AUTHOR: Bob Goff
PUBLISHER: Nashville, TN: Thomas-Nelson, 2012, (224 pages).
There is the story of Randy who sacrifices his own time with his bride, just to be present with Goff. Doug's infectious love for life is stimulating enough to move a culture who likes to play-it-safe to a risk-it-all mentality. Using Ryan's romantic love as a metaphor, Goff asserts that love does not just happen. Love makes it all a reality. Of course, not all stories are feel good ones. Some are sad or downright hilarious. Goff shares about his embarrassing time as a waiter, where he lost his job because of an involuntary fart! Yet, he is able to encourage readers by saying that sometimes the best things to happen to us are failures. Goff learns about the beauty of dependence in a world that prides independence. He shares about his insights of the love between his wife, Sweet Maria and him, and how it points to the greatest love of all in God. Goff's consistent message to readers is that life is real, and we need to live real. There is no need to give in to fear by playing it safe. There is no need to hide our true selves in order to avoid being damaged accidentally. Fake versions are not worth it. The authentic version, bruised or dirtied is far more valuable. Risk is better. Dare is better. Love makes both happen.
My Thoughts
A book like this is hard to come by. Once it does, grab it, write on it, highlight it, and make noise about it. If we want to live a fruitful life, we cannot hide away from the rains or sunshine. Without these elements, there is no way we can grow or be fruitful. Braving the elements not only exposes us to the nature, it enables us to grow and to live life to the full. Far too many people are unwilling to take risks, preferring to play it safe. Goff's book reminds me of the nature of faith. Faith is investing willingly in the lives of people. Faith is stepping out into the unknown territories. Faith is walking not by sight, but by trusting God will provide all things. The Bible says that there is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear. Goff has demonstrated this with his life stories as well as the many testimonies of people.
I find myself saying "wow!" from time to time as I turn the pages, marking out key passages of wisdom and learning. For anyone who is bored with life, uncertain about what to do about their daily routines, try reading this book to see how ordinary lives can be supercharged in extraordinary ways. What makes this book really special is how an ordinary world can be incredibly exciting. It takes one who has taken risks to see opportunities out of ordinariness. Bob Goff is one such person. "Love Does" is guaranteed to move you to action.
Ratings: 5 stars of 5.
conrade
"Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson".
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