Unafraid: Mary (Lineage of Grace)

Book Description

Mary is one of the most revered women in history, but she was an ordinary woman striving to please God in the same way that women still do today. Readers are sure to gain a new appreciation of the familiar story through Francine's signature style. A study on the biblical text is included for personal or group study.

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Customer Reviews:

Some of River's Best Work.......2007-01-17

I've not read all of the Christian fiction books written by Francine Rivers, but of the dozen or so books that I have read, I believe this is her best work, not necessarily from a literary standpoint, but rather from a Christian one. UNAFRAID, which examines the life of Mary, is the last in a five part Lineage of Grace series where Rivers examines the lives of five remarkable women chosen by God for the lineage of our Lord.

The first half of this book is as much about Joseph and his dedicated faith as it is about Mary, but the second half occurs after Joseph's death and focuses almost entirely on some of what Mary must have endured being chosen by God to bare the Messiah.

I don't know if it was River's intention to so accurately present many of the lessons Mary would have to come to terms with in her life, but she presents them flawlessly. For example, we see as Mary somewhat grudgingly comes to know that Jesus is not her son, but rather is and has always been, the Son of God. Through her other children, she learns to accept that Jesus is not the person He is because of who and what Mary and Joseph were, but rather because of what God is.

At Joseph's death, we see Jesus display His knowledge of the contrast between the treasure of His deity and the sacrifice of its function. We see Mary struggle to understand and come to terms with the hypostatic union of the God-Man, not yet understanding that the Incarnate Christ had to limit his omnipotence in order to submit His will to the will of God the Father.

Most interesting here is that Rivers never fails to show Mary's position as a mother to her children. Rivers doesn't attempt to show Mary as supreme being, giving equally to all her children, but rather openly shows her partiality to what she knows, and hastens to expose, as the Messiah. What mother wouldn't hold this child in highest regard over mere human children with their constant displays of negative volition?

This has been an exceptional series of stories and this one in particular has been most enjoyable. My only disappointment here lies in the brevity. All of these novellas in this series are limited to less than 200 pages. They could have easily been twice that. Nonetheless, the brevity makes this a great "snow day" read.

Pastor Monty Rainey

quick delivery.......2007-01-14

good where delivered quickly but CDs where not clear at the end,,(both disc 1 and 2 scratch)

Mary- A Very Blessed Woman.......2006-03-09

Although I loved all the books in this series, this one was my favorite. About 2/3rds of the book is set prior to Jesus' public ministry, which was fascinating to read about.

Mary is portrayed as a woman who loves God and is devoted to him. Her faith and trust are evident as she is "unafraid" of the scandal it could cause by being pregnant prior to marriage with Joseph. Hardships of traveling to Bethlehem nine months pregnant and giving birth in a cave are well covered. The book also demonstrates Joseph and Mary's faith they had at following God's will, such as getting up and leaving their home and business for Egypt in the middle of the night.

The author did an excellent job portraying Jesus' life as a young boy. One who is without sin. It was interesting how the author contrasted the differences between Jesus and his younger siblings. Jesus lived to please and do the will of his heavenly Father while his siblings lived to please and bring attention to themselves. You can't help but falling in love with this young Jesus. Can you imagine raising a child who never sins ?!?

Joseph is portrayed as a Godly husband and father, who spends much time going over scripture and teaching young Jesus. It seems so accurate that God would have chosen a Godly man to be Jesus' earthly father while growing up.

Jesus' public ministry was condensed, much focused on the crucifixion and resurrection. The assumed thoughts, feelings and confusion Mary experienced during the crucifixion and joy at the realization of the implications of the resurrection was very well done. The purpose of Jesus' death and resurrection are explained very well.

Without exception Mary is portrayed as a godly woman. One who was greatly blessed to be honored with the privilege of birthing and raising the Christ. She is also portrayed as very human, a sinner in need of a savior.

The bible tells us to worship and trust in Jesus Christ alone. He is our Savior and through Him is the only way we can gain access to the Father and to heaven. The bible instructs us pray "in Jesus' name" when making our requests known to God.

Unfortunately many people view Mary as a deity and worship & pray to her in addition to or instead of Christ. God's Word is clear that He wants us to focus on Christ and worship him alone. Mary was truly a blessed woman and had a very high calling in life. However, no where in the bible does it tell us to worship her. To worship any human, no matter how Godly, is idolatry. Francine Rivers accurately portrays this truth in her book.

A Fresh Look at Mary.......2005-12-23

This is the final book a series of novellas looking at the women mentioned in Jesus' genealogy. This book tells the story of Mary, Jesus' mother.

Mary is a just engaged woman of fifteen when the angel appears and tells her she will bare the Messiah. Her life is immediately turned upside down as Joseph, her husband to be, almost refuses to marry her. A trip to Bethlehem follows their marriage, then a flight to Egypt to escape the murderous wrath of King Herod. Eventually, they return to Nazareth, but the warm welcome Mary expects doesn't come. Too many people still believe the whispers surrounding Jesus' birth. Surely they will believe once Jesus reveals himself as Messiah.

But as Jesus grows into a man, Mary continues to be frustrated by His inaction. Further frustrating Mary, her other children refuse to believe her stories about Jesus. Will her dreams for Jesus ever be fulfilled?

This is an interesting look at Mary. Several times, her insistence that Jesus behave the way she wanted made me uncomfortable. Joseph actually comes out much stronger in this book then Mary does as he recognizes Jesus' ultimate destiny early in the story. Still, I had never really looked at the events of the Bible from Mary's eyes before, and I found her attitudes believable. Being fiction, this is obviously one woman's perspective, but it is one that will make you stop and think about our own attitudes toward God.

The story suffers from trying to cover too much time. In 173 small pages, the author tries to tell Mary's story from birth to death. While most of the story does deal with Jesus's time on earth, some scenes that show potential are rushed, making the first half hard to get into. Part of this is the writing style, which seems a little distant from the action. The climax, however, is powerful, and I was crying so hard it was almost impossible to read. Most interesting is the last chapter, where the author issues a very harsh rebuke to those who worship Mary.

The book needed a better focus to best explore the character of Mary. Even with the flaws, this book is worth reading and will make the reader look at the Biblical figure in a fresh new light.

Mary mother of Jesus!.......2003-05-18

This was a very good book and a fast reading. I never was really much into religion and to me Jesus had seem more friendly then Mary, I don't know why? Maybe it's because when I was young I saw a movie about Jesus and Mary seem to severe but in this book Mary seem like any other women and now I see her more friendly and she's the one who bring me back to believe more in God. After reading this book I became more interested also about the old and new bible. I sure understand her to feel upset and sad when Jesus said, "Who is my mother, who are my brothers?" You can very well feel Mary pain and confusion about all that. She said often, "God I am sorry to think he his my son, he his yours." I was thinking, no Mary you got every right to feel bad and upset. The book keep saying the same things, I would had put less stars but I think it deserve a 4 because it was a fast reading, you know more about Mary and she bring back my faith in god. Mary is like any other human and to me now she seem more real!

The Road to Unafraid: How the Army's Top Ranger Faced Fear and Found Courage through

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A Must Read for Anyone Preparing for a Life in the Armed Services
At once a story of courage, military experience and survival
Wonderful read, inspirational, riveting
Worth the Read, especially for a Parent.
Road to unafraid

The Road to Unafraid: How the Army's Top Ranger Faced Fear and Found Courage through
Jeff Struecker
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0849900603

Book Description

Jeff Struecker, a "Black Hawk Down" hero, the Army's Top Ranger, now an Army Chaplain, relates his own tales from the frontlines of every U.S. initiative since Panama, and tells how God taught him faith from the front in fear-soaked times. As readers go on-mission with Struecker through his harrowing tales, they will learn how to face their own fears with faith in a mighty God. Just as he told one of his charges in Mogadishu: "The difference between being a coward and a hero is not whether you're scared, it's what you do while you're scared."

Customer Reviews:

A Must Read for Anyone Preparing for a Life in the Armed Services.......2007-05-12

With my son in the Naval Academy and my daughter preparing to join him there this summer, I wanted to read a book dealing with the spiritual side of life in the military. Jeff Struecker does a good job clearly articulating his spiritual journey, setting his priorities and calling others to have a God centered life while serving in uniform.

I have shared the book with my adult children and I am thankful to Mr. Stuecker for sharing his insight and experience. I would recommend the book to anyone serving in the armed forces who wants to have a solid spiritual foundation and relationship with God.

At once a story of courage, military experience and survival.......2007-04-10

In 1993 author Jeff Struecker went to Somalia as part of an elite military force and found himself on a suicide mission to rescue a band of downed soldiers. At once a story of courage, military experience and survival, THE ROAD TO UNAFRAID also serves as a model for spiritual strength and thus is especially recommended for any spiritual collection.

Wonderful read, inspirational, riveting.......2007-03-29

I bought 3 copies of this book--one for me and one for each of my sons who are in the military. Captain Struecker's account of his life as a Ranger, and as a Christian, gave me a sense of great respect for him, the way he made decisions, and pride in this young man's accomplishments, not only for him but for our military! What a grueling experience to become a Ranger! I can only be amazed that these men survive these arduous assignments. This fine man has dedicated his life to serving our country, serving our Lord, and serving our soldiers and I am so thankful to him for that. I hope his book will inspire my sons to the same heights of achievement.

Worth the Read, especially for a Parent........2007-01-25

One of my friends gave me this book to read. Being a Christian and having a son in the Army, he thought I might get a better understanding of what it is like for today's soldiers. I enjoyed the book so much that I read in two days--just like the other reader. After finishing the book, I ordered for my son to read. Hopefully he will understand that all things are possible for those who are committed.

But don't be discouraged from buying this book if you think it is going to be heavily laden with Christian beliefs, as it is not. Captain Strueker explains what helped him to prepare for what he had to face and how he felt compelled to help others. This is not a Bible in your face type of book--it is a book on how he was able to survive.

In addition, there are some personal accounts of recent military actions that the United States has been involved in and how the soldiers really feel about politicians decisions. Honestly, the book is worth the price.

Road to unafraid.......2007-01-19

I had the opportunity to listen to Chaplain (CPT) Struecker speak to a group of men at a fellowship gathering at one of our local churches. He is a very inspirational speaker and is sincere about his love for Jesus. Having recently retired from the military I had a good understanding of what he had gone through while reading the book. I too was in a combat military occupational specialty (MOS) so I know what type of challenges he faced both mentally and spiritually. He had risen to the highest level of the most elite fighting force our Army has. The way he has stayed true to his faith throughout his many struggles and became stronger is an inspiration to those of us who have worn or wear the uniform.
I actually liked the book so much that I gave copies of it to a few of my former ROTC Cadets on their commissioning as 2nd Lieutenants in the Army recently. I highly recommend this book to anyone who questions their faith or is in the military and a Christian.

Average customer rating:

Great book!
A MUST-read
Inspiring book that school teachers might use.
An inspirational and deeply touching book.
Essential reading!

Unafraid of the Dark: A Memoir
Rosemary Bray
Manufacturer: Anchor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0385494750
Release Date: 1999-03-16

Amazon.com

In elegant, passionate prose, Rosemary L. Bray uses her personal history to persuasively defend America's much-maligned welfare system. A smart black girl from the Chicago slums didn't have much chance of going to Yale or becoming an editor at the New York Times Book Review before Aid to Families with Dependent Children helped Rosemary's selfless mother make ends meet and keep Rosemary in school. Bray's account of her progress is both inspiring and despairing, as she criticizes the welfare "reforms" that closed to others doors that were opened for her.

Book Description

In her deeply affecting, vividly written memoir, Rosemary L. Bray describes with remarkable frankness growing up poor in Chicago in the 1960s, and her childhood shaped by welfare, the Roman Catholic Church, and the civil rights movement.

Bray writes poignantly of her lasting dread of the cold and the dark that characterized her years of poverty; of her mother's extraordinary strength and resourcefulness; and of the system that miraculously enabled her mother to scrape together enough to keep the children fed and clothed. Bray's parents, held together by their ambitions for their children and painfully divided by their poverty, punctuate young Rosemary's nights with their violent fights and define her days with their struggles.

This powerful, ultimately inspiring book is a moving testimony of the history Bray overcame, and the racial obstacles she continues to see in her children's way.

Customer Reviews:

Great book!.......2000-05-03

This book was one that opened my eyes to the welfare program and the problems it has. It has also illustrated the social gaps that have been created by gender, race, and poverty. Rosemary did an excellent job in description in the life that she lead, and to how she has overcome the many barriers in her life. A great read for all!

A MUST-read.......1999-12-31

This woman knows how to write and she has something to say. She makes her point very effectively. For the cost of a paperback, you can give a copy to every Republican or other person who matters to you who doesn't understand or support Aid to Dependent Children or welfare, etc. Her book leads people to care about her and understand.

Inspiring book that school teachers might use........1999-02-26

A deeply moving, inspiring story. I felt like I was right there with her when she described her brief childhood encounter with Martin Luther King. Her writing brings characters alive like the best fiction I've ever read. I would seriously consider trying to get my school to order this book (I'm studying to become a high school English teacher).

An inspirational and deeply touching book........1999-01-20

Unafraid of the Dark is a beautifully written, inspirational and deeply touching book. I was unable to put it down from the moment I read the first page. I admire Rosemary and feel that she is an inspiration to all African American women.

Essential reading!.......1999-01-14

Rosemary Bray's memoir cuts through the anti-welfare hype and contempt for poor people, especially poor black women, that brought us "welfare reform." Her mother went on AFDC because her father was a violent gambler, and she had four kids to raise. Welfare enabled rosemary to grow up in threadbare but at least decent poverty--food on table, roof over head,school supplies and so forth. Far from promulgating the "culture of dependency," welfare helped Bray's mother get some independence. And far from passing welfare on to her daughter, Rosemary went to yale. Bray writes so perceptively about her family and her childhood, about the racism of l960s Chicago (and of yale). she made me think about all the little cruelties and deprivations poor people are expected to just accept, and how wrong this is. I wish every white person would read this book, and every person who thinks people are poor because they "don't want to work." Isn't it interesting that even in the midst of the "memoir boom," this book didn't get front page reviews?

Unafraid of Virginia Woolf: The Friends and Enemies of Roy Campbell

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Top Drawer

Unafraid of Virginia Woolf: The Friends and Enemies of Roy Campbell
Joseph Pearce
Manufacturer: ISI Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1932236368

Book Description

Roy Campbell (1902-57) led an unquiet life marked by numerous affairs (both real and imagined), brawls (he once attacked Stephen Spender on stage during a poetry recital), and curious stunts (with the help of Dylan Thomas, he once ate a vase of daffodils in celebration of St. David's Day). It was also marked by numerous controversies, especially Campbell's running feud with Virginia Woolf and her Bloomsbury group of intellectuals, about whom he remarked in "The Georgiad": "Hither flock all the crowds whom love has wrecked / Of intellectuals without intellect / And sexless folk whose sexes intersect…."

Acknowledged as one of the finest poets of his generation after the publication of his long poem The Flaming Terrapin, Campbell came to prominence in the 1920s when he captured the imagination of the English intelligentsia with his romantic background and controversial style. Pearce's vivid biography centers on Campbell's ongoing feud with the Bloomsbury group and the ideas they championed, the friendships Campbell forged with figures such as C. S. Lewis, T. S. Eliot, and the Sitwells, and Roy and his wife Mary's reception into the Catholic Church. Campbell's literary relationships and wonderfully romantic life is, thus, the context for this riveting account of Campbell's reckless life and the fascinating poetry that was left behind. That poetry, in the judgment of Pearce, was "both perplexing and challenging—yet no more so than the poet himself." Both Roy Campbell the man and his poetry richly deserve the engrossing reappraisal offered here by acclaimed biographer Joseph Pearce.

Customer Reviews:

Top Drawer.......2004-08-06

I'm a fan of Roy Campbell, and have long been dismayed by the fact that a poet of his talent is today largely forgotten and almost completely unread. I'm grateful, therefore, to Joseph Pearce for this truly excellent biography (which, unlike his work on Belloc, actually contains photos!)

But, with all respect and appreciation, I must mention some aspects that annoyed me. First, Mr. Pearce's prissy tut-tutting regarding Campbell's gloves-off attacks on his detractors (as well as his -- gasp! -- "reactionary" politics) is rather wearisome. Second, I was stunned to read [p. 161] "When, three years later, Hart Crane committed suicide by throwing himself off the very same [Brooklyn] bridge...." Come now, Mr. Pearce! Even the most elementary research would have informed you that Crane committed suicide by jumping from a ship in the Gulf of Mexico. Finally, Mr. Pearce's "Postmortem" is a bit weak, as he doesn't offer his assessment of Campbell's reputation as a poet some 50 years after his death.

Well, I had to get that off my chest. None of the mentioned negatives, however, detract in any way from my hearty recommendation of this book.

At Peace And Unafraid: Public Order, Security, And the Wisdom of the Cross

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At Peace And Unafraid: Public Order, Security, And the Wisdom of the Cross

Manufacturer: Herald Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0836193083

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Care and concern on a personal level
COMFORTING AND COMPASSIONATE
Certain to become a popular classic
A must read for everyone who loves someone facing death.

Dying Unafraid
Moreland Johns , and Fran Moreland Johns
Manufacturer: Synergistic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Death & Grief | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying

ASIN: 0912184116

Book Description

Dying Unafraid tells inspired stories--not just of those nearing the end of their anticipated lifespans but also of children and adults in what they had expected to be midlife--of individuals who faced death without fear, offering hope and encouragement to those about them. It is written for the lay reader without pop psychology or religious intonations, by a veteran storyteller/reporter who herself has long experience working with the terminally ill. Tough questions of the day such as the issues of self-deliverance and physician-hastened death, as well as what rights individuals have in retaining control over their own lives when those lives are ending are addressed through the stories of individuals who have confronted those issues.

Customer Reviews:

Care and concern on a personal level.......1999-10-08

I believe, after reading Dying Unafraid, that when my time comes I would like Fran Moreland Johns to be here with me. She is strong, yet compassionate - obviously a take-charge kind of lady - but one who is willing to hold hands and, why not, really cry. Yes. I'll dial 911 and then call Fran!

COMFORTING AND COMPASSIONATE.......1999-10-07

I believe, after reading Dying Unafraid, that when my time comes I would like for Fran Moreland Johns to be here with me. She is strong, yet compassionate - obviously a take-charge kind of lady - but one who is willing to hold hands and, why not, really cry. Yes. I'll dial 911 and then call Fran!

Certain to become a popular classic.......1999-03-17

Fran Johns book is certain to become a popular classic. The book speaks to all of us, regardless of our prior persuasion on the subject of dying. It succeeds by avoiding any and all positions based upon dogma or "expert" insight.

The book is based upon the premise that dying is a uniquely personal matter, a singular experience, hence not subject to benefit from our own experience. The only experience likely to provide some possible insight into how we feel or react when this event is immediately upon us, is the experience of others who have managed to die unafraid or helped others in the process. The author has a well honed talent for relating the stories of real people, stories which touch upon the many aspects of dying: what the dying person brings to the experience, the role of family and friends, of the physician, and of the chosen environment. Johns reaches the reader by virtue of her personal involvement with many of the people about whom she writes. This is not the work of a "researcher" of other people's views on the matter, but of a dedicated hospice volunteer. She has thought deeply about the subject and our different reactions to it, based upon personal involvement.

She does a particularly fine job of exploring the matter of assisted dying, not as a strident advocate of one position or another, but by providing us with the context in which this most diffiult of all decisions must be made. Of particular interest to me was the observation, that in the not too distant past, the "family doctor" was part of the family and considerations of liability and legal implications did not enter into the decision making process. Most likely a lifelond acquaintance, if not friend, the family doctor was there to help the individual and the family to weigh the alternatives. Than, - people felt more comfortable with making this decision without the pressure of institutional interests entering into the process

In Dying Unafraid, Fran Johns has succeeeded in creating for the reader a mental, spiritual and emotional framework within which each of us can contemplete and discuss the roles we must assume and the views we bring to bear on the subject of dying.

A must read for everyone who loves someone facing death........1999-03-01

The author has created a wonderful collage of feelings that touches every fiber of the readers soul. Dying Unafraid will make you laugh and cry....you will be enlightened and empowered. The stories are straightforward, deeply moving, and inspiring. There are triumphs. You will experience the threat of imminent death that is transformed into a celebration of life.This is a very compassionate journal.

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Unafraid to Be (Pocketbooks)
Ruth Etchells
Manufacturer: Inter-Varsity Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0851103448

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Hilarious collection of stinging definitions

Websters Unafraid Dictionary
Levinson
Manufacturer: Scribner Paper Fiction
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0020405405

Customer Reviews:

Hilarious collection of stinging definitions.......2003-11-27

I can't believe this book has not been reviewed before! My copy is 24 years old, and I still refer to it when I am looking for a snappy definition.

Levinson has included many of his own definitions and many of these laugh at American accents. [That's OK: he is American, himself!]

He has also reproduced many of Samuel Johnson's definitions from his famous dictionary. However, the real value of the book lies in the scores of Ambrose Bierce's biting comments included. This is where I first encountered them.

Here are a few of my favourites:
Samuel Johnson
Oats A grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people.

Boswell's retort
And where will you find such men and such horses?

Levinson
Middle Age That time in life when one wishes there were some other way to start the day than by getting up.
Youth same definition
Old Age same definition

Art Ryon
Mermaid Not enough fish to fry and not enough woman to love

Ambrose Bierce
Christian One who believes that the New Testament is a divinely inspired book, admirably suited to the spiritual needs of his neighbour
Christian One who follows the teachings of Christ insofar as they are not inconsistent with a life of sin

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