Well, they’ve started pouring in and I’m sure more are on their way: the first reviews of our book, “Redeemed by Grace!”
What an exciting time — this phase when we have a chance to glimpse at how others are absorbing the story we worked so hard to get right, and expended so many prayers over.
Each review is different because each reviewer is unique, but the one that came in on Monday, “I am Pontius Pilate,” written for Human Life International’s Truth and Charity Forum by Caitlin Bootsma, really impressed us. After all, the heart of the message burst through loudly, clearly.
It’s plain to see the reviewer not only read the book, but took it into herself, and after mulling over its implications in relation to her life, offered it back up and out for others. Rather than try to make a play by play summary, she took what of it resonated most loudly and presented it to potential readers as a gift.
She got that what we wanted to share as much as anything is that our culpability in doing harm isn’t always obvious, but it does bear on our soul. What part do we play in the sins of society? In what ways do we try to wash our hands clean, even as we are participating in sin?
When you send a book into the world, you don’t know what will come back. We know that some will misunderstand our intended message, depending on the state of their heart. So when someone comes close to getting the crux of message we wanted to convey, it is an occasion for gratitude and joy.
In this case, that crux isn’t to shame others for their sins and wrongdoings, but to give them — and us all — hope, empowerment and encouragement to bring forth all that is dark in our lives, with the goal of lightening our hearts to more assuredly do the will of God.
Here are some other reviews that have come in since our book launch a few weeks back:
– Ethika Politika: http://ethikapolitika.org/2015/02/16/redeemed-by-grace/
– Prolife365: http://prolife365.com/pro-life-warrior-ramona-trevino/
– The Curt Jester: http://www.splendoroftruth.com/curtjester/2015/02/book-review-redeemed-by-grace/
– LifeNews.com: http://www.lifenews.com/2015/02/17/im-done-why-did-this-planned-parenthood-abortion-facility-manager-quit/
– Patheos: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/happycatholicbookshelf/2015/02/book-review-redeemed-by-grace/
Q4U: Have you ever communicated something publicly and been surprised — perhaps delighted — at a certain response to that sharing?
Oh Roxane- just seeing that pic delights me so! I was so honored to see you and spend time with you! The book was the cherry on top for me!
The reviews- how exciting! This is such a rewarding time in your professional career and I am so proud of all you have achieved and accomplished!!
Much love to you- in the midst of all the prayers for you as well.
Thanks Vicky! It’s been so fun sharing pieces of this journey with you, and now, giving you a copy of the finished result. Thanks for all your prayers and friendship that have made this journey even more special. XXOO