Life Without Limits: Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life

     I’m truly amazed by this man’s story, his life, his commitment to helping others, his ability to have fun, and his mission to give other’s hope.  I might not have heard about Nick Vujicic if I weren’t a book reviewer for Waterbrook Multnomah’s Blogging for Books program.  I received an e-mail from them publicizing Nick’s book Unstoppable that’s hot off the press this month.  I watched the video trailer for his new book, checked out a music video he’d done, and watched a couple of his speaking engagements on Youtube, and I was absolutely certain I’d not only want to read his new book, but that I had to get my hands on a copy of his first book Life Without Limits immediately if not sooner.

     I can’t say enough good things about Life Without Limits which is probably part of the reason it’s taken me so long after reading the book, and trying to digest it, before I’ve sat down to write the review.  Again, Nick, his incredible journey, positive attitude, strong faith, and perseverance have really inspired me at yet another time in my life when I’m wondering if, how, and for what greater purpose God can use me. 
     The suffering and pain Nick has experienced isn’t sugar-coated or watered down, which I appreciate.  I believe it’s important to let others know that our lives aren’t perfect, that we have difficult periods, and that we need to keep learning and growing like everyone else.  There are some books in which the subject of suffering is treated in a way that seems to encourage pity or sadness because of what the author has been through.  Nick is honest about the hurt he’s experienced in a way that is human, humbling, and vulnerable instead of approaching things with a “poor, pitiful me” attitude.  Though I can’t imagine facing most of the major challenges that he has conquered in life, he never seems to approach or talk to others in a “my suffering is clearly worse than anything you’ll ever go through, so stop feeling sorry for yourself” manner. 
     Nick understands that there are many different types of suffering, some far worse than anything he’s experienced, and it’s for those people who think their lives are pointless, worthless, or uselessthat he keeps going. 
     One of my favorite aspects of this book (and there are many) is that it is both well written and edited.  The stories in it are fresh, original, personal, and the suggestions, guidance, and examples of how to have “a ridiculously good life” are actually relevant and make sense.  There are some motivational speakers/authors who repeat a few messages over and over without really making them fresh, personal, or easy to connect with on a deeper level.  In the past, I’ve been disappointed by some of the books written by internationally known speakers, because they are so poorly edited that it would have been better if their book hadn’t gone to press.    
     Life Without Limits has really thrown me for a loop.  Yet again, the Lord has seen fit to guide me to a person of faith with a message of hope when so many of my dreams and ambitions seem to have been postponed, cancelled, or completely ruined. 
     Truthfully there have been times that I have felt more depressed after reading this book, because I have gotten into the downward spiral of thinking that I should have done something more significant with my life by now.  I should have made a bigger difference in the world, given more people hope, brought more people to Christ.  Another great thing about this book is that Nick doesn’t limit the ways that people can love, minister to, and encourage others.  He affirms that all of us have something to offer regardless of our obvious or not-as-evident weaknesses and flaws. 
     It’s always a pleasure to read a book written by someone you know you’d love to meet and talk with for a while.  I just know my husband and I would have a blast visiting with Nick Vujicic. 
     In a lot of ways, Nick’s done what I’ve wanted to do on a larger scale for quite some time, take what I’ve been given and use it the best way I can in order to glorify the Lord and bring others closer to Him by loving, encouraging, and supporting them.
     There’s also the theme of “all things work for good for those who love God” from Romans 8:28 running through Life Without Limits that quickly spoke to me as I’ve identified that as one of my life verses and certainly a central one in my relationship with Kevin as we’ve gone from best friends, to a couple, to husband and wife.  
     They say hope floats, but now we see that vessels of this gift from God can also swim, fly, surf, write, and inspire millions.  If a man born without arms or legs can overcome such tremendous obstacles and become such a faith-filled example for others, then it is clear that, with God, we, too, can be the source of love and hope who He has created each of us to be.
     To learn more about Nick Vujicic and his organization Life Without Limbs, click here.  To read an excerpt from his book and/or buy or download a copy of your own, click here. 

Relentless: The Power You Need to Never Give Up

This book serves as an insistent reminder of how we are called to be when it comes to following Christ: Relentless!  The main message that God’s grace empowers us to overcome the struggles and temptations in this life is supported through a number of different Scripture passages as well as personal examples from Pastor John Bevere’s life. 

     
Prayer and perseverance are key as we move towards our eternal goal of Heaven.  These essential elements are explored and expanded upon as they can be applied to our daily lives. 
     
I was bothered by some of what Bevere wrote.  I found certain passages to be quite contradictory and was disappointed to find the same major misconceptions regarding the Catholic faith that are common among Protestant pastors, even those who supposedly have some experience with the Church.  One example of such misunderstanding that really jumped out at me can be found on page 98 where the author asserts that “For some reason, many people believe that godliness is exemplified by not having enough.  In extreme cases, some people even take vows of poverty in their service to God.” 
     
Bevere goes on to suggest that such a vow is actually against Biblical principles, which is really absurd.  Jesus and his Apostles, many religious, saints, and even laypeople have responded to God’s call to live a life that is simple and detached from the materialism that is espoused by our world.  A very prominent example of this is the life of Saint Mother Teresa.  She vowed to live a life of poverty, not because she thought God wouldn’t provide her with whatever she needed in abundance, but because she trusted more than most do that this would be the case, so she and the Missionaries of Charity were dedicated to serving others and relying completely on the Lord for the food, medicine, shelter, and financial support needed to continue their ministry. 
     
I bring this up because Bevere illustrates a clear understanding of God’s call to rely completely on Him for our financial well-being.  He doesn’t seem to see the correlation that for some that means giving up all possessions and money to serve others and thereby relying completely on the Lord for all the provisions they need for themselves and others. 
     
When Bevere talks about how he and his wife were challenged to rely on the Lord for their needs and those of their family when he was called into full-time speaking ministry, he doesn’t recognize that as an aspect of accepting poverty when that’s what God requires.  This pastor doesn’t claim that we are to hoard our wealth or anything like that, but that God intends abundance for us that He alone can and will provide when we put our trust in Him.  That’s true.  Many times, individuals are asked to trust God for everything and sometimes He asks them to do that by vowing not to accrue things that might get in the way of a closer relationship and deeper reliance on Him.
     
The essential lesson in this book is that the Lord loves us, is Himself the author of our faith, and gives us all the grace we need to persevere in doing His will, in following Christ, and in bringing others closer to Him, regardless of the struggles in mind, body, and/or spirit that we come up against in the process. 
     
Pray fervently.  Seek God’s will.  Accept God’s grace to carry it out.  Don’t give up no matter what, and God will provide for all that you need and then some.  These are the basic building blocks that make up the foundation of Christian faith and beliefs. 
     
The message of persevering in the faith is one all of us need to hear and be reminded of, but I wasn’t as impressed by this particular book as I have been some others that treat the same subject.       

     
I wrote this review of Relentless for WaterBrook Multnomah’s  program.  For more information about the book or to purchase your own copy, click here.  I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.  To learn more about their reviewer program, click here.