Reclaiming the "L" Word by Kelly Fryer

Finally, we have a “reader friendly” book that reminds us of what it means to be Lutheran. Ms. Fryer is a lady Lutheran minister who has been in the middle of some heated membership fluctuations. She refers often to Martin Luther’s vision for this church that is named in his honor. And, although the roadblocks Luther worked to destroy are different from those facing Lutherans today, he challenged many of the same taboos that we hear so much about now.

Luther reminded us constantly that this is the “Welcoming” church – open to all – non-judgmental – loving and all embracing. Pastor Fryer lays out five strategic behaviors that she believes could unite Lutherans and give them the courage to stand at the foot of the cross to meet Jesus whose love accepts us all. She points us to Luther’s words, “while God could have come to us in all kinds of ways, God chose to come down here to meet us in the most unlikely place of all: On the cross, in the face of an outcast and a stranger, who suffered there and died.” The author believes God had to do all this because we had made such a mess of things. She fears we may be doing it again. reviewed by Shirley Cunningham

Lord, Save Us From Your Followers DVD

This is a difficult DVD to review. Many subjects, many opionions, and many "authorities" hit you in the face fast and furiously and then move on to something else. The basic question as I see it seems to be "Why are Christians losing their credibilty?"

What do you see happening in the 'Christian Community' that would encourage you to want to be a part of it? Do you see love, compassion, understanding, conversation?What is the real threat?..Ecology..Sexuality..Politics.. Dr. Campolo says it is none of those things. What is it then? Are confessionals and foot washing the answer? Then why do it?

As we watch the attendance at old, traditional churches dwindle in alarming numbers and as we see new and different churches springing up everywhere, perhaps it is time to ask Jesus' followers what, indeed, are you doing to our Lord?
Reviewed by Shirley Cunningham

"Have a Little Faith" by Mitch Albom

Just imagine that Pastor Shoffner calls you to his office and tells you he would like for you to prepare and deliver his eulogy. Of course, we aren’t talking about any time soon but still - - a daunting assignment. This is exactly what happens to Mitch Alban in Have a Little Faith.

After he gets over the shock, Mitch realizes that he needs to know more about his rabbi if he is going to be able to write intelligently about him. So he begins a series of visits – they don’t even live in the same town – that take Mitch to some strange places – including the I Am My Brother’s Keeper Ministry. He meets a 400 lb. ex-con preacher and a man with no legs while finding out his rabbi (who sings constantly) has a life beyond the temple.

Will Mitch be ready when the time for a eulogy arrives? What will he say about his old rabbi? This little book has lots of “Aha!” moments so keep your pencil handy. Given to the CVL by Nina Shell

The Amethyst Heart by Penelope J. Stokes

A gripping story of several generations beginning in 1853. It deals with civil rights issues, family difficulties, and the importance of having Christian faith in one's life. The following quote sums the main point of the story in my opinion.
"But there's also strength in diversity. I believe the Lord has called us to reconciliation--not just reconciliation with God, but with one another as well. God commands us to gather the outcasts and welcome them in. And that means those of us who are not among the outcasts--us white folks, who have privilege and power and presige--must lay down our power, must willingly share it with those who have none. No one is free while anyone is in chains."
This book opened my eyes to see how important it is to accept others reagardless of our differences. We are all His children and deserving of His love.
Submitted by Peggy Duncan

Sybil's Choice by Iris Sechriest

This true story is taken from the author's own journal. When her daughter, Sybil, a young woman with two grown children and a one month old grandchild, was diagnosed with brain cancer, Mrs. Sechriest accoomopanied her daughter to various doctors to learn of the forms of treatment available.

Sybil eventually chose an alternative method of treatment offered by a clinic in Florida. This treatment used an extract from the Aloe Vera plant. In order to do this, she moved from her North Carolina home to St. Petersburg, Florida, accompanied by her mother and her brother

This is the story of their journey, with all its ups and downs. This review is submitted by Norma Frank.

*The author's brother, Pastor Sonny Bolick, donated "Sybil's Choice" to our library. He and his wife, Rose, will shortly become members of HTLC.

Stones Into Schools by Greg Mortensen

Greg Mortensen's new book resumes the story of keeping his promises-this one made to the Kirzhig horsemen he met in 1999 who rode into Pakistan to secure his help to bring a school to remote northeast Afghanistan. Many other schools were built and many obstacles overcome before that promise could be kept. One crisis-making this book an even more timely read-involved responding to the devastating earthquake in the Kashmir in October, 2005. Told in the first person and almost as dramatic as Three Cups of Tea, Stones into Schools is a powerful reminder of what a sense of empowerment can produce.

Barbara Thomas
Stones Into Schools is available in the Christus Victor Library

"The Help" by K. Stockett

This is a first novel by Jackson, Mississippi native, Kathryn Stockett. The author sets her story in her hometown but moves the timeline to 1962. She uses the voices of 3 women, one white 22 year old, and two black women who courageously set about to change racial and gender attitudes in their community through their collaboration to write a book revealing the truth about relations between employers and the women they hire to serve in their homes. Readers of this well-written fiction will discover or perhaps recall how things were in the South of this decade of turmoil and emotion. Stockett unleashes humor, tension and hope to entertain and inspire us from the first page to the last.

Judy Shirley