Deborah Lintz-Hill candidly shares her personal story from difficult circumstances to living in peace. She plainly states this book is “not an autobiography or a manual to life.” The book is her personal search for peace.
Sharing various events from her childhood and her relationships, she shares with the reader how she has been shaped as an individual. In a down to earth style she holds back none of the “ugly sides”, but keeps it real so that the reader can see her growth process. Her willingness to show vulnerability and examine her own self-righteousness is extremely admirable.
As a book reviewer there are some elements I look for in a book that discusses Christian or spiritual truths. The subtitle of this book is “Path to your Spiritual Awakening.” I am a little wary of the terms “spiritual” and “spirituality” because it could mean anything to a variety of people. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I don’t personally feel God made pursuing peace a “mystical or magical” process. Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6)”. The decision to accept the salvation offered by God is an acceptance that starts in the heart.
The author shares with the reader the changes that took place in her heart as she grew to learn more about Christianity. She also shares some scientific viewpoints that were interesting, but a little mind-boggling. It made me wonder how would a person new in the Christian faith or trying to decide about their faith/beliefs would perceive the ideas presented.
This book was intended for a variety of readers regardless of their religious beliefs. This is admirable, but often times I felt confused about the author’s belief system. A number of times I stumbled over what she wrote because the scripture was taken out of context. When you set out to write a book with Christian principles you have to keep God’s Word intact and be sure the Holy Spirit is guiding you to truths that are not contradictory to the bible.
As followers of Christ, the author does emphasize how Christians should embrace others and not appear superior. At times during the reading of this book, it seemed the author was writing more to appeal to those who are non-Christian. The result was a watering down of biblical truths in some areas and in other cases too much science. If you study the Gospels, Jesus clearly reached out to all types of people, but he never wavered in what was the truth. His taught the people with simple parables and teachings.
While I embraced Deborah’s willingness to share her story, I’m concerned about the ideas presented and the bible interpretations. If it was mainly her autobiography, I believe it would be a more effective book for encouraging people to “feed their souls.” It was when she shared from her life and the path that God had planned for her that left a lasting impression.
Reviewed by Tyora Moody
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