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egbella's reviews
212 reviews
You Changed My Life: Stories of Real People With Remarkable Hearts by Max Lucado
4.0
I binge-read this little book in one night, and it was a sweet, inspiring compilation of touching stories. An excellent read for anyone needing a reminder of how God works through even the most unlikely of people.
Fly a Little Higher by Laura Sobiech
4.0
This is such a hard book to read. Having lost a dear friend to cancer and seeing how closely the timeline of her illness matched Zach's, I couldn't help but be reminded of her journey the entire time. She was also Catholic, and many of the things Zach's mother talked about, such as the Caringbridge updates and Make-A-Wish foundation were all things I saw my friend experience first-hand just last year.
That being said, the story is an emotional one for me, and I appreciated Laura Sobiech's raw and honest portrayal of their family's struggle with Zach's cancer. The world needs more people willing to be completely honest about their difficulties. Especially those who know Jesus as their Savior. Life isn't all butterflies and rainbows when you follow God. Sometimes it's tumors and radiation. However, we have the assurance that we're never alone in those challenges.
While I felt there were a few places I didn't agree completely with Laura Sobiech's views, overall this book is a touching story of faith and learning to make the most of one's life. I'm glad to have read it, and will remember it for years to come. In addition, 'Clouds' will be a regular on my playlist from now on. A great reminder to 'fight the good fight'.
That being said, the story is an emotional one for me, and I appreciated Laura Sobiech's raw and honest portrayal of their family's struggle with Zach's cancer. The world needs more people willing to be completely honest about their difficulties. Especially those who know Jesus as their Savior. Life isn't all butterflies and rainbows when you follow God. Sometimes it's tumors and radiation. However, we have the assurance that we're never alone in those challenges.
While I felt there were a few places I didn't agree completely with Laura Sobiech's views, overall this book is a touching story of faith and learning to make the most of one's life. I'm glad to have read it, and will remember it for years to come. In addition, 'Clouds' will be a regular on my playlist from now on. A great reminder to 'fight the good fight'.
Hearts of Fire: Eight Women in the Underground Church and Their Stories of Costly Faith by Gracia Burnham, The Voice of the Martyrs
5.0
This is a heartbreaking and inspiring collection of stories about truly courageous women. The faith of these women, even in the midst of horrific persecution, torture, imprisonment, and humiliation is very convicting. Would I do the same in their place? Would I stand strong for Christ, despite such pain and grief if I did? I don't think I would, and this book reminded me and challenged me to continue to grow closer to Christ, and to be prepared to do anything to further the Gospel.
It's not an easy read, but I definitely recommend it to anyone seeking to be inspired to grow in their faith.
It's not an easy read, but I definitely recommend it to anyone seeking to be inspired to grow in their faith.
Death on Hold: A Prisoner's Desperate Prayer and the Unlikely Family Who Became God's Answer by Anita Folsom, Burton W. Folsom
3.0
A heartbreaking and inspiring story that's challenged me to pay far more attention to inmates of prisons around the world - whether on death row or otherwise. My prayers are with Mitch.
*NOTE: The authors don't shy away from listing graphic details for matters such as electric chair executions, violence, immoral activities, and other horrible happenings in the prison, so definitely NOT an easy read or one fit for younger readers.
*NOTE: The authors don't shy away from listing graphic details for matters such as electric chair executions, violence, immoral activities, and other horrible happenings in the prison, so definitely NOT an easy read or one fit for younger readers.
The Road to Unafraid: How the Army's Top Ranger Faced Fear and Found Courage through Black Hawk Down and Beyond by Dean Merrill, Jeff Struecker
4.0
A gripping, fascinating, and inspiring account of faith in the midst of horrible trials. I appreciated the author's honesty, even in regards to his own faithlessness and vulgarity during the early parts of his career, and watching him journey to become a dedicated follower of Christ was compelling. This book left me encouraged to follow Christ boldly, trusting Him to provide - as He always will.
Soon: The Beginning of the End by Jerry B. Jenkins
3.0
As usual, Jenkins did a great job writing an intriguing novel with an interesting setting and a compelling interpretation of possible end time events. I always have a bit of hard time relating to Jenkins' characters, so my attention wandered quite a bit during this story, and I did skim parts in order to get to the end, where the pace picked up a lot. His writing style is just not my cup of tea, but I do admire his work. He tells excellently-crafted Christian stories.
Inspired: Slaying Giants, Walking on Water, and Loving the Bible Again by Rachel Held Evans
1.0
I went into this book with high hopes, only vaguely recognizing the author's name. And while I did enjoy Evans' clear, warm, and easy to read writing style - she truly was a talented writer - the conclusions she drew from studying the Bible sadden me. I do not agree with most of her teaching, especially her claims that perhaps the Bible is not fact, but merely a collection of 'legends' and other fictional stories designed purely to teach us. The Bible is indeed full of stories that teach lessons, but it is also history. Calling it anything less, and stretching and twisting Scriptures to meet whatever interpretations make you comfortable, is just plain wrong.
The only portion of the book I agree with is that there is much to be learned from Scriptures. God truly is the master Author, and the stories he tells through His Word - real, relatable, beautiful and sometimes even horrific stories - contain truths that will live on forever, and are truly life-changing to those who are willing to study them with an open heart and mind.
I didn't realize until after finishing her book, that Mrs. Evans passed away recently. I grieve for those who knew her, and her family will be in my prayers.
The only portion of the book I agree with is that there is much to be learned from Scriptures. God truly is the master Author, and the stories he tells through His Word - real, relatable, beautiful and sometimes even horrific stories - contain truths that will live on forever, and are truly life-changing to those who are willing to study them with an open heart and mind.
I didn't realize until after finishing her book, that Mrs. Evans passed away recently. I grieve for those who knew her, and her family will be in my prayers.
The Case for Christ/The Case for Faith--Student Edition Leader's Guide by Jane Vogel
5.0
I found a copy of this at my local thrift store and was absolutely thrilled, as I've wanted to read the actual book for years. While I still hope to read the full version at some point, this was an excellently-written book, and I really reading snippets of Strobel's journey to faith in Christ. I also appreciated that lots of the evidence and interesting facts he found were laid out clearly for students. I would definitely recommend this to anyone old enough to read and understand the concepts presented.