The next review of REDEMPTION, comes from a woman who wears many hats in her life...wife, mother and lawyer (to name a few). Since we've begun sharing stories of God's faithfulness here on Our Inspired Journey, she's been one of the most outspoken and encouraging supporters of our mission to make the saving love of God known! Through the pages of Bryan's story, she's been reminded of which roles she holds that she truly treasures the most. Thank you, Silvia, for writing and sharing with us how REDEMPTION has impacted you!
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I would estimate it took me about 10 hours to read through this book. The day I got it I sat and read for 4 hours straight until my eyes could not stay open one more minute. I can’t wait to go back and read through it again so I can highlight all the different passages that stood out. I know I need to go back to pages 99 and 126. Not sure why right now, but those were pages I kept chanting over and over so I would not forget.
Although one might think this is a book about sports, or that only males will be interested – not so. This book provides hope on so many levels; not just to boys and young men who may feel like they’re lost, but to mother’s who pray over their children and wives that want to see their husbands succeed and have dreams for their families. I happen to fall into the two latter categories and while it moved me to read about Bryan’s journey, I think I was most inspired by the roles his mom and Sarah played. If either of these two women had given up on Bryan, I believe his story would have turned out quite differently. It reminds me that my role as a wife and mother and the support I provide for my husband and children is as important to their success as they are. And while I already take those roles quite seriously, reading this book just increased my motivation and the feeling of urgency to succeed in those roles.
However, what I loved most about this book is that Bryan reminded me of a lesson I’ve heard many times before, but that we all need constant reminder of: God does not require perfection, He just wants you. If he required perfection no one would qualify… Not to mention, He doesn’t really need perfection, He’s already perfect. Again, I look to Bryan’s mom – toward the end of the book Bryan says she wasn’t perfect but he knows he is still reaping the benefits of what his mom did for him when he was a child, even if all she had at that time to give was prayers and love. Reading the book reminded me of 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.”
I hope that people will read this book and realize that if you put your trust in the Lord, His power can be made perfect in your weakness. Bryan is a living example of that promise, but he’s not the only one. This can be my story or your story too, if we let God’s glory shine. I’m inspired! I hope others are too. (Especially since everyone I know will be getting this book as a gift!)
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I really want to read this soon. It seems like an awesome testimony and inspiration that would speak to so many others.
Thanks Silvia!
Thanks for sharing this and being a light for His kingdom! I can't wait to read this book! Miss you guys!
Can't wait to read the book and see Bryan compete this summer!