Book Reviews

27
Mar
2017
Of Moose and Men

Of Moose and Men

Do you love to laugh? Do you enjoy stories that take you on an adventure you can actually see while you’re reading? Do you relish those moments when God touches your heart with emotion?

My answer is a resounding, “Of course I do!”

If your answer is the same, then order a copy of Torry Martin’s new book, “Of Moose and Men.” Not only is it spewing-coffee-out-of-your-nose hilarious, but he finds a compelling (but subtle) way of turning that funny moment into a poignant one that surprises your heart (and tears) with the joy of the Lord. It takes powerful writing to do that.

And this book has some powerful writing!

I met Torry Martin at the South Carolina Christian Writer’s Conference recently. Since he was the keynote speaker I had the privilege of hearing him on two occasions, the blessing of sitting with him during a “lightning learning” session, and the joy of trading business cards with him during an impromptu chat. What he does with his writing, he does with his speaking. He can have you rolling with laughter one second and within a few well-placed sentences, there’s not a dry eye in the place. That’s talent.

He’s a Christian comedian, actor, playwright, producer, author and speaker. His theme is that if God can use him to reach people for Christ, He can use anyone. Torry doesn’t see himself as “one of the beautiful people.” He’s wrong, of course. His beauty comes from the joy and sweetness that emanates from within—from His devotion to the Lord and his . . . unusual way of looking at things.

You may not get to meet this man in person, but you can get to know him anyway by reading this book. I dare you to read even the first chapter without cracking up! This is a book you’ll enjoy reading. I know I did.

 

Posted by Deborah Howard in Book Reviews, Days of My Life, On Writing, 0 comments
11
Sep
2015

Spiritual Warfare is Real

Spiritual warfare is not a fantasy. It’s real. It happens every day in the lives of each believer. The problem comes when we don’t recognize it.

Two events hit me the same week to cause me to meditate about what I know to be true about life—that it really is a battle between good and evil.

#1. I watched War Room.

#2. I read James Rubart’s book, Soul’s Gate.

War Room is a movie I’d strongly encourage every believer to see. Before I saw it I was told, “It will energize your prayer life.” It did. Prayer takes on such a strong role in this movie that it should have its own credits at the end. This movie reminds us that the warfare is real, and that we are Christian warriors—and through prayer and application of the truths in scripture, we can fight against Satan as such. We can be strong warriors against this foe, not because we’re so strong ourselves, but because Christ has already won the victory and it is through HIS power that we can overcome.

Soul’s Gate will not be for everyone. I’m not entirely sure what genre it falls into, but I suppose Christian fantasy would be the closest. Rubart’s first book, Rooms, is my favorite of his work, so far, and was a tough act to follow. Soul’s Gate, though it didn’t surpass Rooms, was still a good read. In Soul’s Gate, he takes the concept of spiritual warfare and puts it in physical form using some of the supernatural accounts in the Bible as his launching pad. We could call it spiritual supposing. Perhaps he asked himself, “What would it look like today if we could do these things? What would it look like today to leap into a battle for souls?” This book was the result of that supposition.

Like War Room, it takes the battle between good and evil and reminds us that we can overcome—that we already have the armor and weapons for battle, and through the strength of the Holy Spirit we can fight the good fight.

*****

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm,” (Ephesians 6:10-13.)

 

Posted by Deborah Howard in Book Reviews, Counseling, Grief, Musings and Meditations, 1 comment
20
Aug
2015

Help! My Friend is Suicidal

Help! My Friend is Suicidal, by Bruce Ray

Deborah Howard

 

A friend’s recent suicide prompted my reading this book, by Withhold Not Correction’s Bruce Ray. What an excellent book he’s now written on this delicate and dangerous subject of suicide.

Sensitively written, this book delivers what it promises. “This booklet will address suicide prevention and intervention,” it says on page 7. And it does! It describes the warning signs which usually precede a suicide, as well as things to do and things not to do in our attempt to help.

This book debunks myths and misconceptions about suicide. It lists the most common reasons given for resorting to such a violent and misguided option, as well as addressing the only true reason—“There is ultimately only one reason why people commit suicide. Most of them have not lost their minds, but all of them have lost hope,” (pg 19).

It points the one who is losing hope to the only Source of true hope—Jesus Christ, and instructs us how we can possibly help when someone we love is suicidal, giving solid, concrete steps to consider. And Bruce Ray knows a thing or two about this. He has served as a police, fire and EMS chaplain for almost 25 years, and has been a pastor in Washington for 45 years. He uses some of his previous experiences to bring his points home in a realistic, factual way.

I encourage everyone to buy a copy of this book. I plan to purchase several to use as an important tool in my counseling toolbox. May God use this book as a means to save lives and renew them through the instruction it gives to those who want to help someone who sees no other way around their pain.

Posted by Deborah Howard in Book Reviews, Counseling, 0 comments