Crazy Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives - Softcover

Susan K. Williams Smith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0817015310 ISBN 13: 9780817015312

Publisher: Judson Pr, 2009

Synopsis

"It hasn't been extraordinary people who have changed the world; rather, it's been people who have been willing to act and live on faith," observes pastor and author Susan Smith. Drawing on biblical, historical, and contemporary stories of what she calls "crazy faith," this inspirational volume challenges readers to dare to step out and make a difference in the world. Faith is "vision fueled by action," Smith declares. Follow in the footsteps of those who have earned a place in the Hall of Faith, including Moses, Harriet Tubman, David, Nelson Mandela, Sarah and Abraham, Mother Teresa, Noah, and Mary McLeod Bethune.

About this title

About the Author

Susan K. Williams Smith, MDiv, DMin, is senior pastor of Advent United Church of Christ in Columbus, Ohio. She is a trustee of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc., a member of the Katrina National Justice Commission and the Mayor's Task Force for Community Action Agency, and the founder of the Advent Arts Academy. She is a regular contributor to the Washington Post's "On Faith" blog. A former news reporter and talk show host, this is Smith's fourth book.

Review

Starred Review. Smith, a pastor and former news reporter and talk show host who contributes to the Washington Post's "On Faith" blog, challenges ordinary people to let God use them for impossible tasks. Such submission requires "crazy faith," knowing God will bring success even when the task seems impractical and illogical. Appropriate for anyone experiencing a calling or facing a crisis, the author cautions that "fear cancels faith" and must be overcome by staring down life's Goliaths. Following an introductory chapter, each subsequent chapter includes the solidly researched life story of someone with "crazy faith," followed by a "Crazy-Faith Challenge" for group study or individual reflection. From biblical characters like Moses and King David to heroes of black history like Harriet Tubman and Nelson Mandela, these driven dreamers aren't as ordinary as the title asserts. Yet their humble beginnings suggest anyone could develop similar determination. Read as a whole, their patchwork of history becomes a united tale of faith against all odds. Feisty, enthusiastic and encouraging, the author's language will inspire readers to face seemingly insurmountable challenges with "superhuman energy."
Copyright (c) Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --Publishers Weekly, Jan. 12, 2009

Faith is an astounding thing, especially when you test it... .
Crazy Faith emphasizes the amazing accomplishments of several biblical persons and latter-day counterparts. It is well thought out and the conclusions drawn by Susan Smith are thought provoking, giving the reader another paradigm to consider.
Through intriguing imagery, familiar bible renditions of struggle, faith, and courage come alive. Individuals who pressed forward in the face of doubters and unbelievers were able to achieve the humanly impossible. Keeping an open mind will give you a chance to appreciate the authors' interpretations.
The stories of "crazy faith" taken from more modern experiences are informative and truly inspiring. Each is presented with vivid details that will leave the reader in awe. The accomplishments are remarkable. The journey of faith begins with just one small step, followed by dedication, perseverance, and the hand of heavenly intervention. Many attitudes, visions, and lives were altered for the better because one person had enough "crazy faith" to stand up in the face of impossible odds. Even the hardest heart will be touched.
I found Crazy Faith to be a wonderful source of inspiration intermixed with honest preaching from a single perspective. Nevertheless, even when different areas of focus were presented, it felt like the same points were emphasized again and again.
Armchair Interviews says: "Crazy faith" ideas are worth the read. --Diane A Brown, Armchair Interviews.com

Edition details

• Publisher: Judson Pr
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0817015310
• ISBN 13: 9780817015312
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 126