Book Review: Kisses from Katie
‘Kisses from Katie' is the autobiography of Katie Davis exchanging the ‘American Dream’ for a life in Uganda which resulted in her adopting 13 orphaned girls by the age of 23. ‘She exchanged her yellow convertible and life of privilege for poverty, lack of electricity and disease-ridden children’s faces.’
What motivated her? Simply put, a love for Jesus and a passion to make a difference. A powerful combination.
‘I wanted to do what Jesus said to do. So I quit my life.’ [Katie Davis]
Katie’s story will challenge you by her radical and humble obedience and her joy and delight in living to serve her Lord and Saviour. Her story will change your view of the world around you.
In her book, each of her adopted daughters’ stories are interwoven amid her life experiences and culture shock of living in Uganda.
Having lived in Uganda, Katie's story resonated with me. I was able to identify with some of her anecdotes about Ugandan life and picture the places she was talking about.
Her honesty and admission of weakness in facing challenges and obstacles is refreshing and humbling.
Katie writes: 'I believe that God totally, absolutely, intentionally gives us more than we can handle. Because this is when we surrender to Him and He takes over, proving Himself by doing the impossible in our lives.......I have learned to accept the craziness, even ask for it, this "more than I can handle". Because in these times, God shows himself victorious. He reminds me that all of this life requires more of Him and less of me. He gives us more than we can handle, so that we may have no doubt of who is in control.'
Katie’s story will unsettle you and make you feel uncomfortable. It will inspire you and motivate you.
Not necessarily to move across an ocean, but to change and soften your heart
as you view the poor and vulnerable on your doorstep.
‘It may take place in a foreign land or it may take place in your backyard, but I believe that we were each created to change the world for someone. To serve someone. To love someone the way Christ first loved us, to spread His light. This is the dream, and it is possible.’ [Katie Davis]
Making a difference starts with a decision to make a difference and then looking around for opportunities. They are all around you. You just need the heart to look and the love of Christ to make you see and then do.
‘People who really want to make a difference in the world usually do it, in one way or another. And I’ve noticed something about people who make a difference in the world: They hold the unshakable conviction that individuals are extremely important, that every life matters.
They get excited over one smile. They are willing to feed one stomach, educate one mind, and treat one wound. They aren’t determined to revolutionize the world all at once; they’re satisfied with small changes. Over time, though, the small changes add up. Sometimes they even transform cities and nations, and yes, the world.’ [Beth Clark]
In 2008 Katie started Amazima Ministries which seeks to feed and educate the orphaned poor and vulnerable in Uganda. This is done in a large part by sponsoring a Ugandan orphan. Her testimony is that as the challenges grow, so does her faith.
‘God reminded me how beautiful we all are to Him, after all, we were created in His own image, and He looks at me, at you, in all our sweat and dirt and brokenness, and says, “I choose you. You are beautiful.”’ [Katie Davis]
Katie’s story is one of living radically for Christ and taking a risk. A radical risk of faith. What you will come away with from this story, is that Jesus calls each one of us who are His to live in the same way. Radical Christian living may not mean adopting 13 Ugandan orphans, but it will certainly have a testimony of sacrifice for God’s kingdom.
‘Jesus wrecked my life, shattered it to pieces and put it back together more beautifully.’
Katie writes her story honestly. She admits to her fears and her struggles and her dependence on Christ and her desire for God to be glorified.
The chapters are alternated with some of her personal diary accounts which give us a glimpse into her heart.
‘People from my first home say I'm brave.
They tell me I'm strong. They pat me on the back and say, ''Way to go. Good job.'' But the truth is, I am not really very brave; I am not really very strong; and I am not doing anything spectacular. I am simply doing what God has called me to do as a person who follows Him.’ [Katie Davis]
For further information about Katie and her ministry, visit https://amazima.org/about-us/katies-story