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Back Roads to Belonging

At one time or another, shifting seasons in family, friendships, employment, and communities will bring each of us face-to-face with the feeling of being on the outside looking in. Because we are made for connection, this will often lead us down one of two roads. Either we will hop on the popular but crowded highway that asks us to do whatever it takes to get noticed, or we’ll stand still, paralyzed by the fear that we’re not important, loveable, or worth other people’s time and attention.

But what if there is another way? With an understanding voice that will speak into your own circumstances, Kristen Strong walks beside you along the less traveled but more satisfying third way–the back road way–to belonging: remaining in Christ and relaxing into the unique role God has for you. Along the way, you will learn simple, doable actions that not only will help you feel and know that you belong but will welcome others in as well. Enjoy the slower, scenic route with Kristen and learn how to create an environment of connection within our culture of disconnection.

Back Roads to Belonging by Kristen Strong

Buy Back Roads to Belonging on Amazon

Back Roads to Belonging Small Group Companion Guide

Small Group Companion Guide

In these current times of uncertainty, you may find yourself in a season of questioning where you belong. If you’d like to explore more about your own place of belonging either individually or in a group setting, download this FREE companion guide!

DOWNLOAD NOW

“It doesn’t matter where we live, how long we’ve been there, or how long we plan to stay. We will all face a crisis of belonging, eventually. Offering the backup we need, Back Roads to Belonging is a kind-hearted field guide through the low-lands of longing. Kristen, our generous companion, is someone you’ll want to keep near even after you’ve found your way.”  

– from the foreword written by Shannan Martin, bestselling author of The Ministry of Ordinary Places

What People Are Saying about the Book

“This book is your instant invitation to belonging. All you have to do is accept it.”

– Lisa-Jo Baker, bestselling author of Never Unfriended and Surprised by Motherhood

“This is no strident, finger-wagging book. This isn’t a book of instant solutions. It is a loving message from a friend who has been there and back again and speaks to us in a voice that is folksy and friendly, wise and warm.”

– Christie Purifoy, author of Roots and Sky and Placemaker

“This book is an invitation to sit on a front porch swing with Kristen Strong—a woman who truly knows how to encourage, who understands what it’s like to feel alone and finally find your heart’s real home. I’ve considered Kristen a dear friend for years and now I’ll also think of her as my wise and helpful ‘Belonging Mentor.’ Take a seat, turn to the first page, and you will too.”

– Holley Gerth, bestselling author of You’re Already Amazing

“Kristen’s book is a wonderful testimony to the power of belonging. In a time when so many are held back by uncertainty, wrestling with insecurity, and confused about their identity and calling, this book provides a needed—and deeply practical—path forward: rest and contentment in Jesus. Kristen’s words are deep; brimming with honesty, humor, and a realness that you’ll love and relate to. I found myself refreshed, challenged. and inspired.”

– Dominic Done, author of When Faith Fails: Finding God in the Shadow of Doubt

“Our hearts ache for a place to belong, yet so often our fears and insecurities keep us from the journey God intends. With biblical insight and practical encouragement, Kristen’s grace filled and powerful storytelling compels us to take the slow route to our own place of genuine belonging.”

– Jen Schmidt, speaker, host of The Becoming Conference, author of Just Open the Door and founder of the Balancing Beauty and Bedlam blog

“Who hasn’t wondered: Do I belong here? And who hasn’t staked her entire identity on the answer to that question? In Back Roads to Belonging, Kristen vulnerably tells her own stories of feeling out and finding her way in … but maybe not in the exact ways you’d think … Finding our seat at the table is fulfilling, to be sure, and Kristen beautifully reminds us that our chair was there all along.”

– Leeana Tankersley, author of Begin Again

“This book contains unforgettable lessons on belonging, as well as specific action steps to help you find peace on days when it seems like you’re all alone. Don’t miss this book!”

– Jennifer Dukes Lee, author of It’s All Under Control and The Happiness Dare

“In Kristen’s generous voice, using storytelling that is both hilarious and poignant, she offers us the comfy cushion on the couch and the best throw pillow to hug against our fluffy spots as she skooches over to make room for our fears, our insecurities, our ‘we don’t belong’ feelings, and then she leans in close and whispers in the pages, ‘belonging is woven into our being.’ It is a gift for us all, nothing asked, nothing earned.”

– Alia Joy, author of Glorious Weakness

“This book for the days when you feel all alone, and for the times when you want to write your own invitation to a place where others feel invited in!”

– Renee Swope, bestselling author of A Confident Heart and former radio cohost, Proverbs 31 Ministries 



Meet Kristen

Kristen Strong, author of Back Roads to Belonging and Girl Meets Change, writes as a friend offering meaningful encouragement for each season of life so you can see it with more hope and less worry. She and her US Air Force veteran husband, David, have three children. Together this military family zigzagged across the country (and one ocean) several times before settling in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In addition to this space here, you can find Kristen’s writing at DaySpring’s (in)courage and on Instagram @kristenstrong.


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If you're one who is having trouble finding where If you're one who is having trouble finding where and with whom you belong, here's a blessing to take with you into the weekend:⁠⁠
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May you know Jesus goes with you as you step out in courage to find your own back road to belonging. God picked your road for you, and he will lead you to it. ⁠⁠
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May you be strengthened as you wait for your place and people to be revealed. May God speak to your heart and soul as to what action you must take to find it.⁠⁠
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May social media be a place to give first rather than get. ⁠⁠
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May you lean away from isolation--it's harder to do these days but not impossible--and instead consider who you may lean toward. ⁠⁠
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May God bless and keep you as you remember that being seen less is in one way sensing your belonging more. ⁠⁠
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#BackRoadtoBelonging⁠⁠
#BelongBlessing⁠⁠
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(A reminder, too, that right now, the digital version of Back Roads to Belonging is only $1.99.)⁠
$1.99 ebook deal-extraordinaire!🎉💃🏻🎉 R $1.99 ebook deal-extraordinaire!🎉💃🏻🎉 Right now, get the digital version of Back Roads to Belonging for $1.99! ⁠⁠
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This book can be a gift for anyone feeling lost or lonely no matter her life season, but I believe it's an especially timely gift to yourself or a loved one who may be missing her place and people during the lingering pandemic. ⁠⁠
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Tap the link in my profile for links to both Kindle & Nook.☑️☑️⁠⁠
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And if you read this book and found it personally helpful, perhaps consider sharing it 'round your circles, too? ⁠⁠
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#backroadstobelonging⁠⁠
photo credit: @jenlintsphotography
An accomplishment for this week: Taking daily walk An accomplishment for this week: Taking daily walks outside, because outside is where the pretty lives even if it's also where the cold lives, too. ⁠⁠
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Another accomplishment this week included introducing my daughter to an '80's staple of pop culture: Dirty Dancing.💃🏻🕺🏻 My inner 8th grader still knows all the songs, and my daughter was able to understand the origins of "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." and that it *doesn't* refer to an actual baby. What can I say? I've found one homeschooling subject I feel qualified to teach. ⁠⁠✅
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Happy Friday, dear hearts!⁠⁠💛
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Trusting God with the ones you love ~ I found this Trusting God with the ones you love ~ I found this easier to do when the ones I love lived in my house full time. It turns out that having them move out from under my roof is a real lesson in seeing the holes of my trust.⁠⁠⁠
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You might say learning this has been A WHOLE THING. ⁠⁠⁠
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I first saw this book on @annvoskamp's instagram feed, and since Ann never steers me wrong, I promptly bought it and am now halfway through it. ⁠I skip some chapters as they don't (yet if ever) apply, but those that *do* apply have been a real help and comfort. ⁠⁠⁠
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In short, author @jodie_berndt's prayer prompts and stories reflecting an array of circumstances and outcomes has been a real gift to my mama heart. ⁠⁠⁠
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⁠Being a parent is hard no matter the age of our kids, but I'm so thankful for books like this that ease our trials and deepen our trust along the way.⁠⁠⁠
#fromthebookstack
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