Reflections: Memoirs Reflecting God’s Word by Joan Marie Risch (Friesen Press, 2013)
This book contains insights for the spiritually minded person. Reflections: Memoirs Reflecting God’s Word, written by Joan Risch, contains a collection of analogies, scripture verses, and insights. I first met the author at my church. She had come to hear me speak and to also purchase one of my books. At the time, she was in the process of writing this book, and she promised me a copy. I received it a week ago. I wasn’t able to stop reading it until I finished it last evening. Every day I would spend some time reading and reflecting on the book’s insights and concepts. It is both enjoyable and profound.
Risch loves the Lord. She has an intimate walk with God and is quick to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. I found its words to be motivating in my spiritual walk. This book is both a delight and a challenge. She does not try to convince anyone that she is right. It is a memoir of God’s liveliness in her life. I appreciate her positive spirit and that she doesn’t distract us with unnecessary side eddies. Risch gives enough personal information to help us understand but not overwhelm its message. She keeps focused on the truths that God has elaborated in her life.
This book is both an encouragement and a blessing. It should be read as a personal journey, one packed with depth of meaning, highlighting the spiritual walk of a person devoted to her Maker and Keeper. A comment about the book’s presentation. The story analogies are presented in small groupings along with many scripture references. It is written in small print.
You Are Special by Max Lucado, Illustrator: Sergio Martinez (Crossway, 1997)
You Are Special (Max Lucado’s Wemmicks)
is a beautifully illustrated children’s book. This book has an incredible message for both children and adults. This is the book of choice for the first day of school. There is a way to read and teach it that is powerful. I take my time, stopping and discussing the feelings represented throughout its pages. Children identify with being a target, “dots” for disliked, and”stars” for approval (popularity). Bullying is always a problem in schools. People are mean or act falsely. This book can be used to show cause and effect. In an artful way, Lucado shows us through the story of Punchinello and the Woodcarver, social dynamics that frustrate human relationships. I use the concepts in this book to expose the emotional effects that bullying causes on those who are shunned or treated as “less than” others, the isolation, the groupings with others who are outcasts, and the lies they begin to believe about their own self. Children and staff love this book. Anyone listening in when I have read You Are Special identify with Punchinello, the Wemmick who isn’t liked. For the spiritual reader, this book has a secondary level of teaching. It provides an illustration of God’s grace to all no matter who you are and what you look like. He is our Maker who accepts us just the way we are. In the end, we realize that it really doesn’t matter what other people think of us, it’s our relationship with the “Woodcarver,” that brings us acceptance and love. Parents, grandparents, teachers, and children’s workers will appreciate this book.
