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
- 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.”