Let Go Book Review

Ok So I again and posting a review for Thomas Nelson Books. This time it's for Let Go by Sheila Walsh. This would make a great ladies study or small group book discussion. Sheila Walsh writes in a way that speaks to many. This is not a book to try and read in one weekend, I believe the author intended it to be read at a pace that will allow you to really take in what you've just read. Each Chapter starts with scripture and quotes that relate to that chapter, and ends with thought provoking questions or deliverance delivered and prayer. I love how she starts the book out in her introduction "to be delivered you have to let go" The stories and quotes she uses through out the book are fit perfectly in each chapter making this a book you could use for the specific area you are struggling with, skipping over the other chapters.

In Chapter one Fresh Baked Grace for the Spiritually Hungry, Sheila talks about Seeing God in everything. I can think back on so many times in my life that I didn't see God in the everyday kind of things. He was there I just wasn't looking

Some of My Favorite Quotes are: God's Love for us is not based on our behavior, ...It's based on his heart and his character. That's Grace"

"To Have my hands free to receive grace, I have to be willing to let go of whatever I am clinging to."

"The Ground at the foot of the cross is even. There are no podiums for those who feel most worthy. There are no pits for those who feel most worthy. There are no pits for those who feel they don't belong. The only way to break free from this dead, stale religion is with the glorious gift of fresh-baked grace every morning for the rest of our lives!"

The chapter that spoke the most to me was Living in the Past. How often do I talk to myself in a way that I wouldn't dare talk to another person? All to often. This chapter opened my eyes to some of those things that I am "holding on to" that keep me from fully allowing God's Grace to wash over me.

I would have to say that overall the book was not your typical Christian Self Help Book, Sheila Walsh makes you do the work yourself, and really look into what's going on in your life. Her thought provoking questions really make you think. If your looking for a great book discussion book or small group study this would be a great choice. I will leave you with one last quote from the book that really got me thinking.

"in Christ our very wounds and scars can be redeemed. Pain is hard: there's no doubt. But pain reminds us why Christ died. It reminds us to bring our wounds to the wounded Healer so he can make us better. In turn, we can comfort others as we have been comforted and look to a future free form hurt. We are not asked to pretend our wounds don't exist, but to let go and stop holding on to them so tightly."

So Let Go!

Fearless Max Lucado Book Review

I have the privilege of reading and reviewing for Thomas Nelson Publishers, and my first review is for FEARLESS by Max Lucado. First I have to say that I have read many Max Lucado books, and loved them and Fearless is no different.

What do you fear? Loss of Job? Being Alone? Not Enough Time? What ever your facing there is a way to get out of that pit of despair and dread that fear seems to pull us all into. Max Lucado gives practical, real life, Scripture based answers to bring us out of the pits of fear. No one is immune to fear, and Max writes in a way that feels like he is speaking directly to your heart. Using real life stories scripture and his own life experiences,Max can speak to us no matter what it is we fear.

The chapters are short and yet filled with so many important tools, that anyone can use. The discussion guide at the end is great for a group study or even just on your own. The Book begins with a story about Max's brother and he writes in a way that makes you truly feel like you do know him. My Favorite chapter and probably the area I struggle most is Chapter 2 which talks about fear of not mattering. Max uses the Villagers of Stiltsville to get his point across. "We fear coming and going and no one knowing" but we don't have to Scripture tells us that we do matter, that our creator chose us. Max reminds us of these truths throughout chapter 2, and the entire book.

"Fear at it's center, is a perceived loss of control." "Fear may fill our world, but it doesn't have to fill our hearts." As 2 Timothy 1:7 says: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear." Fear is, not all bad and fear can protect you, but it doesn't need to control you. Fearless is a book that you can read in one sitting. but it's even better to read together in a group and discuss it chapter by chapter and I can't wait to do that with Fearless. You won't be disappointed, Max Lucado hits another one out of the ball park with Fearless. Great book!