Effect?
The estimated reading time for The Amen Effect is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Amen Effect a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Amen Effect is worth reading as it offers insightful perspectives on community building and the power of shared experiences.
Who is the author of The Amen Effect?
Sharon Brous is the author of The Amen Effect.
What to read after The Amen Effect?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Amen Effect, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida
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- The Art of Love by Ovid
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