cover image Lessons I Learned in the Light: Thriving in a Dark World

Lessons I Learned in the Light: Thriving in a Dark World

Jennifer Rothschild, . . Multnomah, $12.99 (217pp) ISBN 978-1-59052-656-9

Rothschild, a regular speaker on the Women of Faith lecture circuit, offers a companion volume to her prior work Lessons I Learned in the Dark that reads like a charming invitation to afternoon tea. Her gentle, pleasing style first draws readers in and captures their imaginations. Only then does she deliver her more powerful punches, emphasizing that Christians should live by accountability, self-discipline and faith rather than emotions. Expounding upon quirky daily life occurrences as a wife and mom, Rothschild blends humorous tales with the poignant reality of being blind. Struggling with blindness day in and day out is tough stuff, she admits, yet she believes that faith grows best amid the thorns of life, providing more sustenance, depth, strength and inner change than "simple deliverance" ever could. Particularly compelling is her take on grace, which according to Rothschild is "by its very nature unfair." According to her, "God's grace is sufficient because it is both priceless and practical." Readers will also find spiritual provision in chapters discussing why courage is more valuable than confidence, how hope is life's essential ingredient and why risk taking is a no-brainer. Christian readers, beware: while this looks like a run-of-the-mill spirituality book, its pages contain the potential to drastically alter lives. (July)