Why Everything That Doesn't Matter, Matters So Much:
The Way of Love in a World of Hurt
Charlie Peacock and Andi Ashworth
“Why Everything That Doesn’t Matter, Matters So Much is a beautifully imagined memoir of Charlie and Andi’s life together, the story of the vocation at the heart of who they are, of why they are, and of the way they've lived into the unique calling that has been theirs.
As they did for many years, opening their hearts to the world through their kitchen door, this book is written for everyone, each one of us with our own questions, longing to make more sense of making sense.
I’m very happy to commend my friends to you, knowing that you will be drawn into this story of a man and a woman who have lived at the complex and mysterious nexus of art and life, graced by their honesty, intrigued by the loves that have given meaning to the days of their lives, listening and learning over their shoulders, and through their hearts.”
- Steven Garber, author of The Seamless Life
"This profound and luminous book is the fruit of decades of inhabited truth, of practicing faith, art, community, and hospitality.
—Tish Harrison Warren, Anglican priest and author of Liturgy of the Ordinary and Prayer in the Night
"This book is exquisite—potent words and profound truths that keep opening up for me day after day."
—Sandra McCracken, GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award-winning singer-songwriter and author
"This series of letters is akin to seeing Charlie and Andi pass the baton to the next generation of creators . . . (making) it required reading for anyone in the creative sphere."—Jessica Morris, The Rabbit Room
"So beautiful and resonates deeply with me. I can hardly put it down."
—Mom on the Run
"I’m deeply inspired by the way their voices shine light on the notion that creativity is the energy source of deep love and faith."
—Rebecca Bloom
"This book was a breath of fresh air! . . . great book to use with a group or book club!"
—Elizabeth Maxon
"A compass to navigate the complexities of our world with love and resilience."
—Farmhouse Storyteller
"With word and wit, Andi Ashworth's Real Love For Real Life elevates the art of caregiving. Much more than just a book about hospitality or raising a family (although it is that), this book is a rich, seasoned examination of what it means to be human and to love well. Andi's book has helped me understand what it looks like to connect deeply in the context of what is often the disorienting disconnect of our modern world. Her words are good for society. And good for the soul."
-Sandra McCracken, singer-songwriter, recording artist
"At last, an inspiring and intelligent defense of the human values-such as empathy, service, and beauty-that modern society marginalizes. Ashworth offers warm encouragement to those whose gifts of giving are often undervalued."
-Nancy Pearcy, co-author (with Charles Colson) of How Now Shall We Live?
"I first met Andi in her kitchen at their magical home and gathering place, the ArtHouse, just outside of Nashville. Andi was skillfully churning out deliciously gorgeous sheet-pan frittatas (pro tip!) for 60+ artists, producers, and investors who’d come for brunch. In their church-sanctuary-turned-family room, I peered quizzically at the disco ball strung up to ceiling height until Charlie noticed (of course he noticed!) and said, “For dance parties.” Obviously.
Andi’s book Real Love for Real Life: The Art and Work of Caring is what spurred me to publish my first-ever article on “Motherhood as Vocation” more than a decade ago. It was also her perennially warm and generous hospitality that kept me writing for years on the ArtHouse America blog. More significantly, it is Andi’s wisdom and model that have most shaped my imagination for what a faithful life could look like and be. I am indebted to her in the best possible way. She is one of the lovely, luminous people who has consistently brought starshine to my made up life."
- Kate Harris
Caregiving is an easily misunderstood word. For some it evokes a picture of a hospice nurse at a bedside caring for a dying person, or a parent overseeing the life of their littles ones––and nothing else. What if we were to expand the definition to its greatest potential? What if caregiving means giving loving care everywhere and in everything? What if caregiving actually applies to all people of all ages?
Andi Ashworth believes it does and shows us how. Her remarkable book Real Love for Real Life has, for many, become the handbook for living a loving, hospitable, caregiving life. Andi offers life-changing insights and encouragement to the overlooked and marginalized caregivers of the world. For Andi, imaginative care for people and planet is the human mission on earth.
Andi Ashworth
The Art and Work of Caring
Real Love for Real Life
