An earnest book for Christian readers that shines a light on elements of a good life.
Gibbs presents a meditative biblical exploration of the various roles that Christians navigate in their daily lives.
This book originated in a Bible class that the author taught in 1989, which he says revealed to him how common it is for people to struggle with compartmentalization. Attempts to divide one’s time into neat categories—work, family, church—can leave some people feeling disconnected from their purpose. In the first part of this two-part manual, Gibbs identifies and dissects the various roles that a Christian may be called on to play; his examples include the neighbor, the citizen, and the person who is enslaved to sin or righteousness. Others are relational: the spouse, the parent, the child, the retiree. He introduces each archetype with relevant quotes from Scripture and fleshes them out with practical scenarios, enriched by stories or historical context. Gibbs asserts that these roles are not separate lives, but expressions of a single, God-centered life. The book’s second part shifts to his explanations of the attributes that one needs to live one’s roles dutifully and well. They include goal setting, discipline, courage, and prayer, among other qualities. These later chapters aim to serve as inspiration and to equip readers with spiritual tools to maintain balance and faith, despite life’s pressures. Over the course of this book, Gibbs’ tone is appealingly teacherly and pastoral, and his text is both earnest and approachable. His sermonic style is steeped in Scripture and deeply traditional in its worldview. Its overarching theme—that biblical wisdom applies to every aspect of life, not just “spiritual matters”—is clear and consistent, but never feels excessive, in part due to the book’s brevity (a succinct 90 pages). Some may find the prose workmanlike, or the cultural references dated, such as references to TV Guide, but its sincerity and spiritual clarity shine through. For fellow Christians seeking guidance on living in accordance with Scripture in every role they play, this book offers a quiet beacon.
An earnest book for Christian readers that shines a light on elements of a good life.Pub Date: May 31, 2024
ISBN: 9798385023981
Page Count: 110
Publisher: WestBowPress
Review Posted Online: June 17, 2025
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
A sweet final word from an actor who leaves a legacy of compassion and kindness.
The late actor offers a gentle guide for living with more purpose, love, and joy.
Mixing poetry, prescriptive challenges, and elements of memoir, Heche (1969-2022) delivers a narrative that is more encouraging workbook than life story. The author wants to share what she has discovered over the course of a life filled with abuse, advocacy, and uncanny turning points. Her greatest discovery? Love. “Open yourself up to love and transform kindness from a feeling you extend to those around you to actions that you perform for them,” she writes. “Only by caring can we open ourselves up to the universe, and only by opening up to the universe can we fully experience all the wonders that it holds, the greatest of which is love.” Throughout the occasionally overwrought text, Heche is heavy on the concept of care. She wants us to experience joy as she does, and she provides a road map for how to get there. Instead of slinking away from Hollywood and the ridicule that she endured there, Heche found the good and hung on, with Alec Baldwin and Harrison Ford starring as particularly shining knights in her story. Some readers may dismiss this material as vapid Hollywood stuff, but Heche’s perspective is an empathetic blend of Buddhism (minimize suffering), dialectical behavioral therapy (tolerating distress), Christianity (do unto others), and pre-Socratic philosophy (sufficient reason). “You’re not out to change the whole world, but to increase the levels of love and kindness in the world, drop by drop,” she writes. “Over time, these actions wear away the coldness, hate, and indifference around us as surely as water slowly wearing away stone.” Readers grieving her loss will take solace knowing that she lived her love-filled life on her own terms. Heche’s business and podcast partner, Heather Duffy, writes the epilogue, closing the book on a life well lived.
A sweet final word from an actor who leaves a legacy of compassion and kindness.Pub Date: Jan. 24, 2023
ISBN: 9781627783316
Page Count: 176
Publisher: Viva Editions
Review Posted Online: Feb. 6, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2023
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