Retired and Inspired

Retired and Inspired

Author Wendy Billington
Publisher BRF  £8.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780857467201

As a retired person, I read this book hoping to be inspired. Wendy Billington writes about retirement, its frustrations and opportunities, with care and imagination. The book’s two sections deal with ‘clearing weeds’ and ‘sowing seeds’, and address retirement, loss, fear, memories, change, relationships and living for the present. It is well-structured, understandable, bible-based, and rooted in an outlook of faith and support within the local church. Each of the ten chapters contains questions for group discussion and reflection, and there is a ‘thought for the day’ based on the fruit of the Spirit. It is good stuff, but it did not raise my own level of inspiration very much. I enjoyed Jim’s story, a chapter-by-chapter case-study of a likeable but fictitious person, and his journey through different retirement challenges. However, because Jim is fictitious, the story felt designed to bring out the points that the author wants the reader to consider. The book is written for Christians, and the level of writing is basic. It will suit those who are new to the journey of faith or discipleship, rather than those who have been on the road for rather longer. It would work well for a book club of newly retired people on the fringes of church life.

HOWARD ROWE

Lifestyle

 

Faithful Grandparents

Faithful Grandparents

Author Anita Cleverly
Publisher BRF  £9.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780857466617

This book is for Christian grandparents. Anita Cleverly writes of her own journey and approach as a grandparent, and covers the responsibilities of the grandparent’s role in the twenty-first century, together with the opportunities we have, and the limitations we are subject to. The chapters on sensitive listening, the wonder of the created world, Bible stories and children’s questions are well covered. There is an encouraging view of the church today, and valuable advice regarding the changing landscape of culture and today’s technology. The chapter I enjoyed most was the one on praying for and with our grandchildren. Anita Cleverly has written a book of authentic Christian wisdom and grace, sprinkled with real comments from real people, and pieces of practical advice, for ourselves as well as for our families. She writes with feeling about the difficulties of being a faithful grandparent as well as the joys. I commend it to you.

HOWARD ROWE

Family, Lifestyle

 

A New Day

A New Day

Author Emma Scrivener
Publisher IVP £8.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781783594412

A New Day is Emma Scrivener’s second book dealing with anorexia, obsessive compulsive disorder, self-harm and other mental health issues, based on personal experience. She encourages Christians to face the uncomfortable truth: that our churches are full of hurting people and that coming to faith may still leave us struggling. In this ‘mess’, however, Jesus meets us and here the church is called to shine. Moving in stages from darkness through to light, Emma explores hunger, anxiety, control, shame, anger and despair, offering interesting scriptural insights and much practical information and advice: an invaluable reference for understanding this often-hidden area of need and concern. The book is easy to work through with many short sections, testimonies and questions to consider. It could be suitable for youth leaders to use with groups and individuals as the issues and style are particularly relevant for young people. For Emma’s personal battle with anorexia, see her previous book, A New Name or her blog.

APRIL McINTYRE

Mental Health, Lifestyle

 

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