As I approached this addition to the Lucado library, I was a bit leery, perhaps even skeptical, based solely on the cover. Generally, Lucado’s books come with some sort of artwork that illustrates the main idea of the book in a clever and understated way. What is the projected main idea if the cover is engulfed with the author’s picture? In my opinion, this has generally shown a leaning toward overpublicizing the importance of the person to the detriment of the message they have to give (cases in point: Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer or T.D. Jakes).Hesitations aside, I dove into this book. What I found (as was publicized) was snippets, usually about a page or two long, with a question that has been posed to this pastor/author and his response. Lucado’s responses are always heartfelt and warm. Often they’re presented in his signature story telling fashion as he weaves an anecdote from his life or the world around into a nice answer. Other times he offers Scripture verses or passages, giving a brief commentary on them and allowing the person to come to their own conclusions from these holy words.
The questions are divided up nicely into several categories: hope, hurt, help, him/her, home, haves/have nots, and hereafter. The questions (which I’ve mentioned are 1-2 pages) are short enough to jump in and tackle several of them without being overwhelmed by a sense of committing a great deal of time to a long subject.
Just a few of the questions asked are following.
- · I know the Bible says I’m forgiven. But my conscience says I’m not.
- · My anxiety is affecting my health, family and work. Where do I turn?
- · Exactly how does [the Holy Spirit] function in the life of a believer?
- · The seven-year-old son of our neighbor died last week. They are devastated. So are we. What can we tell them?
All in all, this is a fine read and can equip you with some pithy answers to some questions that you may have or may encounter from friends.
(As always ... the disclaimer junk:)
(As always ... the disclaimer junk:)
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
