"The Resolution for Men" (Stephen & Alex Kendrick)

TITLE: The Resolution for Men
AUTHOR: Stephen and Alex Kendrick with Randy Alcorn
PUBLISHER: Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing, 2011, (264 pages).

This is a companion book that pairs very well with either; 1) the Courageous film made by Sherwood Pictures, or 2) the "Courageous Living" book by Michael Catt. It begins with a terse warning to readers not to take the book's contents lightly. Following a brief introduction, a one page RESOLUTION is issued like a paper plaque. The resolution contains 12 clear resolutions. The first is a personal reminder about one's commitment to God to take full responsibility for self, wife, and children. The other eleven resolutions put this commitment to practice. Beginning with the responsibility and commitment to the home and family, the resolutions gradually include commitments to be honourable and exemplary outside of the home. Commitments to honour authority, to stand up for justice, to bless others, to forgive others, to be faithful to Church, and to serve society at large, and several more.

The main part of the book is subdivided into two parts. Part One is a call to men on why resolutions are necessary. It re-establishes the need to bring back fatherhood in a largely fatherless society. It calls upon fathers to break the chains of sinful nature, worldly nurture, and sinful choices. Part Two contains 12 chapters which deals with each of the 12 resolutions printed at the beginning of the book. The Appendices are especially helpful as they contain lots of helpful information about basic Christian Living. It even has a transcript of the final moving speech in the movie 'Courageous.'

I find my heart palpitating with excitement as I turn each page. Every part dares me to become a better father.Every chapter challenges me to man up and be the man God has called me to be.  The book is unapologetically written. It does not mince words but tell it as it is. Throughout the book, biblical examples, verses, and lessons are interwoven to show readers that the ideas in the book are not invented by people, but biblically derived. Each chapter begins with a resolution statement, proceeds with a description of what, why, who, and how it affects us and our neighbours, and ends with a 'Courageous challenge' and a Bible verse.

For its sheer courage to challenge and to counter the prevailing culture of laxity, luxury, and rootless liberty, I give this book a high five.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

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"Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group".