Monday, February 18, 2013

Moving Journey through Cancer

In Stumbling on Open Ground: Love, God, Cancer and Rock 'n Roll, Ken Mansfield and his wife Connie, wrote an open, honest and very moving book about his and their battle with multiple cancers.  Ken was the American producer for the Beatles, under the label of Apple Records.

Ken and Connie detail their journey through two different occurrences of cancer.  They write with honesty about their spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical battle with cancer.  Ken and Connie do not sugar coat the difficulties nor the sickness, the wavering faith, nor do the minimize the joys and faith surprises which occur along the way.

This is a very moving book.  Each chapter begins with a short one page summary about Connie's thoughts, feelings and perceptions.  It was nice to be able to gain insight as to what she was feeling and dealing with.

Even during the time when Ken was battling cancer, he and Connie would speak at various churches and seminars sharing God's work in their lives.  I highly recommend this book.

I received this complimentary book from Booksneeze in exchange for my unbiased review.

I review for BookSneeze®

Monday, February 11, 2013

God is Good

This book should come with a warning label - which tells the reader this is a small book which packs a large punch.  Now, this book doesn't knock you fully down, it's just that Randy Alcorn tackles the question most people would like to ask God, "Why is there so much pain and suffering in this world?"

We all struggle with pain and suffering and Alcorn's desire is to help us, as best as he can, to better understand God's role in the midst of our suffering and pain.  It's a daunting task, which as a pastor, I cannot explain away, and neither can Alcorn.  He doesn't state he has the answers either. 

What he attempts to do is help the reader grasp the gravity of the question as he seeks to bring comfort as we all move through seasons of pain and suffering. 


The book is challenging.  You cannot just read it quickly, you must take your time and gain understanding as to what Alcorn is getting at.  Now, this is a condensed version of another of his books, "If God is Good."  That is a much longer and theological book.

Alcorn is not afraid to tackle the tough issues regarding ~

Evil and suffering.
Poor choices
God's control vs. Our freedom
We're the problem
The role of Christ in suffering and evil
The redemptive power of God;
Why God allows suffering and how it is used for His purposes:
and more

There were a number of excellent quotes.  You definitely need a pen or marker as you read this short but powerful book.

I highly recommend this book.

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