These are difficult days in our world's history. 1.75 billion people are desperately poor, natural disasters are gouging entire nations, and economic uncertainty still reigns across the globe. But you and I have been given an opportunity to make a big difference. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Infiltrated all corners with God's love and life? We are created by a great God to do great works. He invites us to outlive our lives, not just in heaven, but here on earth. Let's live our lives in such a way that the world will be glad we did.
Where do I begin? I have mixed feelings about this book, to be honest with you. The overall message was wonderful: have compassion for others - particularly those that are having a rough time, serve others, and get down off your high horse. All things that most of us can agree on. I appreciated his strong reminder that we are REQUIRED by God to help the less fortunate. That compassion and service are not optional. I also appreciated that he put that call to action into perspective: "None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone." Such a simple and obvious thing to say, but it makes the task so much less daunting.
I also REALLY liked the way he took Bible stories and made them come to life. You can tell that he can really see these stories when he reads them - he can visualize the conversations, the emotions, the settings. It was actually very inspiring to me. Others didn't like that he took so much literary liberty with these stories, but I actually feel it was beneficial. His easy writing style made for a relaxing read.
There were, however, several things I did NOT like his book. I didn't like the Bible passages being quoted from several different Bible translations. It made them seem choppy and less genuine; like when one translation didn't say what he wanted it to say, he just used a different one. I don't like the pick and choose mentality that this seemed to portray (at least to me). I also didn't like his paragraph long prayers at the end of each chapter. While I appreciate the thought, it came across as showy instead of humbling. Also, while the message of the book was to help and serve those less fortunate, at times his suggestions and stories seemed to border on 'social justice' type theory and I didn't appreciate that - although I do admit that I could just be acting a bit too sensitive.
All in all, I enjoyed reading the book. It was enjoyable enough for me that I will probably pick up another Max Lucado book or two.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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