Unoffendable was Uninspiring

Brant Hansen's book Unoffendable was something that capture my attention.  He speaks of making one change that will make all of life better and that change is relinquishing any right to anger.  He argues that righteous anger does not exist and giving up that right to anger is what gives you the "most healthy, simplifying, relaxing, refreshing, stress-relieving, encouraging things we can do."  I looks from other reviews already posted that I will be the sole voice of dissent here.  Oh well...


Before you jump to any conclusions, I am not making the case for being angry.  I had a temper as a child and it almost cost me my life as, in anger, I stuck my hands trough a glass door.  I still bear the scars from that experience, so I understand the evil side of anger.  The Bible is clear in that explosive anger dishonors God, damages our testimony, and destroys relationships with others.  We are in agreement on that point; however, Hansen's book falls short of proving in a systematic and Biblical fashion that Christians are to never be angry.

Here is an example:  Hansen points to Jesus' anger in throwing the money changes out of the Temple.  Quite correctly, he points out that Christians use that as an example -- well, if Jesus was angry, then we can so be as well.  Hansen deals with this issue through slight of hand by saying something along these lines -- "you see, yes, Jesus could be angry because He can do lots of things that we cannot.  Like what you may ask?  Oh, how about create the world and rise from the dead.  Since we cannot do those things, we should not focus on other things that He does either."

What's the danger there?  Simple -- Jesus showed compassion, feed the hungry, went to the outcasts, exhibited humility, experienced pain, etc.  We must be careful in flippantly throwing out elements of Jesus' existence that clearly reflected His deity as reasons to avoid our humanity.  Anger is a human emotion that cannot be avoided.  I think the problem that Hansen misses is the realization of its innate humanness.  Anger, alone, is not a problem.  If it lingers and is acted upon, then it becomes wrong as bitterness forms.

Hansen refuses to deal with situations like Moses, in Exodus, being angered at Israel for creating the golden calf.  He threw down the tablets containing the Ten Commandments but nowhere do you see God rebuking him for that anger.  What about Paul who stood toe to toe with Peter over the issue of Gentile believers in Galatians 2.  I am sure that anger was involved here but, once again, we do not see God condemning him for his actions.

Again, I am not making a case for Christians to be angry; yet I am saying that Hansen fell short.  He offered lots of stories, examples from his radio show, and nice thoughts of his own.  What was missing, however, was a detailed exegesis and consideration of the totality of Scripture.  Since that aspect was lacking, I am left wondering at the veracity of his arguments.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. 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.”

Leadership Lessons from a SEAL Leader

Before moving forward, I am an avid reader of leadership books and am a sucker for anything that relates to the military and/or special forces.  So, when I saw the title The Navy SEAL Art of War, I jumped on it.  Rob Roy's book cover was uninspiring, so I made an immediate assumption.  Remember the adage "don't judge a book by its cover"?  Well, I should have because I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.  It will be added to my professional reading shelf and, quite frankly, it was not going to be prior to reading it.

This review is a deviation from my normal focus on Christian books.  It does have some profanity laced throughout, so bear that in mind going into it.  If such language will be offensive to you, then I suggest you avoid reading it.  Now, to the details of this modern-day leadership book written in the format of a Sun Tzu Art of War....

The author has more than 50 "chapters," and I use that term loosely.  Most of them are 3-4 pages of material but many others are only 1 page.  These are shorter musing that jump right into the details and he does not waste any time in dancing around the topic.  When you get this book, please read it with a specific situation in mind -- could be professional or personal life.  My advice is offered so that the tenets within can make a difference.  We, far too often, read a book just to read and the application is what creates the change that can produce success.

Here is a critique that I do have though -- pages 16 and 17 deal with lots of "I've" done this or "I'm" still doing this or "I've" used this or "I've watched" this happen.  This part is referenced particularly due to the section the author had on humility.  He says on pages 100 and 101 that "precious few details of my many SEAL adventures" have been omitted from the book  and "that's by design."  He goes on to say that SEALs are not "braggarts or glory hounds."  The two sections just seemed to lack cohesion.  Stop.  I am NOT saying that this guy is prideful or a braggadocio.  The lack of congruence was troubling to me and cutting that information in the introduction would have removed any sort of question from my mind.

It's a good read and an enjoyable one.  Remember,  "the first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.  The second is to look things in the fact and know them for what they are." 


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  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 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

A Special Book about Special Operation Forces

 

Legend by Eric Blehm is a fast-paced read filling with in-depth character analysis, historical context, and amazing story-telling skills.  This particular era was one of secret missions into Cambodia that were being driven by politicians, and you will see how that plays out on the date that serves as the primary subject of the book.  If you are unfamiliar with the author, I stumbled upon his work through the book Fearless about a Navy S.E.A.L.  I loved that book and, quite frankly, I love this new book Legend just as much. 

This newest work focuses on the Vietnam era and the amazing story of MSG Roy Benavidez and the events of May 2, 1968.  Before getting to that life-changing day, Blehm provides significant biographical information about Roy, which offers insight into how he made his decision on that fateful day.  As he was taught from a child -- when you know someone needs help, you just go help them.  That is exactly what he did in heroic fashion saving the lives of at least 8 men.  Although, he would be quick to tell you that he was no hero - the heroes are those that never made it back.  Yet, the fact remains that his story is one of humility, hard work, honor, and heroism.

I do not want to spoil the story for you in this review, but I will saw this much - that day in May started like any other for Sgt. Benavidez.  He was able to hear that some men were in a tough fire fight - some men that were his friends - and when a chopper was head out to attempt extraction, he jumped on board.  Now, mind you, he was not assigned to that chopper nor did he have his normal load (rucksack with ammo, grenades, or even his weapon).  He went in with only a knife and a medical kit.  As the chopper tried to find the men to resupply them with ammo, they realized they could not get to them.  That's why Sgt. Benavidez made the critical decision to jump from the chopper and into the battle when that Huey was there to try and remove men from the battle.  I will stop there but will offer this one final tidbit -- his actions led to his receipt of the Medal of Honor.

If you love history and stories of amazing encounters in combat, this is a must read.  His call sign - Tango, Mike, Mike - has become synonymous in special forces circles referencing the need for courage during conflict.  Please, read this book about an amazing American and see what is possible through the selflessness of one individual.


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  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 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

An Encyclopedia of Leadership

John C. Maxwell has put together what I call and "encyclopedia of leadership" in his culmination of the 101 series -- Complete 101 Collection:  What Every Leader Needs to Know.  If you are looking for an in-depth authoritative source, then this is not your book.  If, however, you are seeking something that offers solid information on many topics, then this is your book. Maxwell admits that in his opening section, so he does not mislead you in any way.

The book itself is 612 pages of text, so it is a rather large book.  The topics considered are as follows:  attitude, self-improvement, leadership, relationships, success, teamwork, equipping, and mentoring.  Each topic is approximately 70 pages in length divided among 8 or so chapters.  The format and structure permits a reader to digest the material and to notice the how the topics are interconnected.  For instance, attitude is the foundation of self-improvement and equipping others is the primary goal of mentoring. 

This book will be a solid addition to your leadership section.  I would also suggest that you may give this to others as a gift for their personal and professional growth.  Most importantly, get a copy for yourself and wrestle with the thoughts contained in its pages.  And, if you want to know more about these topics, Maxwell is proud to offer you other books on those topics as well.  : )


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. 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.”

An Interesting History of the Cubs and Wrigley Field

Disclaimer:  this book is a deviation from my normal considerations of Biblical or theological works.  Well, on second thought -- maybe not.  I am a die-hard and "religious" Cubs fan, so I guess it does...at least somewhat...stick with my focus on religious works!!  : )

George F. Will has written a nice little history of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field -- A Nice Little Place on the North Side:  A History of Triumph, Mostly Defeat, and Incurable Hope at Wrigley Field.  If you are a Cubs fan, or even just a baseball fan, then this is a must read.  Will has a tremendous ability in the written word, and I am jealous of his talent.

Now, let's get right to the point -- if you are looking for a chapter-based book that has a logical order of grouped ideas, then you will be disappointed.  Will has a logical order but he is all-over-the-page on some of the history of the ballpark.  I have the reputation of being the "walking encyclopedia of worthless information," and I can honestly say that this book will help me retain that reputation.  There are some absolutely wonderful nuggets of baseball records.

Some other things that you will keep with you -- the mental image of Al Capone sitting at a Cubs game, a Cubs manager that hated Ernie Banks, the impetus behind the famous outfield ivy, and the "myth" of Babe Ruth's famous called home run.  I'm not going to spoil that one -- get the book and see for yourself.

A good read that will be lots of fun for you.  I encourage anyone to pick this up and enjoy!


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  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 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Just Another Bible...Not a Study Bible

As the title of the blog says, the NIV Proclamation Bible is just another Bible.  Having seen the comment by Timothy Keller -- "there are many study Bibles, but none better" -- I had extremely high hopes for this Bible.  Unfortunately, I was disappointed.

The Bible is a hardcover, which is not a problem, and I love the deeper hue of the outside cover.  The print is sufficiently large for my aging eyes.  The book has about a page or page and a half introduction for each book and that is written by various contributors.  It also includes solid and colorful maps along with a cross-references and a word-based concordance. 

This new Bible lacks word studies or context boxes within the text, which is something I would expect from a study Bible.  Other than the 10 doctrinal or theological essays prior to the actual Biblical text, this NIV Proclamation Bible is sorely lacking in study tools.  Also, my personal preference of Christ's words in red was not found in this study Bible either.  The connection to the Proclamation Trust was never fully divulged, so that has left me wondering.

With all of that said, I'm not sure how this is considered a proper study Bible.  If you are looking for a study Bible, there are better candidates out there for you to expend your hard-earned money upon.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. 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.”

Not a Bad Read, But....

If you have read the book American Sniper by Chris Kyle, then you are familiar with the story of Ryan Job.  Kyle goes through that story in-depth and how the SEAL team rallied around for the medical evacuation.  Ryan, despite the gruesome wound and pain, would leave the battlefield under his own power so that his brothers in arms could fully fight against the insurgency.  The wound would cost him his eyesight.  Later on in that book, Kyle would have a cursory mention of Job's marriage and his unfortunate demise.

This book, A Warrior's Faith by Robert Vera, picks up where Kyle's book left off.  It unveils some of Job's accomplishments in mountain-climbing and adjustments in daily life.  The author is good at capturing real life moments with all their humor -- wait till you read about the mall shopping experience -- and he has a cleverness about him.  For instance, he speaks of his fascination with the book of Job, how God tested that man's faith, and the irony of this Navy SEAL's experience -- another man named Job!  He goes on to tell more of the story regarding Job's death due to a medical mistake and how the family responded to this situation.

The book is a pretty quick read.  It also has some solid passages in the book dealing with servant leadership and offering thought-provoking quotes like this one by poet Mary Oliver on page 165 -- "What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"  Despite those positive issues, I just did not thoroughly enjoy the book.  It was okay, and I struggle to articulate why.  Look at the words on the back cover, and I did not see how they matched the text I read -- "Ryan Job didn't just live his faith.  He lived it ruthlessly."  I do not doubt the veracity of those statements; however, the book did not dwell upon them enough.  His faith was mentioned in passing without much else regarding detail.  If the author spent as much time with Ryan in training and hiking these mountains, then more detail should have been there.

When I finished reading the book, I struggled with the title -- A Warrior's Faith.  The book appeared to be more about the author than the SEAL Ryan Job.  He seemed to invoke that he was part of the "extended family" of the SEALs and named dropped just about any of them there were associated with the book/movie American Sniper. The storyline regarding the medical mistake that led to Job's death was all about the author's intuition and his role in making it right.  Even the conclusion of the book, which the author says was four years after Job's death, makes the case that this book was more about the author than the SEAL.  It provides an awkward story entitled "Another Blind Guy" that has no connection to Job at all.

Please do not misunderstand me -- I know that Ryan Job was an American hero.  He suffered on a foreign battlefield to keep us here at home safe.  I just think the author missed out on a grand opportunity to make the story about the SEAL rather than the author's experience with the SEAL.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. 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.”