The Ultimate Exodus Finding Freedom from What Enslaves You by Danielle Strickland

God didn’t just say to Pharaoh, “Let my people go!” He also said to the Israelites—and He says to us—“Let go of what enslaves you, and follow me to freedom.” The Ultimate Exodus opens our eyes to the things that enslave us, and it sets us on the path of our own exodus. Danielle Strickland revisits the story of the Exodus to see what we can learn from a people who were slaves and who learned from God what it means to be free. We discover as we go that deliverance goes much deeper than our circumstances. God uproots us from the things we have become slaves to, and He takes us on a long walk to the freedom He created us to enjoy.

(press description)

Danielle Strickland provides a text with a timely subject. Utilizing her experience as an ambassador for Compassion International and Stop the Traffik as well as her personal research Strickland lays out a stark picture concerning the realities of modern day slavery. Strickland's passion is  unquestionable as she lays out her information regarding passive and active participation in the modern slave trade providing valuable facts and realistic conversation starters to bring readers actively into the  issue. 

I appreciate the clear delivery method Strickland favourites as well as her ability to weave facts back to historical  anchors  (both secular and Biblical). This anchoring become more noticeable as a literary technique through the usage of Moses and the Exodus as the book's  overarching Biblical theme. It gave great structure and a sense of time to the books's argument.

That said, I don't think this book is for everyone. Strickland is sure of her argument, viewpoint, and methods throughout the book even using personal stories to highlight how a point has been tested in her own life. I found this gave the book a very "black or white" tone on how to approach problems when I could easily see alternates or shades of grey. I also found Strickland to come across very "top-down" in her teaching. For  those already struggling this could come across as accusatory and isolating rather than inviting someone into the church's solution.

3.5 out of 5 stars

"Book has been provided courtesy of NavPress and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

I Will Not Fear by Melba Pattillo Beals

I will not Fear by Melba Beals recounts the author's experiences as one of the Little Rock nine, a single mother, and as a ground breaking journalist. 

The narrative is open, honest, and heart wrenching as Beals invites readers into the life and realities of the girl behind the news reports. At heart,  Beals is a storyteller who infuses humanity back into the headlines. I was already familiar with the nine students in Little Rock who were chosen to desegregate the student population but the wisdom and care Beals takes to tell her story and highlight the memories she's chosen to share takes the events  and places them back into their human context with all the emotion, doubt, and reality that was facing the students  and families  that lived through that time.

As a reader, I also appreciated Beals way of summarizing each story, each lesson, into a truth she learned about faith and/or God at the end of each chapter. The statement served to  add another layer to the  previous story and allows readers to assume the viewpoint the author held  when conveying her message. 

This is definitely a book I could see being worked into a homeschooling curriculum as Beals story covers such a wide array of topics from the historical events at Little Rock and the fallout of that first year to  her career in journalism, to the lessons of faith she has developed over a lifetime, to the experiences of racism both overt and subtle she has faced with grace over the years.

While at times the material may feel repetitive, I felt that adds credibility as the story feels like someone sharing and processing their memories,  a process that is rarely clean and straightforward.

4 out of 5 stars 

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Here Am I, Lord . . . Send Somebody Else by Jill Briscoe

Here Am I, Lord . . . Send Somebody Else  by Jill Briscoe has been re-released for new audiences. Although I was familiar with Mrs. Briscoe's daughter-in-law (a gifted speaker in her own right), I hadn't yet become acquainted with Mrs,  Briscoe herself.

Overall, the book is based on a solid premise. Briscoe anchors her book within the story of Moses while branching  out to speak  on different spiritual truths and elements she finds necessary for people to move forward in their faith. I highly appreciated Mrs. Briscoe's use of scripture and the way she  continually anchors her work back within Moses' life. It's obvious this is where her passion lies and an area with which she has well  studied. 

For those who also love studying, Briscoe provides a study section at the end of every section. Consisting of reflection, questions,  prayer guides, additional reading, etc. . . Each chapter offers a strong option of taking the material  further while tying in the chapter focus to scriptural references outside of the Moses' narrative.

Topically, however, I had mixed feelings on Briscoe's work. The variety was wonderful. Between spiritual gifts, prayer, overcoming trials, and so on there was wide breadth of knowledge being shared increasing the likelihood that a reader will find helpful material. The tone at times was frustrating though. 

I found, in the reading, that Briscoe tended towards a one-size-fits all faith. There wasn't a lot of room for grace for those going through hard seasons just an unrelenting call to measure up. As a result, I wouldn't feel comfortable giving this book to some of my friends who are newer to faith and still working out the basics.

3.5 stars out of 5

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers  book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255  : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.