THE LOVE OF GOD

Thursday, April 16, 2009

BOOK REVIEW - FINDING GRACE: A True Story About Losing Your Way In life . . . And Finding It Again

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell
F.M.Lehman

Have you ever wondered about the love of God? Have you ever questioned where he was when you needed him the most?

Finding Grace—A True Story About Losing Your Life... And Finding It Again by Donna VanLiere is a book for anyone who has struggled to understand why our desires—even the simplest ones—are sometimes denied. It is a book for anyone who has questioned where God is when we need him most. This is the powerful, sometimes humorous, always moving story of one woman’s journey of broken dreams. It is the story of how a painful legacy of the past can be confronted and met with peace.

New York Times bestselling author Donna VaLiere has inspired millions with her holiday stories. Now I am predicting she has done it again with Finding Grace, which is a memoir. In my opinion this splendid book will also be a best seller. It has won high praise from other bestselling authors. Chris Gardiner said, “Donna VanLiere reminds us that even when life doesn’t turn out the way we’d planned, there are still dreams—unimaginable dreams—that are within reach. Her story is a powerful gift that can change our lives.” Popular bestselling author Debbie Macomber, wrote: “This is an absolutely lovely book, so heartfelt and, well, just plain wonderful. It leads directly down the path of grace to God’s open door.”

During my forty-seven years as a Pastor I read many books and preached many sermons about grace. I love to think about and talk about grace. VanLiere’s words communicate what grace is all about in a way that I was never able to do. Finding Grace is the story of a woman who has lived a life rife with pain and intensity yet rich with laughter and love. I agree with Anita Renfroe, comedian and Special Correspondent to Good Morning America, who said, “If you are needing a fresh infusion of hope, I suggest that you find a place where you can laugh out loud without being thought inappropriate and can access a box of tissues. Encountering grace always moves us like that.”

I recommend you stop reading this review, turn off your computer, and run to the nearest book store.