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Warning! It Might Not Be What You Think.
I have to admit, the first time I saw this book belonging to a friend, I thought, ‘Oh, NO, Lord! What is this?!’ And my assumptions had nothing to do with reality. I’ve since repented of my ignorant leap to faulty conclusions and thanked the Lord for his merciful patience.
A couple of weeks later, I was introduced to Jackie Hill Perry. Not personally, mind you, but there she was, speaking at the True Woman ’18 Conference in Indianapolis that I had missed while on vacation. They graciously allowed access to recorded simulcast videos for a couple of weeks after the event, so I was able to view them then.
Bless God!
Jackie Hill Perry is one living, breathing powerhouse of practical theology. Her testimony and resulting book are nothing short of miraculous! After hearing Jackie speak, I soon began to read the book myself. I was utterly gripped and challenged.
A Testimony of God’s Goodness
The book tells the story of how God brought Jackie to himself. As with many of us, the story isn’t a pretty one. I found myself several times, reading through squinted eyes with my head pulled back, twisted as far away as possible, wondering if I should continue on.
In the telling, it is obvious Jackie is careful not to glamorize or give unessential details. However, in my opinion, she does share enough of her story to warrant cautious availability for discussion with teens and young adults. But honestly, I am a proponent in general of perpetual availability for such open-hearted discussions, -so, there is that.
It’s Okay. Talk About It.
Testimonies like Jackie’s are great discussion openers, no matter who we are or what generation we might represent. Her story is highly relatable. What Christian doesn’t have a redemption story? But of course, the most amazing part of such stories is God’s goodness in relation to them.
A masterful aspect of the book is the Biblical tools listed and conversationally discussed. Seekers with questions and Christians who are struggling will find verse after verse of scripture with compassionate answers and direction. Chapters addressing identity and endurance are tangible, spot on.
Remember God
The last chapter extends several challenges to the Church. Jackie warns against what she calls the “heterosexual gospel.” She confronts on several points that “We are more than our sexuality,” “Marriage is not the pinnacle of the Christian faith,” and “Singleness is not a curse.” Jackie further charges the Church that “Evangelism is about God.” She states “The most alarming problem with the “heterosexual gospel” is that it is no gospel at all.” “Getting back to the foundational call of making God the center of our churches, our conversations, our doctrines, and our lives will ensure that He won’t be left out of our evangelism.”
He’s a Good, Good God!
The book wraps up with Psalm 66:16:
Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
I found myself caught up in a rush, instantly worshipping God. Focusing on Christ, declaring all He has done in our lives is faith building. In light of Jackie’s testimony, and knowing my own, I am encouraged by this Psalm. It’s true. He has done so much. God is a good, good God.
Were you able to read along with me this month? What did you think? Did you find portions of grace and God’s goodness in Jackie’s testimony as reflective of your own experience with God? Let’s chat about that.
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