BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

It was during the Christmas season one year that we first heard Scott MacIntyre sing. We have learned to love the balmy winter evenings that surround Christmas in Arizona. We were out on this particular Friday evening in December helping our church kick off the season. The church family and friends had gathered at that part of the church campus known as Town Center. There was tons of snow for the children to play in, strolling minstrels, fun booths, food booths and more.

My wife and I had stood in line to get our bowls of taco soup and then we found a place to sit. It just happened to be close to the stage. We didn't know there was going to be entertainment. A young man named Scott MacIntyre and his sister, Katelyn were introduced. Scott played the piano and he and Katelyn sang. They were great! My wife and I were amazed at how well they sang and that was before we heard that they were both blind. Wow!

Since that evening we have heard the MacIntyre singers―Scott, his mother, brother and sister sing a few times at church and we have heard Scott by himself. They are always good.

We were extremely excited when we heard that Scott would be a contestant on American Idol. We had not been regular views of American Idol but that season we were. It has been a joy to watch Scott grow, mature and develop the gifts God has blessed him with.

When we heard that his book, By Faith, Not By Sight was being released we smiled with eager anticipation. I wanted to get one of the first copies―and did. We have not been disappointed.


By Faith, Not By Sight is the inspirational story of a blind prodigy, a life-threatening illness, and an unexpected gift. The book is by Scott and Jennifer Schuchmann.

The book will hold your attention from beginning to end. It tells how Scott has lived much of his life high on a mountain and deep in the valley at the same time. Each time his dreams came true he found his nightmares not far behind. Some call it Murphy's Law. Others call it bad luck. Scott has learned to call it a blessing, even when circumstances have threatened to take everything away.

Blind from birth, Scott has had to work harder and longer to achieve his goals. And he has achieved great goals: Graduate. Marshall scholar. Recording artist. American Idol. Scott learned to lean on his faith, his close-knit family, and the life-giving aid of friends.

I encourage you to get this book and follow Scott's roller-coaster ride to see how God used the mountains and valleys to give him perspective, hope, and ultimately triumph. I agree with Michael W. Smith, Grammy-Award winning singer/songwriter, "What we've seen on camera just scratches the surface. Scott's moving story will inspire everyone who reads it."

(I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. No other compensation was received and I gave no guarantee for a favorable review.)