The Story of Your Life (Inspiring Stories of God at Work in People Just Like You)
by Matthew West & Angela Thomas
When I first heard about this book, I was so excited for it to be published. I loved the concept of the book - take a bunch of peoples' stories and write about how God is working in their lives - and I also loved Matthew West and Angela Thomas. So when I learned that Harvest House was offering it on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance and requested to review it.
I have seen both Matthew West and Angela Thomas live. I actually met Matthew before his concert at my church in 2005, as I was the administrative assistant/young adult ministry event organizer at the time. I loved how down to earth he was. He also gave a fabulous concert! Listening to his album History takes me back to those fun days in 2005 every time! I saw Angela Thomas live at an Extraordinary Women conference in Columbus, Ohio in 2009. I will always remember her story of redemption - of how she, as a divorced mother of several children, met her prince charming who loved her so much, and loved her kids as his own. I think I may have wiped away a tear or two, but if anyone was sitting near me back then, I had something in my eye...
I really liked this book. First off, let me explain how the book came to be. Matthew West was working on a new album called The Story of Your Life, in which he planned to write songs based on stories and testimonies he received from fans. While talking to his friend Angela Thomas one day, he explained what his new album was all about. She told him he needed to write a book based on peoples' stories too, and that she would help him write it. Each chapter begins with someone's 1-2 page story, followed by a response in the form of a devotional from Angela or Matthew.
The only thing I would change is the length of the stories. I found myself wishing they would have been longer, so as to create more of a connection with the person giving the testimony. I feel this book would be a valuable resource for anyone who is feeling dry spiritually, or just needs some inspiration to keep walking with Christ.
I definitely recommend this book, and am happy to have it in my collection of devotionals.
This book is now available at your favorite bookseller from Harvest House Publishers.
About the authors:
Matthew West:
GRAMMY ® nominee Matthew West along with best selling author Angela Thomas (Do You Think I'm Beautiful, My Single Mom Life and more) are uniting to release The Story of Your Life: Inspiring Stories of God at Work in People Just Like You with Harvest House Publishers this September.
The book from West comes as a follow-up to his best-selling, latest CD The Story of Your Life where he received 10,000 personal stories from individuals in every state in the U.S.
West received such an overwhelming response that he could not include all of the stories in the album, and the idea of a book was born to create an opportunity to expose even more meaningful stories. The letters covering topics such as bullying, divorce and adoption have now been turned into redemptive and hopeful devotions in this latest book. This devotional journey inspires readers to discover God as the author of their unique lives and to share the power of their story.
Source: CM Spin
Source: CM Spin
Angela Thomas:
Angela Thomas is the best-selling author of numerous books including Do You Know Who I Am, Do You Think I'm Beautiful, and My Single Mom Life. She is a gifted teacher and story-teller speaking to thousands each year. Angela teaches and transparently shares life experiences that draw her and others into a deeper passion for knowing God. Angela graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill & Dallas Theological Seminary. She has filmed and written five video studies with LifeWay including Brave & When Wallflowers Dance. Living in Greensboro, North Carolina, Angela is also a wife, mother and an ordinary woman.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers through NetGalley. 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."
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