Review: A Beautiful Defeat: Find True Freedom and Purpose in Total Surrender to God by Kevin Malarkey with Matt Jacobson

Review: A Beautiful Defeat: Find True Freedom and Purpose in Total Surrender to God

Kevin Malarkey with Matt Jacobson

Nelson Books

2014

I have to say that I requested this book for review because someone else said they didn’t like it, not for any more worthy reason. So did I like it or not? I liked it, but didn’t like the implications for my life.

The defeat that is beautiful is of course the total surrender to God. That requires all of me, mine, and whatever else I have become attached to. Malarkey puts out the challenges straight and without any fancy foot work trying to sidestep what the biblical text says. His final word resembles the Nike™ slogan we all know.

His ten steps are discussed clearly and with examples that are even more clear. The appendices provide a review and a list of the Bible verses pertaining to each step. While I am not a fan of dividing things into ten steps, or twelve steps which some programs use, it does make it easier to look at and even follow which is the point. So if you are looking for some easy-peasy methods, this is not the book for you. If you are looking for a way to hedge your life and clean it up a little, again, this is not the book for you.

The author knows and makes clear that the surrender he has discussed is not easy, clean, or a onetime deal. It is just the opposite of all that and more. I appreciate his honesty and openness as well as his encouragement. His years of counseling have not been wasted.

This book was provided by the publisher in return for a review.

Comments

Review: When God’s Ways Make No Sense by Dr. Larry Crabb

Review: When God’s Ways Make No Sense Dr. Larry Crabb Baker Books 2018 I chose this book because the title intrigued me. When God’s Ways Make No Sense. There have been plenty of times when that seemed truer than I’d like to admit. Are we even allowed to say something like that? Even if we think it. So, an author willing to take on that topic had my attention. And mostly because I wanted his take on what to do about it? As it turns out Crabb pretty much gave away his case very early on in his book with a single scripture quote. The basic idea is God is GOD and we are not. His motives and actions are incomprehensible to mankind and He owes no explanation for them either. Crabb admits near the end of his book that he is not a theologian which I knew going into this book, but his arguments are theology. Or at least I think so. I found his repeated circling the topic a bit frustrating. ...

Review: The Little French Bistro by Nina George

Review: The Little French Bistro Nina George Crown 2017 I have to admit that I'm not a fan of romance novels, but I think this one goes beyond the boy meets girl idea. By a bunch. If adults had coming of age stories this one would fit there. Marianne travels a road many people I know would love to, but fear taking the steps needed. And that is the basis of this book. Taking the steps. Joy, sorrow, whatever comes and keep on taking the steps. I agree with many of the comments already made about George's ability to build wonderful characters, paint scenes that vibrate with energy, and tell a story too. Her writing touches the heart and not in some sappy, maudlin way. A place of real emotions and desire. Speaking of desire---her intimate scenes are just that, intimate. In body and mind. And not for just spicing things up a bit. She captures the true nature of intimacy...

Buntings and Books

Time to blog says the calendar. So OK let's blog. What about? Oil spills? Court nominees? Euro problems? Weather? The last one is the easiest to go with it looks like. Cold and windy again. What is this about? Not more than a week ago it looked like summer. Even needed fans to cool the place. Well, the fans are off now. Nature has provided some pre-cooled forced air for a few days now, complete with humidity adjustments ie rain. Keeps the ground cold and the urge to garden at bay. Protection for those of us who aren't in the best physical condition. The weather has the birds on the feeder more often and that included a new one in the area. We've decided to call it an indigo bunting. Matches the picture in the book so that's got to be who he is. Pretty little guy, all decked out in his breeding plumage. Haven't seen those colors since the last peacock came around. Just read that cowbirds like to use them to raise their chicks. Yet another reason t...

The Return

Search This Blog