The Return

Review: Francis: Man of Prayer Mario Escobar Thomas Nelson 2013 Escobar has written one of many biographies of the newly installed Pope, and his is the first I’ve read.   As time goes on I will probably read some of the others too.   So what did I think of this one? Honestly the historical background of the church was quite interesting and as it has been a large part of Francis’ life I took it to be part of his biography, and the biographical information was interesting but thin; maybe in the rush to get the book out there.       Escobar seemed more concerned with outlining the challenges Francis faces now and their background information than on the life of the man thus far.   And the new Pope does have a giant task before him it seems and pretending he doesn’t does not help him solve the issues at hand.   So maybe Escobar has chosen the better path.   One last thought---the title of this book.   Where did that come from?   From the first words spoken by the new

Review: Road to Redemption Brad Mathias Tyndale Momentum 2013 Hope. Encouragement.   Trials.   Life.     A family comes together after sustaining some heavy damage.   Infidelity, anger, a daughter scarred by an encounter with a schoolmate, and all the issues that go with that list.   Sounds pretty familiar sadly, but that is not the final word for these people.   Forgiveness, reconciliation, admitting shortcomings as parents, redemption.   It’s all there.    Brad Mathias describes just such a family---his own.   What I found most remarkable about his work was that here is a man who is not afraid to admit to his faults and failures.   It took a while for him to come to that point, but he did.   He does not leave out the emotional aspects of this either, but he does not dwell there.     Best of all he tells a real version of what following Christ is.   No hype, no sugar coating.   Just the day to day way that happens for a family of five.     I hope that this book will