Lord, Save Us From Your Followers and let them review Your love here...

  

Preach the Gospel, and if necessary use words. ~ St. Francis Assisi

Lord, Save Us From Your Followers by Dan Merchant, aka the "Bumper Sticker Man," could quite possibly be one of the most challenging reads of my adult life! Challenging in a sense that if you have a heart, and the will to serve God, or even the slightest compassion to serve as a humanitarian, this book will inspire and challenge you to love all people, Christian or not. Dan interviews both well known celebrities, and the everyday average Joe to get a better understanding for how people see one another. The journey of love that Dan Merchant sought after, and I believe sought to share across the country, and (via interviewees) across the globe, are awe inspiring! From eighteen to eighty this is a read for all ages, and all people. Non-believer, pick this book up, you will not regret it. Christian, you will be so shamed after realizing how our message is so antithetical to that of Jesus' that you will buy this book on more than one ocassion just to pass along the challenge to love! Dan garbs up in his multi stickered, eye catching, jumpsuit and asks the question, "Why is the gospel of love dividing America?" He also makes an excellent point in saying, "If we are truly to represent Him, we better come up with a better plan than dividing the country over temporal, political issues." Well written challenge, that will tickle your funny bone, in one instance, and in another tug at your heart strings. Now I have to watch the DVD!!! Well done Mr. Merchant, excuse me I mean "Bumper Sticker Man!"

Review A Greater Love...

Friday, July 16, 2010 "Greater Love"... 

Image used with permission via The Thomas Nelson Publishing Company (For review purposes only)


Robert Whitlow did himself a favor by starting out of the gate with a very nice pace. He also closes his novel "Greater Love" with room to expand, and makes way for the possibility of yet another chapter in the lives of his novels characters. I appreciate the legalese of a good John Grisham novel, and Mr. Whitlow didn't quite take me that far in this writing, but the capability of continuing in the adventure of the young lawyer, and her surrounding cast make the intrigue all the more great! Kobe Bryant is not Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson, and Robert Whitlow is not John Grisham, but since the comparison was manifested on the books cover, I am going to have to say this... I didn't get the same spine tingling feel that I do in the setting of a Grisham courtroom thriller, however, I could certainly feel Mr. Whitlow's embrace for Southern hospitality, and family compassion. I could envision Mrs. Fairmonts house, and the atomosphere of family, and home, but didn't feel the same way about the office, and courthouse. This has classic chick flick potential, and I believe that Mr. Whitlow is on to something good!

To conclude, if you like novels that could lead to chick flick material, then this mid Georgia Christian law novel will be a fine read for you. I gave it 4 stars out of a possible 5.

The imperfect Christian received a complimentary copy of this book via the Thomas Nelson Publishing Company. The imperfect Christian received no funds for expressing his thoughts at will in his blog.

"Mapped Out"... The Map Review

Image used with permission via The Thomas Nelson Publishing Company (For review purposes only)

The Map is written by David Murrow. Mr. Murrow takes you on a personal, but fictional journey in the first half of his book. It is a thriller that keeps you thinking with every turn. His journey spans across the oceans, and involves a mountain that all men should make their personal endeavor to climb. It is a fictional story that could easily be turned into an awesome screen play one day.The Map is split into two parts. The first as I mentioned above is a fictional narrative.

The second half of the book a survey, and study of the book of Matthew. Mr. Murrow uses simple illustrations and modern parables on how each path, trail, and trial should be navigated. Mr. Murrow explores the Hebrew culture to explain his Map, and how three phases/journey's (submission, strength, and sacrifice) based on the writing of Matthew can lead men to their mountain tops, and fulfill their life long quest to be Christ-like. Mr. Murrow challenges his readers (specifically his male readers) not to abandon one for the other, but to embrace each one, in their maturing.I would pray that anyone that I encounter would see without question that I am a Christian by my testimony and lifestyle. However, to know me as a reader you will come to find that I am a thrill seeker. The first ten (10) chapters had my full attention. I couldn't wait to finish reading The Map, so I could rush out and buy Mr. Murrow's first book, "Why Men Hate Going to Church." The thrill seeker in me was a bit disappointed. If I wanted a study guide I would look into a book designed for study. To end such a thrilling fiction novel and then transition into a study or a survey, was a bit of a let down. My overall thoughts would have me conclude that this great fictional novel turned into a mediocre two part book.The imperfect Christian received a complimentary copy of this book via the Thomas Nelson Publishing Company. The imperfect Christian received no funds for expressing his thoughts at will in his blog.