"A Higher Calling" (Harold Earls IV & Rachel Earls)

TITLE: A Higher Calling: Pursuing Love, Faith, and Mount Everest for a Greater Purpose
AUTHOR: Harold Earls IV & Rachel Earls
PUBLISHER: Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook, 2020, (224 pages)
 

This book is a beautiful love story about an army officer and a social media sensation.  Written like journal entries, the book details the lives of Harold Earls IV and Rachel Earls from courtship to marriage, and how their relationship survives and thrives through their various adventures. There is romance, spiritual lessons, adventures, travel, sports, mountain-climbing, missions, childbearing, and many enthralling stories to captivate the reader's attention. One of the most gripping parts of the book is about Harold's dangerous expedition up and down the treacherous Mount Everest. Apart from the magnificent scenes described, he tells us how the highest mountain in the world had become a deadly burial ground for many climbers. Harold prefaces each chapter with a journal entry from his Mount Everest climbing experience. 

The two authors alternate their thoughts throughout the book. They share about how they met, their common faith in God, their growing love for each other, and the dreams they want to achieve. After a period of long-distance relationship, they eventually married, only to be separated again because of the Mount Everest project. They share their marital challenges of being apart, the need for regular communication, and the crucial role of prayer in their relationship. Harold writes about his love for baseball, his endurance through army life,, especially his Ranger School stint, his mountaineering experience, and his constant expression of love for his wife. Not to be outdone, Rachel too has her own unique stories. She describes her days of vlogging, how she maintains a social media presence, her travels, and her roles as a supporting wife to Harold. 

This extraordinary couple gives us an intimate view of marriage and intimacy, faith and hope, life with purpose, and the constant dependence on God for all things. They do not claim to be superheroes of faith. Rather, they are ordinary people seeking to live beyond themselves, to reach out and make a difference whenever they can, wherever they are, and whomever they can touch. 

I leave with two words to describe this book: Exciting and Heartwarming. 

Captain Harold Earls IV is an active-duty Army officer currently serving as the Commander of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Harold is a graduate of West Point. He is a recipient of the Major General Smythe Leadership Award and is US Army Airborne/Ranger qualified.

Rachel Earls is a beloved vlogger, business owner, Army wife, and mother, and she is the founder of Earls Family Foundation. Rachel graduated cum laude from Florida State University, where she was heavily involved in service projects for organizations including the FSU Wesley Foundation and the Chi Omega sorority. 

Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of WaterBrook via NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Signals of Transcendence" (Os Guinness)

TITLE:  Signals of Transcendence - Listening to the Promptings of Life
AUTHOR: Os Guinness
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2023, (132 pages).
 

How do people find faith in God? What led them to recognize the divine presence in their lives? Why do people believe in God? Respected author Os Guinness tells us that it all boils down to positive responses toward divine promptings. These promptings come in many different forms. A lot of us might be expecting amazing signs and wonders happening in the terrestrial heavens or the skies above. Truth is, things often happen amid the ordinary circumstances of life. Sometimes, it occurs in periods of immense crises. "There must be something more to life as we know it." This is the basic question to gear one up toward anticipation of something bigger than ourselves. As people become more inward-looking, society is in need of people to have an outward-looking mindset. Lest we become a nation of self-loving, self-indulgent, and self-centered people. Ironically, the first step toward being more other-centered is the right perspective of oneself. The fundamental questions asked by Guinness all revolve around self-awareness and self-discovery: "Who am I? Why am I here? What is life all about?" I believe everybody asks one or more of these questions from time to time. If not, they would have been prompted in some ways, in what the author entitles, "signals of transcendence." For the Irish, these are "thin places."

"Rich Mullins" (James Bryan Smith)

TITLE: Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven
AUTHOR: James Bryan Smith
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2023, (240 pages).

This book is a collection of stories and recollections about the late Richard Wayne Mullins (1955-1997). For author James Bryan Smith, it is a "devotional biography." His aim in writing this book is to pay attention to the extraordinary life of Rich Mullins. Mullins had been a student, an example, a friend, a housemate, and a fellow pilgrim of the faith. Ten chapters highlight salient areas of Mullins's life. Smith writes about how family identity shapes Mullins's awareness of his uniqueness and how his roots impact his understanding of life. Mullins had wanted to be a basketball player, a mechanic, a good farmer, an athlete, etc, but often felt like a misfit. He found great solace and joy in one area: Music. Church offered him an avenue to channel that enthusiasm. He believed that there is no such thing as a one-shot faith, but an ever-ending learning journey. Against the tide of negative sayings about the Church, he continued to believe in the Church. His songs reflect his love for the church, songs like "Creed," "Liturgy," and hymns. Unlike many church-goers who choose their churches based on the quality of service or the dynamism of leaders, he believed that the key criteria ought to be the devotion of the people to the faith. He nearly converted to Roman Catholicism as he found difficulties accepting some of the teachings. His love for God grew when he experienced the deep grace and love of God. He often wrote songs reflecting his faith discoveries. Songs like "Boy Life Me/Man Like You" was about the incarnation of Christ, and "All the Way to Kingdom Come" was about the way God came searching for us. Mullins also had that St-Francis fascination over the naturally created order. Like the psalmist of old, he wrote songs of praise to reflect that admiration for God in his creation. The song "Calling Out Your Name" was one of the beautiful results of his spiritual discoveries. Mullins criticized the prosperity gospel movement frequently, primarily because they shunned the reality of human struggle. His song, "Bound to Come Some Trouble" not only taught the reality of human suffering, but it was also his unique way to comfort a hurting world. 

"Listening Well" (Heather Morris)

TITLE: Listening Well: Bringing Stories of Hope to Life
AUTHOR: Heather Morris
PUBLISHER: New York, NY: St Martin's Press, 2022, (320 pages).
 

Do not even try to judge until one has walked a mile in someone else's shoes. This message rings throughout this book that urges us to listen before we speak. As we deal with the pandemic that has crippled much of the world, we need to reset our expectations and adjust to a new world. This makes the message of learning to walk in another person's shoes even louder. Author Heather Morris is a sharp observer of cultural changes happening during this time. She shares with us stories of hope that could only be understood if we care enough to listen and learn. Perhaps, even as Covid-19 continues to ravage the world's economy and stifle human relationships, we could still consolidate our resources and begin the process of rebuilding. Rather than pretend we have all the answers, why not ask questions on how people are doing? Instead of presuming what we need, why not listen carefully to the voices that are largely muted for whatever reason? Listening is an art that needs to be learned and cultivated over time. Not only that, we could learn many things from people of all ages. We can listen to the elders, children, peers, adults, and even ourselves. In listening to elders, Morris takes us back to her time with her own grandparents and great-grandparents, learning about the war and also about the need to talk less and listen more. She learns from a 92-year-old Holocaust survivor who shared the guilt of those who made it out alive.

"Where the Light Fell" (Philip Yancey)

TITLE: Where the Light Fell: A Memoir
AUTHOR: Philip Yancey
PUBLISHER: New York, NY: Convergent Books, 2021, (299 pages).
 

Growing up, he never knew how his father died, let alone the painful secrets about his eventual termination. Digging through his family history from an old scrapbook, he learns about the terrible polio disease that hits close to home.  Raised in a poor neighbourhood, who would have known that he would grow up to become one of the most cherished writers in the American evangelical world. While many writers and famous persons write their memoirs first before launching their writing careers, Yancey seems to reverse the trend. Most famous for his books such as "What's So Amazing About Grace" and "The Jesus I Never Knew," after a few decades of writing about spiritual matters, he devotes his latest book to share about his own life journey from boyhood to the present. With a sharp eye for poignant details, he reflects on his past with brutal honestly with subtle hints on how he would have lived any differently. With hindsight from the tragic loss of his dear kitten, he might have second thoughts about getting a pet. With a penchant for details and a creative prowess for storytelling, Yancey is able to help readers put themselves in his shoes. One humorous way is in how he describes a mealtime with food he disliked, such as eating tomatoes. He tells about his experiences living in the South and having first-hand witness of the ugliness of the racial tensions. Moreover, his very own family doctor was a high-ranking member of the KKK! These together with personal details about his family background give readers insights like never before about one of the most celebrated authors in the evangelical world. 

"Made to Worship" (Phil Stacey)

TITLE: Made to Worship: Empty Idols and the Fullness of God
AUTHOR: Phil Stacey
PUBLISHER: Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2021, (272 pages).

He was set apart for a singing career. Yet, the very things that made him famous are also the very reason for breaking him down. Growing up in a family of singers, Phil Stacey has a gifted voice and a love for music. As a son of a pastor, Church is like his second home. He and his family thrived musically everywhere they went. For Phil, his music was what attracted people to him. It was the reality show, American Idol, that launched him to fame. This book is his memoir of faith, of his humble beginnings, his journey to American Idol, and the subsequent darkness that befell him in the midst of glittering images of fame. Writing about his fall from grace, he shares also about his return via the path of faith. He ends with a powerful note to proclaim that all his music, all of his experience, and all of his life are essentially made for worship. 

"J.I. Packer" (Alister McGrath)

TITLE: J. I. Packer: His Life and Thought
AUTHOR: Alister McGrath
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2020, (192 pages).

To many Christians around the world, he is known as the author of the bestselling book, "Knowing God." To North American evangelicals, he is known as the Puritan evangelical from England. To students at Tyndale, he was remembered as the theologian who impacted their ministry and preaching. For those in Regent College, he was their beloved professor, a friend of Regent's co-founder, James Houston, a scholar who is passionate about equipping the layperson for ministry. For budding authors, he was always willing to contribute a preface, a foreword, or a brief commendation about a book waiting to be published. In a richly informative and inspirational biography of Dr James Innell Packer, Oxford scholar Alister McGrath has written a beautiful tribute. It is a story of the life of a man that simply needs to be told, for the benefit of anyone considering ministry or theological education. In it, McGrath gives us wonderful snippets of Packer's life and most interestingly, some of Packer's most famous quips. His reminder about the value of old books as well as the three ways to engage tradition with theological reflection is worth the price of the book.

"A Burning in My Bones" (Winn Collier)

TITLE: A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene Peterson, Translator of The Message
AUTHOR: Winn Collier
PUBLISHER: New York, NY: Waterbrook, 2020, (368 pages).

This is a biography of one of evangelicalism's best known authors, Eugene Peterson. For his beloved Church, he will always be their beloved pastor. For Regent College students, he will be remembered as a quiet, patient, and wise teacher. In the literature world, he is respected for his ability to weave words into meaning and nuance the words into spectrum of meanings. For many leaders and professors, he is an authority in spiritual theology. For the rest of the world, he is the translator of the popular paraphrase of the Bible: THE MESSAGE. Before his death in 2018, author Winn Collier was given permission to write an authorized biography about Eugene Peterson. Given free access to Peterson's journals, papers, letters, manuscripts, as well as personal interviews, Collier had unprecedented insight into the personal life of Eugene. Most of all, it was the way that he knew God so personally that we would want to learn about. 

The book is written in three parts. Part One describes the early years of Eugene's Norwegian grandparents, Andre and Juditta Odegard Hoiland moving to America in 1902. Flathead Valley in Montana was where they eventually moved to. It was where Eugene was born to Evelyn and Don. His creativity and imagination were credit to his mother. If Eugene had learned about creativity and contemplation from his mother, he learned about companionship and community from his father. He experienced what it meant to lose a family member at a tender young age when his 2-year old sister Lois died of pneumonia. Knowing the deeper connections to Eugene's family helps us appreciate his background and how it shapes his spirituality. Then there was his time in Seattle Pacific University where he rubbed shoulders with people of different denominational backgrounds. He learned the importance of manageable size from his early experience as President of a student body. Hence, he developed this principle of not pastoring a church larger than 300 people. He refuses to put himself up on a pedestal, but chooses the humble path by identifying himself with the rest of us, that he too like many have lived haphazard lives of discovery rather than a clearly defined path. Sometimes, the discovery has to do with what one does not want to do instead of one wants to do. This was Eugene's posture when he opts for ministry instead of getting involved in the Korean war. He shares about what it meant to be a butcher's son and subsequently a butcher's life. It was not to be as his direction shifts again after much rejection from existing Church denominations. He went to Bible School hoping to do some teaching after that. Gradually, the Bible became less of a book to be studied but an invitation to a conversation with God. He learned ministry from George Buttrick, philosophy from Soren Kierkegaard, prayer from his Pentecostal roots, and theology from Karl Barth. He eventually became ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA. He studied at New York Theological Seminary and continued with a doctoral program at John Hopkins University, focusing on semitic languages. He was blessed to study under the supervision of Bill Albright. However, he did not complete his dissertation as he decided to go into full time pastoral work instead. 

"Martin Luther - A Biography for the People" (Dyron B. Daughrity)

TITLE: Martin Luther: A Biography for the People
AUTHOR: Dyron B. Daughrity
PUBLISHER: Abilene, TX: Abilene Christian University Press, 2017, (320 pages).

This year is the 500th Anniversary of Reformation Day, that eventful moment that changed the Church and the world. Despite having many volumes already written about this plucky and intelligent German monk, more remain to be said and written. This is probably due to the single greatest impact to the Church at large and how a single man stood against the huge Roman Church aristocracy. The impact of the resistance was so strongly felt that he emboldened many other early reformers to do the same for their jurisdictions leading to a multi-faceted Protestant movement. This book attempts to help us re-visit the story of Martin Luther, cementing its importance, and helping us be grateful for the faith and passion of this man, whose life and work should inspire us to keep standing up for the truth in the eras we are living in. Part of the inspiration for this book is to write for the masses instead of for ivory tower audiences. According to author Dyron Daughrity, this is not just a Protestant movement. It opened the floodgates for the dawn of the modern age; redefining religious freedom; modern capitalism; individualism; secularization; and the courage to change the world. It is also part of the author's personal journey in studying this important historical figure. By writing this work in a language for the common people, the author hopes to replicate the impact of what happened 500 years ago, when the common people stood up against the excesses of the Roman Church regime. It is storytelling of Luther's life and teachings.

"50 women every Christian should know" (Michelle DeRusha)

TITLE: 50 Women Every Christian Should Know: Learning from Heroines of the Faith
AUTHOR: Michelle DeRusha
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2014, (384 pages).

Spanning more than 1000 years starting from the start of the 9th Century, hard choices are made with regards to which women to highlight in this book to be among the "50 women every Christian should know." What makes this book truly personal and meaningful is not what one should know, but who we most connected with. From Europe to India, from Africa to North America, women across various industries have their stories dramatically told as readers are invited to learn about their beginnings, their faith journeys, their struggles, and their accomplishments in society, and especially their testimonies for God through the work they do. Some of the women are well-known figures that most of us will know. People such as Mother Teresa whose work in India is often highlighted as the model for charity work. Or the English mystic, Julian of Norwich whose deep devotion to Christ gives the world a classic work of spirituality through "Revelations of Divine Love." Or Catherine Booth, whose husband (founder of Salvation Army) seems more famous than her, but plays a significant part in the establishment and faith of the world famous organization. There is Susanna Wesley, the mother of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. The late Ruth Bell Graham is also selected as one of those women that every Christian ought to know.

"J.R.R. Tolkien" (Colin Duriez)

TITLE: J. R. R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend
AUTHOR: Colin Duriez
PUBLISHER: Oxford, England: Lion Hudson plc, 2012, (240 pages).

This book traces the life of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, most popularly known as J.R.R.Tolkien. While his novels, "Lord of the Rings," "The Hobbit," and several of his writings have achieved worldwide fame, not many people know the background of the fantasy novels, much less the author's life. With vivid flashbacks of the life of Tolkien, and the revelation of the origins of Tolkien's fictional characters, readers essentially get two stories for the price of one unique biographical sketch.  Much of Tolkien's writings are drawn from his life as an orphan seeking to make sense of purpose in life, friendship, hope, learning, love, war, and his passion for the English language. In particular, the Gothic dialects and old English cultures (especially the 14th Century language) that Tolkien has fallen in love with, helps to spawn a whole new philological (Philology simply understood is a study of languages) culture that has influenced his story and characters of the Elves, the Hobbits, and his many poems. His LOTR and Hobbit novels took him 50 years to write, many of the stories a direct result of his own life happenings. In his early years, the Scouting movement had just begun to be pioneered. Duriez surmises that this scouting background may have helped tolkien to incorporate the natural scouting skills of Sam Gamgee the Hobbit when he cooked rabbit for Frodo and himself in one incident at LOTR. The idea of the 'Fellowship of the Ring' comes about from his own inner club called the TCBS (Tea Club Barrow's Society) that comprises himself and his three very good friends, Christopher Wiseman, Rob Gilson, and Geoffrey Bache Smith. His rich imagery of Middle Earth comes from his early exposure to places and events in Switzerland. The world wars in Europe strongly shape his overall plot of the novels, that a great war is coming, and there is a big struggle between the forces of good and evil, and one needs to fight when the time is right.

Like many aspiring writers, Tolkien has his fair share of rejections and discouragement. It takes friends like CS Lewis to encourage him to finish his book. It takes tremendous discipline as his careers switch for one place to another. What is the major push toward the completion of the famous works is his love for language. Like many young lovers, Tolkien has to struggle with issues of faith and marriage (his wife Edith was an Anglican before she converted to Catholicism). Like young men who enlisted in the army during the war, he is well aware of how uncertain life and death can be. He endured the painful loss of his bosom buddies as well as his wife Edith in his later years.

My Thoughts

Colin Duriez has given readers a unique insight into the life of Tolkien and the background of the now famous characters and plot of LOTR and the Hobbit, as well as the uncompleted the Silmarillion. It is the love of language and the encouragement from friends that have enabled Tolkien to write, and to tell stories in a way that is so 'Tolkien,' that is to say, to marry real life with fantasy, to express himself through storytelling, and in the process, invite readers to journey together, wary of hell below and heaven above, while we all live on Middle Earth. He teaches themes of courage, betrayal, love, faith, good, evil, and many more, which many people around the world are now familiar with.  There are also many things that Tolkien himself is passionate about that has given form to many of his writings and his living. Like the need for self-control, to pursue a relationship with his girlfriend Edith, be obedient to both his guardian as well as his passion. Or the theme of courage, where he stands up for what is right, even when his own life is at stake.  There are several instances which look as if his literary career will be shortlived. Yet, for the blessings of friendship, of a love for language, of a vivid imagination, and an ability to connect fantasy with reality, Tolkien's completed works have enabled the world to catch a glimpse of what one person can do. This book is a tremendous encouragement in three ways. Firstly, we all have a need for fellowship. We are not meant to live alone. The TCBS high school club that Tolkien is a part of, helps keep his interests alive. Secondly, love and sacrifice come about together. His love for Edith, for country, and for his unique desire to learn 14th Century culture, comes with a sacrifice. Thirdly, for writers and those involved in creative work, Tolkien is a testimony of passion that comes alive through story telling and publishing. Nothing is ever easy, and no one goes into publishing for the sake of trying to be famous. It all comes from a passion. A passion that needs to be driven from within, though it can be encouraged from without.

The novels, poems, and writings of Tolkien when read with Tolkien's life story in mind, usher in a whole new perspective of the Hobbit and the LOTR. If you love the works of Tolkien, this book is a must read.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Kregel Publications without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"The Humble Leader - John Stott" (Julia Cameron)

TITLE: John Stott: The Humble Leader (Trailblazer)
AUTHOR: Julia Cameron
PUBLISHER: Fearn, Ross-shire: Christian Focus Publications, 2012, (ebook).

This book is an attempt to piece together the life of the late Rev Dr John Stott using fictional storytelling with facts gleaned from his life. From childhood, his early exposure to Christianity, his beginnings in Christian ministry, and the opportunities he were given and how he managed to become one of the world's most powerful evangelical leaders, the book gives readers an intimate look at the ups and downs of the humble man.

Recognized by Time magazine as one of the top 100 most influential persons, awarded six honorary doctorates, well-loved by the evangelical communities all around the world, Stott remains humble about it all. Born in 27 April 1921, he has a special fondness for little animals. At a young age, he loves to write, especially about birds. This hones his literary skills, and forms the bedrock of his communicating skills later on. What is remarkable is that at a young tender age, he is not only a curious little boy, he is gentle. Well liked by his teachers and friends, he is also a competitive person. He admits that what stood out for him in his childhood is his meeting with John Bridger and Eric Bash just before he turns 17. Stott has admired Bridger for his "clear and confident faith." Bash challenges the young Stott to either "reject" Christ or to "follow" Christ. There is no such thing as "neutral." Stott made a choice that changed not just his own life, but many others too.

Stott goes on to Cambridge University and joins the Cambridge Inter-Collegiate Christian Union. Bash continues to encourage and disciple the young Stott through prayer and giving Stott an opportunity to serve as Camp Secretary. Stott does well in his studies, and was soon studying theology at Ridley Hall in Cambridge.  He is a very disciplined person, making the best of his time to study, to read, to manage his life methodically. Stott is a Pacifist, and refuses to endorse war. For him, it is clear that Jesus is first and State a distant second. Instead of simply saying no to war, he assures his family of his commitment to be loyal to the family and to do the best he can in other matters. After WWII, Stott gets ordained at All Souls Church in Langham Place. It is at this place, Stott serves faithfully, blessing the Church community, students at campuses all around the world, and evangelicals everywhere.

There are several reasons in the book on why Stott is a humble leader. Firstly, he hardly boasts about his own skills. Instead, recognizing his family privileges and good background, he is particularly sensitive to the plight of the poor and the marginalized. Once, he reaches out to the local children by personally taking them camping, taking care of their camping details, borrowing tents, shopping for food, etc, all for the sake of stretching the minds of the young boys. Secondly, he learns willingly. For example, he is always having an eye on how best to do evangelism, learning from those with new ideas for evangelism. Thirdly, he ministers among the poor by living like a poor. Once, he avoids shaving and cleaning, so that he can walk through the streets to be among the beggars on the streets, personally experiencing what it means to live like the poor. Sometimes, he will offer up his own bed and sleep on the couch instead.

Stott's most lasting legacy is his knowledge and exposition of the Bible. He believes, "We need to give time to understanding ideas. Ideas shape the way we think, and the way we think shapes the way we behave."

My Thoughts

It is always a pleasure to read about John Stott. Even though the book is put together by another person, it presents to readers the many highlights of the great evangelical leader. The world may have lost the powerful preacher and gifted teacher, but memories of his  life and influence will be etched in the hearts and minds of many, for a long time. May God raise up more men like Stott.

conrade

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This book is provided to me free by Christian Focus Publications as part of the blog tour from 25-29 June 2012, without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"The Search for God and Guinness" (Stephen Mansfield)

TITLE: The Search for God and Guinness: A Biography of the Beer that Changed the World
AUTHOR: Stephen Mansfield
PUBLISHER: Nashville, TN: Thomas-Nelson, 2009, (276 pages).

Do you know....

• That the water used for the world famous Guinness stout beer comes not from the Liffey River in Dublin, but from the mountains of Wicklow, south of Dublin?
• That Arthur Guinness started the first Sunday School in Ireland?
• That Guinness Stout is also a health beverage?
• That workers at Guinness receive some of the best wages in the world, and benefits extend generously to their dependents as well?
• That Guinness has strong Protestant roots and still thrives in a largely Roman Catholic land?
• That Guinness is a household name in Ireland?
• ....

He has written about the two most powerful persons in the world (George W Bush and Barack Obama), a top religious figure (Pope Benedict XVI), as well as the extraordinary men in history like Winston Churchill and George Whitefield. He has also written about healing from Church hurts. Now, Mansfield continues his journey through one of the most recognized icons in the beer industry: Guinness Stout.