How about Unoffendable?
Many people make resolutions for the new year, and some choose a meaningful word. No resolutions here, and I’ve never thought much about a “word of the year.” For several years, though, “generosity” seemed to adopt me, so it’s been heart-warming to see the concept at work.
Earlier this year I ran into a new word that would be terrific for 2026: unoffendable. Just not getting caught up in the chaos and anger in the news or on social media (which is where my interactions are these days). The book by that name is so relatable and fun to read. I’m downsizing books but that one lingered.
Our son just made a 24-hour visit here from the north country (Twin Cities). They’ve finally found their “forever home,” after hunting for 3-4 years. They realized that in spite of the disfunction in the world, they wanted to concentrate on community. (Maybe their word of the year?) They didn’t have to change churches, and Kate is at her same school, same Girl Scout troop. Community, with all its messy differences. Oh, I’ve got a book. . .
Yes, it went home with him. I think it was a used copy, so they’ll find underlinings in it by at least two of us. It’s written from a Christian perspective, but everyone will find much to ponder. The author is humorous and engaging.
Unoffendable
In Unoffendable you will find concrete, practical ways to live life with less stress, including:
- Adjusting your expectations to fit human nature
- Replacing perpetual anger with refreshing humility and gratitude
- Embracing forgiveness and beginning to love others in unexpected ways
Newly revised with two brand-new chapters on forgiveness and what Hansen has learned since writing his original book, this updated edition of the bestselling book is a must-read for every Christian. With short chapters, this book is easy to slip into a daily routine or commute to spend time deepening in God’s Word. In a humorous and conversational style, Unoffendable seeks to lift religious burdens from our backs and allow us to experience the joy of gratitude, perhaps for the first time, every single day of our lives—flourishing the way God intended.
My thoughts: You can choose to be “unoffendable.” What an awesome idea. “When you start practicing it, you realize choosing to be unoffendable means actually for real, trusting God.” Forgiveness is a key, the resource. “We forgive as an act of worship.” Awesome theology, and a delight to read.
Brant Hansen
Brant Hansen is an author, nationally syndicated radio host, and advocate for healing children with correctible disabilities through CURE International Children’s Hospitals.
He’s won “personality of the year” awards multiple times for his work on his offbeat and quirky radio show which airs on more than 200 stations. His podcast with his friend and radio producer, Sherri Lynn (“The Brant and Sherri Oddcast”) has more than 15 million downloads.
His first book, Unoffendable, prompted a national discussion on the idea of forgiveness, and our culture’s embrace of self-righteous anger.
His second book is both provocative and personal. Blessed are the Misfits: Great News for Those Who Are Introverts, Spiritual Strugglers, or Just Feel Like They’re Missing Something. In this book, Hansen addresses his own, and many others’, inability to “feel God’s presence”, and how God might Himself feel about that.
The Truth About Us is Brant’s third book, released in 2021. It takes a thoughtful and humorous approach to exploring how adept humans are at justifying themselves, drawing from both cognitive scientists and Biblical wisdom.
His fourth book, The Men We Need, tackles the challenge of presenting a positive, distinct vision for masculinity that is life-giving both for men and everyone in their sphere of influence.
There’s more, so here’s his Amazon Author Page. I’d like to get acquainted with his other books.
Vicki Atkinson’s Victoria Ponders blog post this morning reminded me of sending this book home with Dan. You’ll enjoy her post called “Inner Steadiness.”
I did one of those silly Facebook games that gave me my word for 2026 … JOY! Isn’t that exciting! And Unoffendable is available on Kindle Unlimited. All of Hansen’s books are available on Kindle.
I did one of those as well, and the word didn’t make any sense to me. I wish I’d jotted it down, just for a laugh. (I just ordered two more of his, used paperbacks, so I can really scribble in them. ha
I’m glad that your son and his family have found their forever home, particularly the community part.
They enjoyed it in their bungalow, but had to give it up because of problems in the roof and foundation became too much, so they were looking for the same. Then those two pit bulls, but Kate stayed with new neighbors while everyone else was at doctors. They did enjoy New Years with neighbors who have a daughter Kate’s age.
Hopefully, the move turn out to be good for them. Roof and foundation problems would be a double-whammy.
I love, love, love your book recommendations, Joy. Always from the heart. And thank you, dear one, for linking to my post. Big hugs! 💝😊💝
You sure started this one! I’d almost forgotten about the book because Dan got home to his wife with a concussion from falling while ice skating with their daughter. CT scan showed no bleeding, but she’s to take it easy for a couple of days.
Whoa my gosh! Super scary. Glad he was able to get back home…up north…quickly. Sending prayers and healing thoughts for your daughter-in-law! ❤️
Thank, Vicki. Maybe she should give up ice skating when he’s out of town?
Yes!!! I’m with you about that! ❤️🥰❤️
Unoffendable is an interesting goal. So much of what goes on around us seems designed to offend. This will take work.
You’re right, Dan. And we’re wired to react to what “they” feed us. It’s gonna take work!
I spent many years in the industry of media: radio, television, magazines and newspapers and I have never been more at peace to be OUT of those careers. Keeping myself unoffendable by releasing the need to depend upon the acceptance of those who issue the paychecks for my lifestyle support. As a result, I have no subscriptions to print material, do not own a television, and listen to the radio only if the music is something I truly care to enjoy. I like your word choice.
Good for you, Annette. I had to give up TV years ago because of fibromyalgia (flashing screen or something) and haven’t missed it. My Favorite Guy watches football and a veterinarian show, when he’s not dealing with medical paperwork. I like your word choices in your posts as well!
The three bullet points noted in the book’s description is something EVERYONE needs to do. And the ones that think they don’t-they need to more than anyone! Hansen’s book looks like a must-read. Thanks for the recommendation, Joy. 🙂
You’re so welcome, Nancy. I didn’t realize he’d written more until putting the post together. Two more are headed this way, both used paperbacks so I can scribble on the pages as I digest his wisdom.
Unoffendable is a perfect word of the year! Mine is kindness, but that is almost the same. Don’t be offended, be kind instead. Happy New Year, Joy!
Good thinking, Darlene!
Thank you for sharing Brant Hansen’s book, (books) with us!!! I am glad your son and his family have found a home that they love. Unoffendable…very good word to contemplate for the New Year!
Thank you, Linda. It’s tougher to put into practice than I’d anticipated!
Thanks for the helpful introduction to Brant Hansen’s book, Joy. 🌞😊
Thanks, Tim. After checking him out again, I’ve got two more of his (used paperbacks) on the way, so I can scribble in them.
😍
I strive to be unoffendable, but don’t always succeed. I think if I have a word for this year, it is self-care. I’m always learning how to live more peacefully with the world.
Self-care is such a good one. Thank you, Eilene.