The Heart Mender: A Story of Second Chances was one of the best books I’ve ever read. From the very first page, I was absorbed in the fascinating story and barely able to put down the book. Andy Andrews masterfully weaves the historical tale of love, intrigue, and forgiveness.
While cutting down a tree on his property, Mr. Andrews discovers an old can that contains eight antique buttons, three photographs, a ring, and a medal. His quest to discover the origin of these items uncovers little-known World War II history as well as a story of the many kinds of love, including the forgiveness that one can only learn from knowing and loving God.
During World War II, German U-boats patrolled the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, sinking ships and intercepting Allied supplies. Far from their homeland, the German submariners obtained food and fuel from money-hungry American traitors and, sometimes, even came ashore to see movies. One submariner, wounded by a member of his own crew, washed ashore and was found by an angry young woman whose husband had already been killed in the war. The unlikely friendship between these two people leads them both to forgiveness and healing through faith in God.
Mr. Andrews provided a helpful Reader’s Guide to spur group discussion or invite further self-reflection on concepts such as symbolic imagery, the nature of decisions, the idea that “No Man is an Island”, the course of civilizations, and the power of forgiveness. Lastly, the author provided a “Where Are They Now” summary at the very end of the volume.
This book is an excellent transition for mystery or historical fiction readers who are ready to take a step toward reading for self-improvement and personal growth. One cannot read this book and be unchanged. Much like faith itself, it requires a decision and action. In this case, one is confronted with the following questions that demand a response: What does it mean to be a Christian? Who do I need to forgive? What people has God placed in my path for me to mentor and love? And, finally, what legacy do I want to leave behind?
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Friendship for Grownups
Lisa Whelchel, best known as Blair on the TV show The Facts of Life, has blossomed into a dedicated and insightful Christian woman. In the years since her acting career, she has become a speaker, author of several books, and mother of three children with her husband, who is a pastor. This book is an exploration of what she has learned about cultivating intimate friendships.
Ms. Whelchel is well known for her superb performance of the poised and strong character Blair, but she continued to portray that façade during her early life to protect her emotions in that relational minefield that surrounds childhood actors. It wasn’t until many years later that Ms. Whelchel had the faith and courage to be vulnerable with others. She is very honest about the stumbling in her quest to cultivate authentic friendships, before finding safe people with which she could share her most raw emotions. She generously shares her experiences and the wisdom she has earned to help other women learn to nurture genuine friendships without suffering the disappointments that she endured.
Ms. Whelchel wrote more than a memoire in this book: she provided an amazing appendix entitled “Practical Steps for Developing and Growing Friendships”. This appendix has suggestions and questions for reflections to practice the principles she shares in each chapter of the book. This guide would be excellent for women’s study group discussion as well as personal reflection.
Ms. Whelchel is well known for her superb performance of the poised and strong character Blair, but she continued to portray that façade during her early life to protect her emotions in that relational minefield that surrounds childhood actors. It wasn’t until many years later that Ms. Whelchel had the faith and courage to be vulnerable with others. She is very honest about the stumbling in her quest to cultivate authentic friendships, before finding safe people with which she could share her most raw emotions. She generously shares her experiences and the wisdom she has earned to help other women learn to nurture genuine friendships without suffering the disappointments that she endured.
Ms. Whelchel wrote more than a memoire in this book: she provided an amazing appendix entitled “Practical Steps for Developing and Growing Friendships”. This appendix has suggestions and questions for reflections to practice the principles she shares in each chapter of the book. This guide would be excellent for women’s study group discussion as well as personal reflection.
You Can Be Everything God Wants You To Be
This is Max Lucado at his most inspirational for young people. “Da Vinci painted one Mona Lisa. Beethoven composed one Fifth Symphony. And God made one version of you.”
This is a great book for anyone who wondered if God has a purpose for them, and what their purpose in life is. Max is a great story teller who brings us many short anecdotes to illuminate the scriptures that he uses for foundation. His message is positive and clear – God has a purpose for all of us. That purpose is one that we are not only uniquely qualified for already, but that we are destined to succeed in since we are gifted by God. Max’s book is uplifting and positive. Unlike those infomercials he doesn’t call on us to make an investment or change, but to look at our core God given gifts and values and to use them as we were born to and meant to.
I consider this book an introduction and a place to start a search for your life’s work. It’s a book that can be read in an evening, but will spark a flame that will want the reader to look deeper to find what God wants them to be.
This is a great book for anyone who wondered if God has a purpose for them, and what their purpose in life is. Max is a great story teller who brings us many short anecdotes to illuminate the scriptures that he uses for foundation. His message is positive and clear – God has a purpose for all of us. That purpose is one that we are not only uniquely qualified for already, but that we are destined to succeed in since we are gifted by God. Max’s book is uplifting and positive. Unlike those infomercials he doesn’t call on us to make an investment or change, but to look at our core God given gifts and values and to use them as we were born to and meant to.
I consider this book an introduction and a place to start a search for your life’s work. It’s a book that can be read in an evening, but will spark a flame that will want the reader to look deeper to find what God wants them to be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)