Review of Yolanda Shanks' book, "A Cause to Be Thankful" from the Destined to Live, Despite Me Series.
By: Lisa LeaSure, Living Water Home Spa Shop
Colossians 3:15 (KJV): And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
To be honest, when I started reading this book, I was on an airplane heading to Georgia. The book had just arrived and it was the perfect size to fit in my purse. I was interested in learning more about true thankfulness in Biblical terms, and I thought the flight would give me time to focus on the book and not be distracted. But, when I started to read the book, I found it to be a bit slow. I also could not make the correlation between thankfulness and suicide attempt(s), but I kept on reading. For me, it's important to examine other people's thinking in case God should ask me to help someone in a similar situation.
On my return trip, I had a bit of time between my arrival at the airport and my flight, so I started reading the book again. A sweet, Southern lady saw the book cover and started a conversation with me. It turns out she was heading to the Hampton Roads area to visit her sister, and it was her birthday. She saved me a seat near her on the plane, and she decided that she just had to look at the book. She rifled through the pages for at least an hour. Finally, she said, "There's interesting and important information in this book." She planted a seed of encouragement for me to keep on reading and seeking its hidden meaning. And, I was glad she did.
Ms. Shank's illustration of the thankfulness of the lepers in the Bible is powerful. And, in modern day, the subject of thankfulness is very important. Unfortunatley, some people have forgotten how truly blessed we are as Americans and the spirit of entitlement has crept in. There is an expectation that people "deserve" anything that they want, and do not have to work to achieve it. As America moves farther from God, our country as a whole is becoming a less thankful nation. And, it's particularly important that thanklessness not take root in the hearts and minds of our youth - the future of our nation.
A Cause to Be Thankful also examines how important it is for the giver to know that the recipient is thankful. Christ is touched when we are truly thankful and approach him with a thankful heart. Should we not be thankful for all He has given us, and should we not be compelled to be outwardly thankful to Him for our blessings?
Are you thankful, truly thankful for all you are and all you have been given? Or have you come to expect a certain level of comfort, health, blessing, etc.? Unsure? Then, it may be time to examine if "entitlement" has crept into your life. "A Cause to Be Thankful" will help you examine your heart and discover the meaning of thankfulness.
By the way, my sweet, Southern friend should receive her copy of "A Cause to Be Thankful" tomorrow. I'm sure she'll be thrilled.
"A Cause to Be Thankful" is available at Amazon.com in paperback.
About the Author:
Multi-published author, speaker, blogger, teacher, wife, grandmother—Yolanda Shanks wears many hats, but the one she most resonates with is her role as an advocate for living life to its fullest.
Shanks’ award-winning first book, Destined to Live, Despite Me, continues to be a source of hope for those battling effects from a prior suicide attempt. It garnered an enthusiastic Kirkus review, which stated the book was “a commendable guide for finding meaning after considering suicide.”
Her second book, Not Just a Hearer but a Doer (released June 2012) challenges the body of Christ to act upon scripture. In the Fall of 2012, she released a third project, entitled Destined to Live, Despite Me – A Cause to Be Thankful.
Check her website (www.YolandaShanks.com) for book events in your area and for weekly wisdom from this lover of life and committed Christ-follower.
FTC Required Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew.
