“What Would St. Francis Do? A Guide to Simplicity, Compassion and Peace” interested me in multiple ways. Lisa Talarico’s book is the rare examination of St. Francis’ values written by a non-Catholic. Neither does she practice the Christian faith. But she deeply admires Francis of Assisi and wants to incorporate his values into daily life.

This is a quick read that can become a well-used handbook. It presents the case for living out Franciscan ideals in the modern world, with specific ideas for how to do that. Ms. Talarico covers Francis’ ideals in seven components:

• Simplicity
• Environment Stewardship
• Compassion and Social Justice
• Peacemaking
• Gratitude and Joy
• Faith
• Unity and Inclusion
• Embracing Change
• Cultivating Inner Peace

For each value, she provides “a Francis-inspired action plan.” Some steps are similar ideas applied to various target audiences, yet all are good suggestions.

For example, her suggestions for expanding simplicity in your life include:

• Building a habit of gratitude.
• Creating giveaway boxes and filling them with those things you don’t need.
• Scheduling a no-spend week.

I’ve studied and admired St. Francis for decades. I often use material about his life as meditation verses to open contemplative or centering prayer. Still, this book gave me some new ideas that I’m planning to try.

Francis, who believed deeply in the value of poverty, would approve of these steps. The book could be an excellent addition to expand your spiritual practices. It also could be a fine companion for a retreat or a year-long resolution.

For me, the best way to implement the ideas would include deep prayer and the Holy Spirit. Francis would approve. And it certainly would make the changes easier. But, using this book in daily (or weekly) reflection and practice would make anyone, Christian or not, a better person.

The book is available on Amazon. Enjoy it! Other resources for Christian mindfulness are found here.