Emotions

Title: EMOTIONS:  CONFRONT THE LIES, CONQUER WITH TRUTH

Author: Charles F. Stanley

Publisher: Howard Books

October 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4767-5206-8

Genre: Religion/Christian Life/Inspirational

290 pages

$24.99 hardcover with jacket

Writing with the concern of a counselor, the passion of a pastor, and the wisdom of a scribe, Dr. Charles Stanley presents EMOTIONS for your edification and inspiration; the subtitle clearly states the course of the book:  CONFRONT THE LIES, CONQUER WITH TRUTH.

And Dr. Stanley does just that.  Just to clear the air, I’m coming to this review with a HUGE bias – Dr. Stanley (though we’ve never met in person) has been one of my favorite writers and speakers for over two decades.  I was introduced to his messages by my mother-in-law, and was skeptical at first.  Because I was a fundamental Baptist (and MAD about!), and Dr. Stanley was affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.  I don’t need to say anything more on that score.  Either you catch my drift, or you don’t.

But about halfway through the first message, I turned to my mother-in-law and said, “he doesn’t preach like a Southern Baptist, does he!”  I was hooked, and I’ve broken spiritual bread with him on numerous occasions since that time.

From page one of EMOTIONS, Dr. Stanley places the emphasis squarely on the most crucial aspect of the topic:  a relationship with Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior and Lord.  Without that relationship in place, one is never going to be able to even open an honest discussion concerning ones emotions.

From there, Dr. Stanley takes one on a journey through the emotions of pain, fear, rejection, bitterness, guilt and despair.  He shares illustrations drawn from his own personal journey, as well as those of others.  While not exhaustive, this book is nevertheless complete, as Dr. Stanley does not just provide case studies; he provides Biblical principles that will never change, regardless of the particular circumstances one may be facing.

Thank you, Dr. Stanley, for the courage to tackle such a sensitive subject . . . and for shining God’s truth into the dark plans of our adversary.

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars for an inspiring book that draws one closer to God

reviewed by Steve