The Silent Gift, a historical novel written by Michael Landon, Jr. offers a glimpse into the lives of the unlovely and those who feel unloved - but who are loved deeply by God. The story centers around Jack, a little boy growing up during the Great Depression and who is deaf and mute and around Jack's mother Mary who wants to protect Jack from those who want to either hurt Jack or exploit what appears to be a unique gift from God - the ability to prophesy - but ends up in a seemingly unending series of ever more perilous circumstances.
This book is not what I would call a typical religious historical fiction book because it deals with deeper subject matter than the typical historical fiction. It makes the reader consider what it means to be gifted by God and how those gifts might not appear like gifts to the world. Or perhaps the world would have us use our God-given gifts to benefit ourselves or others and not to serve God. Another subject focused on to a lesser degree is that of how God takes the broken and unloved and makes them whole in Him.
About halfway through The Silent Gift I was almost ready to put it down because I thought the author was going down a road I didn't agree with. But I kept reading and I'm glad I did because in the end he brought out the exact point I thought he was contradicting - that God-given gifts are not to be used for gain and that our faith belongs in God and not in what we can do to provide for ourselves.
Overall, this is an excellent book and might just make you take a second look at society's outcasts and realize that everyone is worthy of love.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Book Review - Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain
I received the book Finding Purpose Beyond Our Pain by Drs. Paul Meier and David Henderson from Thomas Nelson Books for the purpose of reading the book and then blogging about my opinion of it. When I first picked up this book I assumed the intended audience was those who are in the midst of intense pain in some form. As I read I learned that, to the contrary, this book is intended for anyone who has ever found themselves in a pain-filled situation - in other words, it's for everyone.
The authors divide the painful events of life into seven categories: injustice, rejection, loneliness, loss, discipline, failure and death. I discovered that, while I have never faced a dramatic instance of pain (such as job loss, death of a close loved one, etc) this book offers practical, Christ-centered advice on how to deal with painful situations of any proportion. Anyone should easily be able to recall instances that fit into most if not all of these seven categories and will realize that when they face similar situations in the future they will be able to look at them from a different standpoint - the standpoint of what does God want to accomplish in your life as you experience this painful event/situation? The book makes it clear that God does not cause these situations but He does want us to learn from them and especially learn to lean more fully on Him as our Source of strength.
Throughout the book the authors use a combination of Scripture and anecdotes from their own experiences to show how God grows us through the painful experiences of our lives - but only if we choose to grow. Everyone suffers pain in this life. It's a part of existence on Earth. But we learn from it and grow through it only by looking to God for the greater purpose the pain serves in our lives.
The authors divide the painful events of life into seven categories: injustice, rejection, loneliness, loss, discipline, failure and death. I discovered that, while I have never faced a dramatic instance of pain (such as job loss, death of a close loved one, etc) this book offers practical, Christ-centered advice on how to deal with painful situations of any proportion. Anyone should easily be able to recall instances that fit into most if not all of these seven categories and will realize that when they face similar situations in the future they will be able to look at them from a different standpoint - the standpoint of what does God want to accomplish in your life as you experience this painful event/situation? The book makes it clear that God does not cause these situations but He does want us to learn from them and especially learn to lean more fully on Him as our Source of strength.
Throughout the book the authors use a combination of Scripture and anecdotes from their own experiences to show how God grows us through the painful experiences of our lives - but only if we choose to grow. Everyone suffers pain in this life. It's a part of existence on Earth. But we learn from it and grow through it only by looking to God for the greater purpose the pain serves in our lives.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Book Review - Take Your Best Shot
This book, which in part tells the story of the beginning of the organization Hoops of Hope, will challenge you even while it shares with you one story of God's amazing power to transform lives. From the first page to the last Take Your Best Shot is a powerful testimony of how God can make a difference in the lives of thousands of people using one willing follower.
Austin Gutwein was only ten years old when he watched a video telling of the suffering of children in Africa. From that video was eventually born an organization which has touched the lives of thousands of people across the world.
A small step in the story of Hoops of Hope is shared in each chapter of the book. But even more important is the background as to how God was working in the lives of many individuals to accomplish much more than any of them could have conceived and how He can and will do the same thing in the lives of all His people who are willing to step out in faith and do what He is calling them to do. This book can be life-changing for everyone who reads it - both teenagers and adults. But it will only change lives if you heed the message Austin clearly communicates throughout the book. You must discover your passion, see a need and look for where they intersect. Trust God and He will lead you step by step. And serving Him doesn't necessarily mean you will create an international aid organization. God uses us in many ways, not all of them visible to those around us or even to ourselves.
Although this book is written to young people it has a message that needs to be heard by teenagers and adults alike. This book is well-written, though-provoking and will challenge you to reevaluate your purpose on this earth. Don't invest all your energy on things that expire. Redirect it where God is calling you - even if it takes a giant step of faith.
Austin Gutwein was only ten years old when he watched a video telling of the suffering of children in Africa. From that video was eventually born an organization which has touched the lives of thousands of people across the world.
A small step in the story of Hoops of Hope is shared in each chapter of the book. But even more important is the background as to how God was working in the lives of many individuals to accomplish much more than any of them could have conceived and how He can and will do the same thing in the lives of all His people who are willing to step out in faith and do what He is calling them to do. This book can be life-changing for everyone who reads it - both teenagers and adults. But it will only change lives if you heed the message Austin clearly communicates throughout the book. You must discover your passion, see a need and look for where they intersect. Trust God and He will lead you step by step. And serving Him doesn't necessarily mean you will create an international aid organization. God uses us in many ways, not all of them visible to those around us or even to ourselves.
Although this book is written to young people it has a message that needs to be heard by teenagers and adults alike. This book is well-written, though-provoking and will challenge you to reevaluate your purpose on this earth. Don't invest all your energy on things that expire. Redirect it where God is calling you - even if it takes a giant step of faith.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Book Review - That Certain Spark
This newest book by Cathy Marie Hake is an entertaining, well-written work of fiction. The main character is a female doctor who faces and overcomes the prejudices common against females in traditionally male-dominated professions in the 19th century.
The author, Cathy Marie Hake, gives us a glimpse into late nineteenth century medicinal practices by including accurate and interesting historical details as the protagonist practices medicine in a Texas frontier town where the overwhelming sentiment is that women are not capable of being physicians. Not only her abilities but the appropriateness of her chosen profession is questioned by the town's citizens
The overarching romantic story is well-developed and believable as the characters learn more about each others beliefs and motivations for making the decisions they do.
As a female who chose to enter a male-dominated profession I appreciate the very real look this fiction book takes at the struggle our female antecedents faced to break through the "glass ceilings" of so many male-dominated professions and the equally valid appeal that being a Christian and pushing the envelope of society's standards are not mutually exclusive activities.
Yes, this book is a Christian historical romance. But it is also much more than that. It touches on topics that were volatile during the period this book was set and reminds us that Christian women play many roles in our society.
The author, Cathy Marie Hake, gives us a glimpse into late nineteenth century medicinal practices by including accurate and interesting historical details as the protagonist practices medicine in a Texas frontier town where the overwhelming sentiment is that women are not capable of being physicians. Not only her abilities but the appropriateness of her chosen profession is questioned by the town's citizens
The overarching romantic story is well-developed and believable as the characters learn more about each others beliefs and motivations for making the decisions they do.
As a female who chose to enter a male-dominated profession I appreciate the very real look this fiction book takes at the struggle our female antecedents faced to break through the "glass ceilings" of so many male-dominated professions and the equally valid appeal that being a Christian and pushing the envelope of society's standards are not mutually exclusive activities.
Yes, this book is a Christian historical romance. But it is also much more than that. It touches on topics that were volatile during the period this book was set and reminds us that Christian women play many roles in our society.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Book Review - Voices of the Faithful Book 2
I was excited to read this new book of devotions written and compiled by missionaries around the world. Even with sources like the Internet, Christians in America are incredibly insulated from the realities of life for Christians in many parts of the world as they share Christ's love. Through these daily devotional readings I have become more aware of the both the joys missionaries experience and the difficulties that are a part of daily life for many of them. It has made me more aware of how I can pray more effectively for missions work as well as giving me the ability to pray for the work of many Christians on an individual basis.
I enjoy the way this devotional book is organized. Each month of devotions is introduced by Kim Davis, who lived for many years in South Asia and each month is grouped by themes. My favorites included Lessons from the Young (September) and From Adversity to Triumph (October). Each devotion consists of a Bible verse corresponding to a short story written by a missionary. Following is a short prayer pertaining to the story as well.
This book is an excellent resource to help make us more aware of the work of Christ followers around the world. It is different from many devotional guides in that it takes the focus off of me (and how I can better myself) and places it on Christ (His work around the world and how we can join that work where we are). And as far as I'm concerned, that's the way it should be.
I enjoy the way this devotional book is organized. Each month of devotions is introduced by Kim Davis, who lived for many years in South Asia and each month is grouped by themes. My favorites included Lessons from the Young (September) and From Adversity to Triumph (October). Each devotion consists of a Bible verse corresponding to a short story written by a missionary. Following is a short prayer pertaining to the story as well.
This book is an excellent resource to help make us more aware of the work of Christ followers around the world. It is different from many devotional guides in that it takes the focus off of me (and how I can better myself) and places it on Christ (His work around the world and how we can join that work where we are). And as far as I'm concerned, that's the way it should be.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Book Review - Fields of Grace
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey of faith embarked on by the main characters of Kim Vogel Sawyer's latest work of fiction, Fields of Grace. In this book Reinhardt and Lillian Vogt as well as Reinhardt's brother Eli journey from the steppes of Russia to a new life in America - a decision made so that they won't have to compromise their Mennonite faith. Along the way, tragedy strikes the family and difficult decisions must be made.
The faith of the family is solidly interwoven into the fabric of their lives, and when a crisis of faith comes for Lillian, the story remains believable and true to the character created. Although this is a work of fiction I learned a bit more about religious and cultural heritage of a segment of immigrants to the midwest. Although the book has a firm conclusion I hope the author is planning a sequel to this story so that we can learn more of son Henrik's journey into adulthood and whether he will choose to remain true to his religious roots.
The faith of the family is solidly interwoven into the fabric of their lives, and when a crisis of faith comes for Lillian, the story remains believable and true to the character created. Although this is a work of fiction I learned a bit more about religious and cultural heritage of a segment of immigrants to the midwest. Although the book has a firm conclusion I hope the author is planning a sequel to this story so that we can learn more of son Henrik's journey into adulthood and whether he will choose to remain true to his religious roots.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Book Review - Love Has a Face
As a strong advocate of missions and missionaries I was excited to begin reading Love Has a Face by Michele Perry. Unfortunately, by the time I was a few chapters into the book I realized how disappointing this book is. This poorly written book has no real direction, jumping from random glimpses of Michele's life in Sudan (which were interesting) to experiences in which she speaks with Christ incarnate in her room (which quite frankly were disturbing to someone who was raised in the Christian faith and who believes that the next time Christ returns to Earth will be at its ending).
Michele Perry truly seems to adhere to a social gospel with all hatred, pain and suffering being eliminated on earth by those who follow His direction to love our neighbor. As Christians we are called to help our brother who is suffering but with the intent of introducing him to One who can remove suffering for eternity if our faith is placed in Him - whether He heals our earthly sickness or not. God never intended His kingdom to be established on Earth except in the hearts of His followers - not as a physical place. This book does not clearly communicate that Michele Perry believes this tenet of Christian faith. She relies heavily on "faith-healing" as a purpose of knowing God - not as a way of being introduced to His power.
To be fair, Michele Perry truly has a heart for the people of Sudan. Overall, though, this book is both poorly written (with no real direction or conclusions) and distinctly disturbing as it seems to confuse and combine mysticism and Christianity. More Christian missionaries are desperately needed in Sudan and around the world to help the suffering in the name of Christ, but don't rely on this book to give you a glimpse into a missionary's life - the information just isn't there.
Michele Perry truly seems to adhere to a social gospel with all hatred, pain and suffering being eliminated on earth by those who follow His direction to love our neighbor. As Christians we are called to help our brother who is suffering but with the intent of introducing him to One who can remove suffering for eternity if our faith is placed in Him - whether He heals our earthly sickness or not. God never intended His kingdom to be established on Earth except in the hearts of His followers - not as a physical place. This book does not clearly communicate that Michele Perry believes this tenet of Christian faith. She relies heavily on "faith-healing" as a purpose of knowing God - not as a way of being introduced to His power.
To be fair, Michele Perry truly has a heart for the people of Sudan. Overall, though, this book is both poorly written (with no real direction or conclusions) and distinctly disturbing as it seems to confuse and combine mysticism and Christianity. More Christian missionaries are desperately needed in Sudan and around the world to help the suffering in the name of Christ, but don't rely on this book to give you a glimpse into a missionary's life - the information just isn't there.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)