Book Review: Sin Boldly

I work well with deadlines.

I don't generally need a deadline when it comes to books but I have had one book on my nightstand for eight months. Eight LONG months.  I needed a little push to finish it so I start something new and find joy in reading again.

A few weeks ago, Jessica posted about a book giveaway. I saw this as a good opportunity to give myself the nudge to finish that other book.  

 

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started to read Sin Boldly. Honestly, it is probably a book I would have passed by in a book store. The title seemed  a little daunting, a little deep, and a little intimidating.  

I found Sin Boldly to be a delightful surprise. It was not daunting nor was it intimidating.  It was an easy read in the sense that the stories are engaging and each chapter takes you on a new journey.  I found that I could identify with the author and gained some insight on grace.

For as far back as I can remember I have struggled with feelings of guilt, shame, and worthlessness when I messed up.  I couldn't imagine how God could forgive me since I could not forgive myself.  For the most part, I have been a rule follower my entire life.  On the scale of mess ups, mine aren't huge. The statement that struck me, that had me nodding my head in agreement, was "When I understood, in God's grace, that there was nothing - not a thing - I could do to make God love me any less or any more, when I understood that there was nothing wrong or right about who I am in God's eyes, that I'm just loved, I started to live. Boldly."  We are sinners, we are going to mess up but we need to believe in God's grace and accept the grace that is given.  We need to "live this life."

Thanks Jessica for the opportunity to read something I would normally pass over.