"Claiming the Courageous Middle" (Shirley A. Mullen)

TITLE: Claiming the Courageous Middle: Daring to Live and Work Together for a More Hopeful Future
AUTHOR: Shirley A. Mullen
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2024, (200 pages).
 

"The nation is divided." "Society is broken." "Why can't we all just get along?" These are common phrases heard these days. From politics to religious matters; human rights to social justice; systemic racism to various inequalities; people are becoming more vocal about their stand. This has led to a host of problems never seen before in the previous century. Largely driven by social media's ease and speed of public expression, people are arguing not just in public places but also on private platforms. In such a polarized climate, there is a tendency for all sides to drag people and opinions either to the left or to the right. Diversity can be divisive. What about the middle? Up comes the notion of a "courageous middle." Seeing the deep divisions across America today, author Shirley Mullen sees the need for this position more than ever. As the world gets pulled apart by binary mindsets, it becomes a challenge to find a middle ground for all. Mullen urges the expansion of the middle space that sees the common good and also does not necessarily take sides. She aims directly at three groups of people. The first group includes those that stereotype the middle position negatively. The second group is for those who want to play the role of peacemakers and reconciliation. The third group is for those who tend to lament but seem helpless to do anything about it. Driven by her concern for the rising levels of polarization in society, media, and churches, she recognizes a sizable number of undecided people; who are on neither end of the poles; or unwittingly caught up in the middle. Mullen argues that taking the middle is "one form of faithful witness" for Jesus. 

"Heavenward" (Cameron Cole)

TITLE: Heavenward: How Eternity Can Change your Life on Earth
AUTHOR: Cameron Cole
PUBLISHER: Wheaton, IL: Crossway Publishers, 2024, (200 pages).

Life is difficult. For some, life is terribly cruel. In an honest lament after losing his firstborn, author Cameron Cole writes about the need for hope by cultivating a heavenward perspective of life. Linking personal experience with Scriptural teachings, he describes what heavenward means, who the book is for, and some ways to live with heavenly thoughts while on earth. Written in three sections, Section One begins with a description of what "heavenward" means for the Apostle Paul and for the rest of us. Using Paul as an example, Cole shows us from the Bible how heaven-mindedness transforms Paul's entire life. From Paul, Cole then moves to what it means in our present world. In top-down, we let the love of God from above motivate our earthly living. In bottom-up, he links earthly circumstances with a perspective of heavenward mindset. Another heavenward posture is through waiting.

Section Two looks at five different factors affecting Paul's heavenly outlook. The first is about seeing the coming of the Kingdom with Christ as the centre. The second is a powerful take on how the way to transform conventional earthly living with heavenward earthly living. Whether on earth or in heaven, we can live that eternity perspective and that changes everything. The third points moves this further along toward a target: Jesus. Heaven is less about a material place but more about that spiritual union with Christ. The fourth takes us even deeper toward seeing God for who He is. This glorious outlook is beyond understanding. Finally, the power of the Holy Spirit moves us to become heavenward people.

"Loving Your Adult Children" (Gaye B. Clark)

TITLE: Loving Your Adult Children: The Heartache of Parenting and the Hope of the Gospel
AUTHOR: Gaye B. Clark
PUBLISHER: Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2024, (176 pages).

Parenting is a life-long endeavour. Even though the means change over time, the nature of parental love will remain. When the children are dependants, parents take responsibility for them. Once they become adults, the way parents care for them will also have to change. As a parent myself, I often tell my friends that parenting is like flying a kite. When they are young, we hang on tightly when dangerous winds try to blow them off-course. As they grow older, we loosen our grip so that they can learn how to make their own decisions. Eventually, we need to let go of the kite completely as they embark upon the journey of adulthood. As the children become adults, the way parents love them will have to change accordingly. For author Gaye Clark, the primary goal of Christian parenting is to teach children to place their hopes in life on God alone through Jesus's finished work. When the children are young, parents pay and pray for their daily needs. When they become adults and become independent, parents can continue to love them by praying for them. Besides that, Clark shows us even more ways to love them. Putting first things first, if we want our children to have faith in God alone, we need to practice what we are going to preach. The way to love our children is essentially to lead by example. We do this through the practice of faith, repentance, grace, hope, Church, patience, Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, Self-Control, Peace, and Love.

"Worth Seeing" (Amy L. Williams)

TITLE: Worth Seeing: Viewing Others Through God's Eyes
AUTHOR: Amy Lyn Williams
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2024, (232 pages).
 

Our society often elevates the externals over the internals, the visible instead of the invisible. In many developed economies, people rush headlong toward attaining the 5Cs: Cars, Cash, Condominiums, Credit Cards, and Country Clubs. With that, people tend to gravitate toward those who are famous, rich, and powerful. Fact is, not everyone can be world famous, materially rich, and powerful. What happens to the rest of us? What about the marginalized and those despised by society? Can we learn to see all people for who they are, regardless of their reputations or ill-repute, poverty or riches, seen and unseen? More importantly, how do we learn to see our fellow human beings the way that God has intended for us to see? Beginning with the story of how Sarai mistreated Hagar in Genesis 16, author Amy Williams shows us that amid Hagar's depressing situation, God sees her and encourages her. God assures her that even when the world do not, God sees her for what she is worth. As one who ministers frequently to gang members, high-risk youths, and people who fell into a life of crime, she calls herself a "Hope Dealer." She also works as a "female gang-intervention specialist and juvenile justice advocate." The key is to learn to see people from God's point of view as best as we can.  Williams shows us the four fundamental ways of seeing:

"Rethinking the Police" (Daniel Reinhardt)

TITLE: Rethinking the Police: An Officer's Confession and the Pathway to Reform
AUTHOR: Daniel Reinhardt
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2023, (224 pages).
 

The general perception of the Police force has taken a beating these days. From Michael Brown to Breonna Taylor, Daniel Prude to George Floyd, instances of police brutality on minority communities are becoming far too common. Those who claim that the issue is due to individual racists will have to explain why in 2023, five African American policemen killed Tyre Nichols, a black. According to author Daniel Reinhardt, the problem is beyond individuals. It is embedded in a system that nourishes systemic discrimination. In other words, if the perpetrators are guilty, the environment that breeds them is worse. As a 24-year-veteran of the police force, Reinhardt knows the system from the academy to street patrols. The question remains. If law enforcement agencies, courts, the federal agencies are aware of the problem, then why is there so little progress for better policing? Reinhardt puts his finger on the lack of changes from the inside out. With so much attention on external factors, internal factors have unwittingly been minimized. These factors refer to culture, worldview, and "implicit social structures." He goes on to describe the three key cultural factors: "Social distance," "Unchecked power," and "social structures." 

"Nourishing Narratives" (Jennifer L. Holberg)

TITLE: Nourishing Narratives: The Power of Story to Shape Our Faith
AUTHOR: Jennifer L. Holberg
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2023, (240 pages).
 

What is our story? Are they defined by highlights in our careers or are they tarnished by failures in our ventures? How do we tell our own stories? Which narrative should we share? Do we share inspiring ones or lament about the negative events in our lives? For author Jennifer Holberg, this book is about helping us share life-giving narratives of our lives. Readers also learn about paying close attention to the narratives of others, all for the purpose of sensing God's story in the larger world. We associate the names of people with memories of our encounters with them. We get a frank assessment of the popular use of testimonies, with the author questioning the stereotypes of the "Boring Testimony Syndrome" where believers are urged to share sensational conversion stories. The truth is, many of our personal narratives are complicated. We cannot and should not allow others to dictate our own narratives. Here, we learn to ask ourselves questions like:

• Why do I find it hard to share my personal stories?
• Why am I uncomfortable with my own narrative?
• What does the discomfort tell us about ourselves and our theology?
• Is the tension we feel need to go away or to be embraced?
• What is the essence of the story and how can I share it in such a way as to bless another person?

"Faith Like a Child" (Lacy Finn Borgo)

TITLE: Faith Like a Child: Embracing Our Lives as Children of God
AUTHOR: Lacy Finn Borgo
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2023, (176 pages).
 

Jesus taught us in the gospels to welcome the children and not to prevent them from going to Him. Is that welcome only for little kids? Not really. Are adults excluded? Surely not. For the moment we pray "Abba Father," we see ourselves as children of God. Furthermore, didn't Jesus also teach us to be like little children, for such belongs the Kingdom of God? Indeed, the way to the Kingdom is via the attitude of childlikeness. Here's the problem. Many of us who are adults no longer know the significance of childlikeness. We confuse it with childishness. We tend to segregate our understanding of children more in terms of age rather than attitude. Perhaps, the practice of reuniting our hearts with our childhood selves can bring back not only greater innocence but also spiritual wonder. How do we do that? What then does it mean to have faith like a child? Do we have to deny our adulthood in order to go back to childhood? This book is about learning how to cultivate a childlike heart as part of a maturing faith. Author Lacy Finn Borgo first takes us through the Bible to notice the frequency of the word "welcome." As far as God is concerned, He is always welcoming and invites us into His Presence. Borgo shows us the traits of a child such as the capacity for play, wonder, dependence, and a deep awareness of the bodies God had given us. She shares heartfelt gratitude even after a mastectomy, reminding us that we need to avoid splitting ourselves into body and spirit. Whether it is a broken body or a broken spirit, while the world tries to separate them, learning to accept them is a better path toward healing. A grateful heart is one powerful way to unite our restless minds with our broken selves. 

"Incurable Faith" (Andrea Herzer)

TITLE: Incurable Faith: 120 Devotions of Lasting Hope for Lingering Health Issues
AUTHOR: Andrea Herzer
PUBLISHER: New York, NY: Waterbrook & Multnomah, 2023, (304 pages).
 

"You have cancer!" These three words can easily strike fear even for the most stoic minds. How does one deal with bad news? What if the prognosis is mostly negative? How then do we bear living in an increasingly unbearable situation? Like in a dark and gloomy tunnel, life through chronic illness can be downright depressing. In times like these, hope becomes that crucial light at the end of the long tunnel. One of the ways to remind us of hope in Jesus is through devotionals. Here, author Andrea Herzer gives us 120 devotionals to guide us through hardships any of us might encounter from time to time. These devotionals are conveniently categorized according to length. Section One is "snack size" meaning the devotional is about 1-2 pages long. Intended for people who might not be able to sustain a longer read, they are given in bit-size format for ease of reading and reference. The introductory passage, prayer, and invitation to worship are brief and to the point. Section Two is a little more substantial called "A Marvelous Meal." The passages are slightly longer, about 2-3 pages in length. This allows readers who have the energy to read a longer passage to do so. It gives us more time and space to reflect on the passages read. Section Three contains devotionals that are the most dense of all. It is written particularly for the lonely in mind. It is also suitable for those who want a longer quiet time. 

"Refresh Your Hope" (Lori Hatcher)

TITLE: Refresh Your Hope: 60 Devotions for Trusting God with All Your Heart
AUTHOR: Lori Hatcher
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Our Daily Bread Publishing, 2023, (272 pages).
 

We all need hope. Like a train going through a long dark tunnel, we all want to see light sooner rather than later. Journeying through dark times can be scary and suffocating. Hope carries the confidence that the journey will not end in the dark but pull one through toward the light. Yet, in a world of ups and downs, hope is not always present. That is why we need to have hope refreshed and this book shows us 60 devotions to help keep up our hope and trust in God. These devotions are classified under three parts:

1. God's Nature (20 devotions)
2. God's Work (20 devotions)
3. God's Word (20 devotions)

Each devotion begins with a passage for meditation on the theme of Hope. This is followed by a story, illustration, or observation about the verse. We learn about the many dimensions of Hope, especially biblical hope. This includes knowing that God never forgets us. God is ever-present and faithful. God's Presence is Peace. God who has created the world knows best about what the world truly needs. Author Lori Hatcher probes the theme of Hope through reflections on the world we live in, the work of God in this world, and the Word of God. Each chapter concludes with encouragement and prayer. As a devotion, the chapters of this book take us back to the Word of God, showing us the Source of all Hope. There are many different aspects of life that readers can relate to. In "He Remembers Our Sin No More," Hatcher relates her experience as a dental hygiene student, how in the midst of great discouragement, she was able to shirk off criticisms and press on. In "Every Gift Matters," we learn not to let our hopes diminish in the light of others' gifts. Instead, we let God shine a light on the gifts we already have. In "God Will Sustain Us in our Old Age," we see how the same God who showered grace on others can also do the same for us. These and many more forms the bedrock of devotions to direct us to the Giver of Hope. 

Readers wanting to inculcate a greater sense of Hope can use this book to guide their thoughts and hearts to trust the providence and faithfulness of God. It is not so much about us trying to believe but more about encountering God in our everyday lives. The short chapters are highly suitable for those of us with busy lifestyles who have very little time to read. Hopefully, consistent and disciplined reading will not only give us the discipline to develop a regular reading habit, but it can also build up in our hearts a greater knowledge and deeper love for God.

Lori Hatcher is an author, blogger, pastor's wife, and women's ministry speaker. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications including Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. A contest-winning Toastmasters International speaker, Lori uses high-impact stories to impart transformational truth. Find out more about Lori and her well-loved 5-minute devotions at LoriHatcher.com. 

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Our Daily Bread Publishing and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Returning from the Abyss" (Walter Brueggemann)

TITLE: Returning from the Abyss: Pivotal Moments in the Book of Jeremiah
AUTHOR: Walter Brueggemann
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2022, (170 pages).

What does it take to do a sustained study of Jeremiah? What is the "primary plotline" of this major prophet? What has the book of Jeremiah has to say to modern society, and in particular to the modern USA? How would Jeremiah speak into a culture constantly tarnished by incidents of racism and economic injustice? Reflecting on chosen passages from the book of Jeremiah, author Walter Brueggemann aims to highlight how the ancient prophet's message to Israel then is also applicable to us today. Beginning with how Jeremiah describes the time of the kings, the author looks at the reign of several kings of Judah and Israel and extrapolates God's message of intent into the 21st Century. He invites readers to enter the abyss of the Israelite exilic experience, to show us the inexplicable gift of being able to return from such dire circumstances. Instead of a verse-by-verse or a passage-by-passage commentary style, Brueggemann opts for selective verses that help us pause and read via the ancient practice of Lectio Divina. With each verse, Brueggemann provides us a context for the thought process. He then highlights some of the spiritual ills or challenges facing ancient people of God and challenges us to recognize any modern equivalents. Brueggemann challenges us to identify the threats of atheism and idolatry, warning us against the mistake of identifying the lesser enemy.

"Next Sunday" (Nancy Beach and Samantha Beach Kiley)

TITLE: Next Sunday: An Honest Dialogue About the Future of the Church
AUTHOR: Nancy Beach and Samantha Beach Kiley
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2022, (192 pages).
 

Even as the Church in the West continues its gradual decline, there are many who continue to be faithful not only in attendance but also in service. In the midst of change, as different age groups grapple with issues unique to their generation, regardless of affiliation, there are many who care deeply about the state of the church. They want change for the better. They desire the wonderful community they dream of. They want a positive future for the Church. Spanning two generations, a mother-and-daughter team has come together to dialogue about the current state of the church and what is needed to change for the better. They share everything, their emotions about the past such as their assumptions, observations about apathy, disappointments, histories, suspicions, memories, and histories they experienced. They also express their hopes for the future of the Church. They ask the key question: "What will be most important for local churches going forward if they hope to thrive and not merely survive?" Through their family discussions, they manage to crystallize their thoughts into seven pertinent subjects. Both of them speak from their perspectives about how the future would be if they concentrate on strategies to deal with the following "distinctiveness."

"What are Christians For?" (Jake Meador)

TITLE: What Are Christians For?: Life Together at the End of the World
AUTHOR: Jacob R. Meador
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2021, (192 pages).
 

In a self-driven, self-seeking, and self-centered world, it is common to ask questions about one's identity, purpose, and significance. Who am I? What am I called to do? What is my purpose in life? These are all familiar questions about the self. What if we take some time to think about our role in the community we are in? What if we take it even further to think about our role as believers in Christ? What if more of us recognize that the individual is incomplete without the whole body of believers? What if we begin not with the self in mind, but with the people, the very people that God has called us to love and to be a part of? That changes everything. In a powerful reminder of how interdependent we truly are, author Jake Meador shares with us the simple but powerful effects of simply being faithful to our calling no matter where we are. Called the "whole life approach," Meador draws our attention to the need for believers to be active in social justice and everyday spirituality. Like how Father Ted played his part in supporting the persecuted during the apartheid in South Africa, or how Frederick Douglass helped battle slavery in the 19th Century. Why are not more people stepping up to do the good that they ought to do? Why are we not seeing more of such radical practices in our modern world? Why are we increasingly disenfranchised with society, with political divisions, and isolated? Meador uses the title of the book as a veiled challenge to all Christians to do something about authentic discipleship. This book is a guide to help us understand the reasons why we fail to live up to the expectations of our callings; to remind us once again of our need for interdependency, and the courage we need to step up. 

"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.

"Feathers of Hope" (Sharon Garlough Brown)

TITLE: Feathers of Hope: A Novel
AUTHOR: Sharon Garlough Brown
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2021, (384 pages).

Hope. This world needs hope more than ever. Not only is the world we live in constantly changing, but we too are also changing. As we age, our perspectives, our physical abilities, and our perceptions of our needs will be strangely different. One can either resist the change for as long as possible or embrace change as soon as one can. The former reclines in fear while the latter nudges forward in hope. What better way to describe these transitions through a novel that spells out the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of change. Centering around the lives of three women, this book offers readers many insights into life transitions, losses, and love. Like birds that molt gradually, eventually, one has to face up to a "dramatic shedding of the old." Recognizing how many people are creatures of habit and largely resistant to change, sometimes, we just need to learn to let go and let God, as the popular saying goes. Katherine Rhodes (aka Kit) has been serving as spiritual director of "New Hope Retreat Center." She has helped many people through many spiritual retreats, giving wise guidance as well as spiritual direction. As she prepares to transition to retirement, she makes a bold request for the board to look for a replacement with a dramatically different skill set in order to keep up with the times. This might seem easy to say but to surrender the comfort zones of one's past successes to another is another challenge altogether. Katherine was bold to ask for an "upgrade" from what she could offer. The board managed to find a promising candidate who checked all the boxes. Whether it checks Katherine's insecurities remains to be seen. Even as she prepares to do her last retreat, she has to deal with requests for more retreats by her. 

"Breaking Ground" (Anne Snyder and Susannah Black, editors)

TITLE: Breaking Ground: Charting Our Future in a Pandemic Year
AUTHOR: (Anne Snyder and Susannah Black, editors)
PUBLISHER: Walden, NY: Plough Publishing House, 2022, (400 pages).

If there is any specific life-changing event at the turn of this decade, it would nonetheless be Covid-19. Never before have there been so many deaths, fears, disruptions to the local economy, and global repercussions for the general public, businesses, friends, families, and loved ones. From multinational corporations to non-profits like charities and churches, the arms of the pandemic have spread like wildfires affecting every continent, every country, and every culture. In early 2020, a group of thoughtful individuals came together to ask the question: "What would a post-pandemic world look like?" Refusing to accept a mere "Things will never be the same again," the contributors boldly attempt to see the future through renewed thinking of the many facets of life we have often taken for granted. That is not all. Even after removing the pandemic factor, there remains a deep-seated self-deception among people that they are presumed correct until proven otherwise. That sets the stage for arrogance and pride that refuses to learn, to the detriment of our future generations. We need a way to help us humbly learn from our mistakes and to break new ground for growth and human progress. This collection of essays is written by individuals who hail as cultural critics, scholars, speakers, businesspersons, professors, psychologists, philosophers, poets, political observers, professionals, researchers, venture capitalists, and many more. Written between June 2020 to June 2021, the writers explore issues pertaining to three types of needs, the need to:

"The Resurrection of Jesus Christ" (W. Ross Hastings)

TITLE: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Exploring Its Theological Significance and Ongoing Relevance
AUTHOR: W. Ross Hastings
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2022, (208 pages).
 

The Resurrection of Christ is the single most important reason for the Christian faith. Paul even says that without the Resurrection, our faith would have been in vain. Thankfully, because of the bodily resurrection of Jesus on the third day, not only do we have reason to hope for a better tomorrow in Christ, we are called to share this good news with all around us. Besides these expressions of hope and joy, what else can we learn about the theological significance of the greatest event on earth? A lot, says theologian and professor Ross Hastings. Readers can find how this truth is unpacked in this book that not only talks about but does so in an illuminating style. He addresses some questions arising out of this great salvation event:

• What is the theological significance of the resurrection?
• What is the historicity of the resurrection?
• How did the resurrection transform the early disciples?
• What has the resurrection got to do with salvation?
• What does the resurrection mean to participate in a community of Christ?
• What can the resurrection inform us about our calling and vocation?
• What is the relationship between Christ's resurrection and the bodily resurrection of believers?
• How does the resurrection declare Christ's supremacy?
• What can we learn from this resurrection event about creation?
• What about the second coming of Jesus?

Movie: American Underdog (Opening Christmas Day 2021)

I watched a preview of the movie "American Underdog" and was wowed by the quality of the acting. Based on the story of Kurt Warner's rise from a rejected football player to become the MVP at the NFL, the film inspires us not to give up on our dreams. The movie begins with statistics. Each year, over a million young boys dream of going to the NFL. Out of this pool, only 10% get a fair shot to be drafted. Out of this 10%, less than 1% is eventually drafted. What was amazing is that Warner was undrafted, and yet able to join the NFL eventually. How is the movie inspiring? Let me summarize it in three ways.

"Of the Earth" (Kim Cousins)

TITLE:  Of the Earth

AUTHOR: Kim Cousins
PUBLISHER: Eugene, OR: Resource Publications, 2021, (224 pages).

War, Authority, Rebellion, Power, Control, Peacekeepers, End-times. People who run and those who run after others. Fall of America. Veterans fighting another war. Miracles. A New World. Animals that talk. Daring escapes. Biblical references. These and many more fill the pages of this captivating fiction that combines creative story-telling peppered with biblical truths. Right from the first page, this action-packed thriller will keep readers glued to the pages. There are incidents of heroism and sacrifice for the sake of the community. The good residents worked together and ensured adequate provisions for one another.  The enemies schemed to eradicate all resistance without mercy. The resistance remained faithful to the end. Amid the tension and the constant threats of attacks from the Peacemakers, many of the heroic characters maintained their faith in God, with the help of prayers from pastors, encouragement from believers, and good deeds that warm hearts. 
On top of the wars happening, then come the plagues that ravage the population. Every chapter contains references to biblical images showing us that this book is not merely fiction. It comes with stark reminders that the story in the book has biblical underpinnings that we all need to be aware of. Such as God's love for the world; miracles; hope for a better world to come; betrayals among family members; the mark of the beast; the casting out of demons; and several more. It is like seeing how God's Word comes alive through the events and conversations among the characters. 

This book is a thriller that could keep us at the edges of our seats. I applaud the author for her ability to weave so many characters together. It takes a clear vision of the entire storyline to develop each character without losing track of the main plot. Having the animal conversations in italics also help readers to distinguish between human and animal speak. I must admit that it takes a while to get used to this animal talk, but readers would get used to it quite quickly. The list of characters is a giveaway as to the many characters readers need to keep track of. This is one good clean Christian fiction that should make a good gift this Christmas.

Kim Cousins is a retired academic advisor from the University of Minnesota Crookston. She is the author of Rule Keepers (2020) in potatosoupjournal.com and Evolving Interactions in Higher Education Change (2011) in National Association of Student Affairs Professions. Kim lives on a farm in Tennessee with her husband, Woodie, and an amusing group of animals. Her family includes five children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

Conrade

"How to Love the World" (Various Contributors, edited by James Crews)

TITLE: How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope
AUTHOR: Various Contributors, edited by James Crews
PUBLISHER: North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, 2021, (208 pages).

Can gratitude be taught? Well, we can teach children to say "Thank You" when young, but that is no guarantee they will learn to be thankful when they grow up. The key question in this book of poems is this: "Are you happy to be alive?" It is a given that in the West, the pursuit of happiness is not only deemed a necessary purpose, it is also considered a right in itself. With experience and thoughtful reflections, the contributors to this collection of poems help maneuver ourselves along the rivers of hope through the vessels of gratitude. The beauty of this is that these poems come from a diversity of people from all over the world. There are artists, farmers, engineers, professors, speakers, teachers, medical professionals, etc, all trying their hand on writing poetry. There is a poem for many different circumstances to describe this journey toward hope via gratitude. Some of these are quite painful. Injecting hope can be a challenge but when expressed through meaningful words, it brings lots of comfort and peace. Though the poems are not categorized specifically, they are collected and separated by reflective pauses. In the necessity of joy, the poems teach us how to appreciate the small things in our daily lives. Even the humble dandelion can show us the way if we have eyes to see. In racially charged environments, sometimes we are tempted to look down even on our own skin colour, especially when we have been discriminated against. Joy comes when we willingly accept who we are and not to be derailed by the behaviour of others on the basis of skin colour. Just observing the love of a father to his son parallels the vision of angels watching over us. 

"Forerunners of the Faith Manual" (Nathan Busenitz)

TITLE: Forerunners of the Faith: 13 Lessons to Understand and Appreciate the Basics of Church History
AUTHOR: Nathan Busenitz
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2020, (112 pages).

The great Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard once said: "Life is lived forward but understood backwards." In trying to make sense of history, we are in effect trying to understand the meaning and significance of how past events have impacted or are still influencing our modern world. As a kid, history is one of those subjects that tend to be old and boring. Who wants to study the past when the future is so much more exciting? Once we get older, we realize that many things that we are trying to solve in the present have happened before in the past. In fact, the more we know of the past, the better we are able to plan for the future. With regard to faith, it is no different. In this survey of Church History, Church Age, or some might prefer to call it the History of Christianity, author and professor Busenitz divides post-Resurrection age in four periods:

1. The Apostolic Age (1st Century)
2. The Patristic Age (2nd-5th Centuries)
3. The Middle Age (6th-15th Centuries)
4. The Reformation and Modern Period (16th-20th Centuries)