One definition of an edge is "the point at which something is likely to happen"....so begins Sandi's powerful book about her weight loss struggles, her faith, her family and her life. Sometimes brutally honest, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always uplifting, joyful, emotional and hard-hitting. She delves into her lifelong struggles with weight loss, her decision (years in the making) to have lap-band surgery and the resulting "revelations" that come into her life as a result.
Her book leans heavily on her faith as a Christian, but isn't "preachy"....just full of her belief in God and all that we can accomplish through Him.
She gives us a glimpse into her childhood, her marriages, her children and her life as the top performing (and award-winning) Christian singer in today's realm of Christian music. Her struggles have not been in vain, for I feel she has reached a level of contentment in her life, that few of us have obtained. But she gives great insight into how we can ALL reach this same level but believing in ourselves and in God's plan for us. Sandi manages to reveal some of her life's toughest moments and relates the stories and end results (mostly happy ones)....in a way that causes you to feel that you've known her forever and gone through those tough times with her.
A VERY gripping book, one that you will be glad you read. One from which you will gain some measure of insight into your own life, whether it be your own struggles with weight/health issues, marriage, children or your career. A book that I read in one sitting! I simply could not put it down! Do yourself a favor and pick this wonderful book up as soon as you can. You won't regret it!
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Cast of Characters by Max Lucado
When I first received this book to review, I wasn't very sure I'd like it. I normally shy away from "religious" books as they are quite often way above my head and may not follow my beliefs. They also usually go off on a rampage or else try to get you to follow a set course of action which the author believes is the ONLY way to live.
But, I was pleasantly surprised at Max Lucado's Cast of Characters. He writes in a down-to-earth way which instantly draws you in and makes you comfortable. His way of selecting a character from the Bible, telling that person's story, and then blowing them out of the water by pointing out all their failings is fascinating! And yes, they ALL had failings. Max thens compares OUR lives to those characters, showing us that we are all alike, none of us are free from sin, none of us is perfect and none of us has it all figured out yet. Even Max!
He breaks down chapters and verses in laymen's words so they can be easily understood. An ancedote may be relayed to hammer a point home, but you don't get the impression that he's "preaching" to you, just laying out the facts. It's a very unique way of writing and getting a message across. He will cite instances in modern life that parallel life in Biblical days. And he's spot on with it too! It's amazing how well researched this book is. No reflection on Max in a negative way, it's just that I'm not used to a "religious" writer putting forth the facts in such a clear-cut, easy to understand and relate to, way.
Mr Lucado scores a big one in my opinion with this book. He tells how Joseph, Matthew, John, Paul, Mary, Lazarus, Moses, Esther, Job, etc, were all just "common people in the hands of an uncommon God"...as we all are even today.
A fascinating read that people of all religions or even NO religion at all, will enjoy and come away with not only a better understanding of God, but of themselves also.
But, I was pleasantly surprised at Max Lucado's Cast of Characters. He writes in a down-to-earth way which instantly draws you in and makes you comfortable. His way of selecting a character from the Bible, telling that person's story, and then blowing them out of the water by pointing out all their failings is fascinating! And yes, they ALL had failings. Max thens compares OUR lives to those characters, showing us that we are all alike, none of us are free from sin, none of us is perfect and none of us has it all figured out yet. Even Max!
He breaks down chapters and verses in laymen's words so they can be easily understood. An ancedote may be relayed to hammer a point home, but you don't get the impression that he's "preaching" to you, just laying out the facts. It's a very unique way of writing and getting a message across. He will cite instances in modern life that parallel life in Biblical days. And he's spot on with it too! It's amazing how well researched this book is. No reflection on Max in a negative way, it's just that I'm not used to a "religious" writer putting forth the facts in such a clear-cut, easy to understand and relate to, way.
Mr Lucado scores a big one in my opinion with this book. He tells how Joseph, Matthew, John, Paul, Mary, Lazarus, Moses, Esther, Job, etc, were all just "common people in the hands of an uncommon God"...as we all are even today.
A fascinating read that people of all religions or even NO religion at all, will enjoy and come away with not only a better understanding of God, but of themselves also.
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