Book Review of "Watchman Nee: Man of Suffering"

   

  I just finished reading a captivating book, titled: Watchman Nee: Man of Suffering by Bob Laurent.  The book is part of a series called "Heroes of the Faith" which is a biographical series of Christian men and women through the ages.

     A few years back, I borrowed my dad’s copy of The Release of the Spirit, by Watchman Nee, and was struck with the power of God that was manifest in the life of this 20^th century leader of the Christian church in China.  A few months ago, I picked up this biography from a box of free books, intrigued to know more about this man who was so consumed by the Holy Spirit.

     Watchman Nee: Man of Suffering is a short read at only 186 pages in large print.  Yet, it is moving nonetheless.  From childhood, Nee was a driven and dedicated young man.  But it wasn’t until he gave his life to Christ at nineteen that he realized how desperate China was for the message of Christ.  As the book relays, this passion for evangelism and the Biblically unsound doctrine of the current church led Nee to establish the Little Flock— the first large scale church in China.  As Nee studied the word of God—sometimes up to 14 hours a day—he continued to spread Christianity across the countryside in the midst of World War II turmoil.

     Watchman Nee: Man of Suffering drives home the message of full reliance on Christ.  It is something that my plush, American society has all but forgotten.  In the land of instant gratification and idols, it is such a refreshing reminder of the result of true faith.  Watchman Nee refused to defend himself against erroneous defamation of his character; He continued to preach in China despite the invasion of communism.  Ultimately, the last 20 years of his life were spent in prison, where he is said to have sung hymns daily for all prisoners to hear (RELATED: Upping Your Rep in Church).  He did not lose His firm hope in Christ, nor waver in His commitment to the gospel.  True to 2 Timothy 4:7, Watchman Nee gave every indication that he "fought the good fight and finished the race."  He kept the faith (RELATED: God's Perfect Peace).

            I would highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone who wants to see more power of the Holy Spirit revealed in their life.  If there is any evidence that our cushy society has left us in lack of the spirit, it is in the story of Watchman Nee's life.  Constantly in dire circumstances, Nee was able to see the power of the Spirit in ways we have not.  There are some amazing miracles recounted in this book because of this desperation and whole-hearted surrender to Christ (RELATED: Are You "Spiritually Face-Washing?").  As a result of Watchman Nee's life, the Church in China began to flourish at a time of great war and turmoil.  Better yet, the name of Christ was proclaimed around the world and hope was lit like a flame.

     This summer, whether you’re headed the beach, the mountains or your living room couch: Don’t miss a chance to read about this great man of faith and learn a thing or two about reliance on God.


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Book Review: "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand

The Stats

Genre: Non-fiction

Pages: 389

Rating: 4/5

     Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand, was a complete shock to me.  I read the message boards claiming it was a "must read" for runners.  What I didn't gather though, was the extent to which it would impact me beyond just running.  Unbroken is about a runner, but it reaches far beyond the track into some of the most personal and heart-breaking moments in life.  It is the in-depth and gut wrenching tale of Louie Zamperini.  

     Zamperini was an Olympic 5,000 meter runner who was extremely driven and coached himself to Olympian status in 1936, shock the world with his speed and tenacity. At 19, Zamperini was the youngest to ever qualify for the 5,000.  He was also a daredevil.  After the Olympics, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during World War II.  That is where Zamperini truly became known as a legend.

     Hillenbrand takes the reader along with Louie as he enters the air force and soon faces the fight of his life that starts on a 2 person raft in the middle of the Pacific and ends behind enemy lines in Japan. "If I knew I had to go through those experiences again," Louie once said: "I'd kill myself."

     I was enthralled with the character of Louie.  And as someone who generally steers clear of historical novels, I could not put the book down.  Hillenbrand does not just depict Louie's life, she unveils it in a way that the reader is swept along in his tale of unspeakable horror and ultimate peace and restoration in Christ.  My eyes were opened to the amazing power of forgiveness in a way I have never grasped before.  After reading Unbroken, I have an understanding of the life of a soldier-- and veteran-- that commands respect far beyond what I had ever imagined.  

     So, yes.  Unbroken is a "must read" for runners.  But it is also a must read for the soldier, the adventurer, the fighter and just about anyone who needs a major shift in perspective of the capacity for human survival.  Louie, as I learned, did not only survive.  He overcame.  As a runner, as a soldier and as a man: His story is one worth telling, because it is unlike anything you have ever heard before.

     I also look forward to seeing the movie adaptation as it hits theaters later this year.  With any luck, I'll post a movie review shortly after it's Christmas debut.  Until then, check out the official Olympic preview trailer, read about Louie's encounter with Billy Graham and read this amazing book! 

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And don't forget to read my review on Born to Run- another great book for runners!  

Click HERE.

Click HERE for more awesome book reviews on A Grateful Life Lived.

     

A-Z of Me: Letter "B"

What books am I reading?

     Just last night, I started into Ecclesiastes in my journey through the Bible.  I am very excited about that because it is about the worth of things of God versus things of this world.  That's a message I always need to hear!   

     I am also reading a lot of Christian fiction lately.  Over Christmas break, I read The Other Side of Heaven and I just finished reading Like Dandelion Dust (both by Karen Kingsbury).  Now, I am about 100 pages into Redemption, also by Kingsbury.  I highly recommend all three, and you can check out my book review of Like Dandelion Dust HERE.

     I guess I finished all my books at the same time, because I also just finished reading Unglued by Lysa Turkeurst.  I will right a review soon, as I can't help but rave about the powerful message this book gives on the imperfect progress in the walk of faith.  As an emotionally wacky female, I was struck by the relevance and wisdom in Turkeurst's honest and funny tales of her own failures as a Christian woman.  It's definitely a must read.

     Now that I'm done with Unglued, I'm diving back into "The Kneeling Warrior" by David Ireland.  It's one I started before I received Unglued, and am excited to read again.  Lately, the power of prayer has really been on my heart and I really want to grow in that area! 

     As always, I'm reading Runner's World as soon as my latest issue shows up in my mailbox.  I also keep up with all types of news Google Currents and Pulse on my phone.  Both are free and I utilize them all the time to do something more productive than social media.  

     Keep up with my latest reads and reviews as I post about them on my blog!  I'll continue to post reviews, like those HERE and HERE.