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The Grand Weaver: Book Review

The Grand WeaverNotice of full disclosure – I am a fan of Ravi Zacharias. Ever since the first book I read of his, I have been impressed with not only the depths of the truth he communicates, but the thoughtful and linear way in which he does so. I wish I could say that I have read every book he has written, but I haven’t. Yet when I get a chance to read one, I always leave with a deeper appreciation for our Savior and specific ways that I can apply biblical truths to my life.

The Grand Weaver by Zacharias was no exception to this trend. The book’s purpose is to help readers understand that our lives are not accidents; they’re directed and guided by a loving God. As the author states, “We may not fully understand his (God’s) design as it takes shape, but we should not conclude that his design lacks a directing plan” (p. 14). Walking through key components of our lives including our DNA, our disappointments, our will and our worship, Zacharias helps the reader see how God is not only witness to what happens in our lives but He is orchestrating the big and small things alike in order to accomplish His purposes.

In a day and age where people seem intent on discovering their purpose, and when many may start to wonder whether such a purpose exists, Zacharias offers a bilbically-based perspective on how we should consider and answer such monumental questions. Whether you are a college-aged young adult who is faced with the inevitable question of “what’s next” or a middle age individual who is struggling with whether their life is everything it should be, this book will not only offer you insight, it will offer you encouragement. Zacharias persuasively helps the reader understand that there is no single thing that defines what God has designed specifically for you; He is working through everything in your life, even the seemingly disparate parts, to bring about His purpose.

If you are grappling with the questions of whether the threads of your life are “accidentally tangled or intentionally arranged,” consider reading The Grand Weaver. If you aren’t, you likely know someone that is. As you dig in to Dr. Zacharias’ book you will be equipped to not only answer these questions as they pertain to your own life, but you will be better suited to help those you love respond biblically when the questions are put in front of them.

 

 

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Book Review: Do Hard Things

Recently, I was given the opportunity to write a book review for Do Hard Things, a book by Alex and Brett Harris. The review was posted at Quieted Waters. You can read the beginning of the post here, and then click over to read the rest. 

In Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations, twin brothers Alex and Brett Harris challenge their peers to join them in their “rebelution.” This rebellion against mediocrity (or worse) is intended to revolutionize how young people conduct their lives, exceeding their – and others – expectations. Originally started as a website that encouraged like-minded teens to join them in battling against the low standards set by culture, this book carries the message to an even larger audience and invites other to join in the same counter-cultural pursuit of rising above and beyond what is considered “acceptable” teenage behavior.

As a college professor, I have an interest in books that seek to raise the standards for today’s young people. As a researcher of the Millennial Generation (otherwise known as Generation Y), I’m especially intrigued by a book that purports to be written for this generation by members of it. While it may be tempting to think that this book is simply about “doing good things,” the authors make it clear that this isn’t their ethos. Doing hard things isn’t just about making a difference (although that will be a likely outcome). This book encourages readers to go beyond what they think that they can do – beyond what others expect or even applaud – in order to not being mired in a prolonged adolescence and to raise the banner of the younger generation.

Read the rest of the post – here.

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