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maynovalis's review
3.0
Definitely nuggets of wisdom in this collection - it really made me think about life from a perspective of age and experience that is helpful to me now. What will I regret/not regret having done? It was fascinating to see how many different Christian leaders gave similar reflections on the questions. It ended with a great charge - We can be collectors of wisdom, but if we don’t apply that wisdom, it is useless (James 1:22).
saarahn's review
5.0
A gift
This book is inspirational, and I say that in spite of sounding cheesy. I say that because it's the truth. This book is a gift, we all need the reassurance, sometimes, that we aren't alone. That others have faced similar struggles, harbour the same regrets and fall down just as we do. Even the preachers, pastors and religious leaders among us: we're human, not angels. We make mistakes, and it is high time we accept that- forgive ourselves and, move on. This book will help you do that.
As an individual who doesn't follow the Christian faith, I still found this book useful. Even as a firm Muslim, I'm unafraid of delving into other scriptures and other religious books: there's a lot we can learn from all kinds of scripture. A lot of good lessons: and, that is what this book is. It's a compilation of lessons from the Bible, the Gospel and other Christian texts. All, in the word of humans ( from first-hand experience), though certain quotes pop up here and there.
As Jon Gauger, the author of this book, acknowledges: we all have 'the certain belief that if we somehow could get that second opportunity, we would definitely do better.' If looking back, dreaming of a do-over, and obsessively thinking of the different 'might-have-beens' is not regret, I don't know is. I recall asking my younger sister, 'what is regret?' To which, she answered: "it's thinking of a better comeback, or story, long after its moment has passed. And then, hating yourself for having been so slow".
Since then, her definition has been shaped by grander, more costly, experiences. Regret is an overwhelming emotion, and if you dwell too long in those moments you regret- you will never be content, those feelings can consume you. So why not trust God to guide you, and move you forward? Why not allow yourself to make mistakes?
We hear from wise individuals including, but not limited to, Kay Arthur, Dee Brestin, Jill Briscoe, Stuart Briscoe, Steve Brown, Michael Card, Gary Chapman. We hear of their regrets, all that stuff they'd change if they were granted a do-over. What they would do more of, less of, life lessons they could never forget, the essential lessons they would pass on to their children and plenty more.
This was a thoughtful book, and I'm pleased to have read it. Many regrets were akin to my own, and the scripture selection was beautifully appropriate. For example, as quoted from Matthew 6:34- and used in this book-"Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.'
This book presents the universal truth, that we allow ourselves to think such damaging thoughts. Thoughts which could potentially affect our faith in God. Just as John Greenleaf Whittier writes, in his story of Maud Muller, as is quoted in this book 'Of all sad words / Of tongue or pen, / The saddest are these: "It might have been." Why do we insistently allow ourselves to think such thoughts? Let's change the pattern, and move forward- for once, without looking back for the sole purpose of criticising and discouraging ourselves.
I received this book through NetGalley.
This book is inspirational, and I say that in spite of sounding cheesy. I say that because it's the truth. This book is a gift, we all need the reassurance, sometimes, that we aren't alone. That others have faced similar struggles, harbour the same regrets and fall down just as we do. Even the preachers, pastors and religious leaders among us: we're human, not angels. We make mistakes, and it is high time we accept that- forgive ourselves and, move on. This book will help you do that.
As an individual who doesn't follow the Christian faith, I still found this book useful. Even as a firm Muslim, I'm unafraid of delving into other scriptures and other religious books: there's a lot we can learn from all kinds of scripture. A lot of good lessons: and, that is what this book is. It's a compilation of lessons from the Bible, the Gospel and other Christian texts. All, in the word of humans ( from first-hand experience), though certain quotes pop up here and there.
As Jon Gauger, the author of this book, acknowledges: we all have 'the certain belief that if we somehow could get that second opportunity, we would definitely do better.' If looking back, dreaming of a do-over, and obsessively thinking of the different 'might-have-beens' is not regret, I don't know is. I recall asking my younger sister, 'what is regret?' To which, she answered: "it's thinking of a better comeback, or story, long after its moment has passed. And then, hating yourself for having been so slow".
Since then, her definition has been shaped by grander, more costly, experiences. Regret is an overwhelming emotion, and if you dwell too long in those moments you regret- you will never be content, those feelings can consume you. So why not trust God to guide you, and move you forward? Why not allow yourself to make mistakes?
We hear from wise individuals including, but not limited to, Kay Arthur, Dee Brestin, Jill Briscoe, Stuart Briscoe, Steve Brown, Michael Card, Gary Chapman. We hear of their regrets, all that stuff they'd change if they were granted a do-over. What they would do more of, less of, life lessons they could never forget, the essential lessons they would pass on to their children and plenty more.
This was a thoughtful book, and I'm pleased to have read it. Many regrets were akin to my own, and the scripture selection was beautifully appropriate. For example, as quoted from Matthew 6:34- and used in this book-"Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.'
This book presents the universal truth, that we allow ourselves to think such damaging thoughts. Thoughts which could potentially affect our faith in God. Just as John Greenleaf Whittier writes, in his story of Maud Muller, as is quoted in this book 'Of all sad words / Of tongue or pen, / The saddest are these: "It might have been." Why do we insistently allow ourselves to think such thoughts? Let's change the pattern, and move forward- for once, without looking back for the sole purpose of criticising and discouraging ourselves.
I received this book through NetGalley.
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