Christian Book Reviews Postulates Book of the Year

Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction
By Robert W. Kellemen, and Karole Edwards.
Baker Books, Grand Rapids, 2007
Web Site: www.rpmministries.org
Genre: Non-Fiction, History, Church History, Black Church History, Soul Care, Christian Counseling, Spiritual Direction


Reviewed by Donna Eggett for Christian Book Previews

This may well be the book of the year! Engrossing, important, well researched, deeply biblical - what more can I say? Presenting imperative Christian nurturing, vividly illustrated by significant, scripture-based, lifesaving lessons gleaned from some of our most downtrodden Americans, Beyond the Suffering provides essential truths for all Americans, no matter race, creed, or history. Let's extend the arena -the rest of the world will profit from this heart/mind/spirit catching book.

Written for the express purpose of showing how Christ snatches triumphs from the jaws of defeat and transforming victims into victors, Beyond the Suffering is based on documents, biographies, and quotations from American slaves who learned that when absolutely everything else fails Christ is present, real, loving, in control. The format revolves around ministries which help hurting and hardened people. The examples used are shocking, horrifying, uplifting, always pointing to Christ. A term found often throughout these pages is 'Soul Physician' - one who, from the depth of their own terrible yet wondrous experiences, helps others to reach out of their own particular pit toward the healing Lord. These slave Soul Physicians were lay-people whom our Lord had touched; a concept which today's world desperately needs. Beyond the Suffering will not only heal and prepare us to face life, it will equip us to be Soul Physicians. Many materials in this book encourage the reader towards victory. The questions which summarize each chapter are thought- and action-provoking.

The history is well-researched; ideas are amply, tellingly illustrated. No punches are pulled. The authors tell about slavery exactly as it was, and about Christ and His ministry exactly like it is. Beyond the Suffering is not a book for those who like their American comfort and traditional misbeliefs. Be prepared to have growing pains and spiritual toothaches as you read. This book is a must for all Christians. It will make an excellent preparation for our youth as they head into a dangerous future.

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Hugs, Hope and Peanut Butter Sticks to Your Heart, Not the Roof of Your Mouth

Hugs, Hope, and Peanut Butter: Finding the Light Behind the Clouds
By Marsha Mott Jordan
Web Site: www.hugsandhope.org/pb.htm
Genre: Nonfiction, Humor
ISBN: 9771343-4-2
Published by Jada Press, 2006
Trade paper, 244 pages
Available on Amazon.com

Reviewed by Joyce Handzo of Christian Book Previews

Hugs, Hope and Peanut Butter will stick to your heart!

If you’ve ever been discouraged, this is a book for you. Drawing upon her own experiences of chronic pain and depression, the author opens her heart and life to bring a message of comfort and hope to the hurting. Proceeds from the sale of this book go to The Hugs and Hope Foundation for Critically Ill Children.

I would love to give this author a hug! Besides being a very funny woman, she seems to be the kind of person who loves life simply because it comes from God. Her words bounce off these pages with a contagious sense of hope and encouragement, offering readers a lighthearted look at the world around them.

Marsha Mott Jordan is someone you would want living next door. Her feet are planted firmly on the ground, while her heart reaches for the pleasant places of God. She is no stranger to sickness, and therefore it’s no wonder that she started an organization to help terminally ill children. These special young people illustrated the book, causing Marsha’s words to touch readers in a more meaningful way.

Made up of a random collection of essays, this book covers a variety of subjects. The author’s candid style of writing instantly endears her to readers, inviting them to laugh along with her as she rides the roller coaster of life. Spiritual insights pop into the narrative in a real way, allowing glimpses of the great God who watches over all His children. Marsha’s home life is a source of hilarity, while her heart is filled to overflowing with compassion for those around her.

Being uniquely qualified to speak to those who are discouraged, the author shares her past experiences and her hopes for the future. The pages are bittersweet, as the drawings by the children serve as a reminder of those whose health issues are shaded in uncertainty. Marsha’s words resonate with the reality of God and His great love, which can be found in every situation. Readers won’t know if the tears on their cheeks come from laughing or crying.