The Crimson Cord, Rahab’s Story – A Review

As an independent reviewer, I am thankful to Graf-Martin Communications and Revell Books for the opportunity to read this very new telling of a very old story.

Rahab’s story is one that causes most of us to be uncomfortable with.  Let’s face it – she’s not a woman that most moms would hold up as a mirror for their girls to aspire to.  Nor are we content that she is only one of a very few women to be named in the lineage of Christ.  Yet, she is an example of courage, of God’s never ending grace and the beautiful great-great grandma of King David.

Jill Eileen Smith has crafted, very skillfully, a new engaging story of Rahab, and how she came to assist the Hebrew’s fulfill God’s plan for Jericho.  A faithful, yet abused wife finds herself sold into slavery to pay off her husband’s debt.  Her purchaser has many other plans for her.  Tastefully dealing with the degradation that happens with sex slavery – we understand Rahab’s complete lack of faith in herself.

She does though, find a way to assure her safety and her that of her family when the Hebrew’s come to claim the land God has promised.  Then we “watch” as God redeems her past life, and brings her to a place of honour in history.  She is a pre-cursor to the story of the kinsman redeemer named Boaz, and gives us a glimpse that all people are loved so much that God wants them to be part of the family.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read – although I must admit I began quite skeptical at what could be done with a bible character we know relatively little about.  Bravo!  I savoured every page.

 

The Beauty of Grace – A Review

I love books that will serve a greater purpose.  To teach a lesson, to tell a lasting story, to provide a story for just the right time, you know – a Greater purpose.

This book, from “today’s most popular writers” (although I must admit I’d never heard of a great many of them) filled that purpose.  Stories from their every day world, yet filled with God moments that stick with the reader are offered here for each of us to savour.  I think this would be a lovely little book to give as a supplementary devotional.

Right from the first story set in a thrift shop, with it’s subject being a man in a suit and holding a mirror – I was enchanted.  It’s timing was wonderful, as I am currently leading a Bible study that helps the students see the wonder of God.  I will be recommending this title to each and every one of my ladies.

The book has also expanded my reading list – especially on the (in)courage daily blog, where most of these ladies contribute.  It may be a simply constructed marketing tool for faithful followers, but it has done it’s job, and I will find ways to read these ladies more often.

If you are looking to be encouraged in your desire to see God’s hand at work all around you, or needing to share that with someone you care for, be sure to pick up a copy of this book.  You’ll be blessed by it.

I am thankful to Graf-Martin Communications, and Revell books for the opportunity to share this unrestricted review with you.