cover image The Elect Lady: Life’s Obstacles Become God’s Opportunities

The Elect Lady: Life’s Obstacles Become God’s Opportunities

Eddie L. Long, . . Whitaker House, $19.99 (191pp) ISBN 978-0-88368-281-4

Bishop Long pastors the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga., whose membership skyrocketed under Long’s headship from a scanty 300 to more than 25,000 people. Long’s homiletical techniques must be both persuasive and impressive to regularly fill his church’s 10,000 seats. However, his charisma doesn’t translate as well on paper, making this guide for Christian women little more than a stale rehashing of similar exhortations. Long shares with readers how a persistent urging by his wife birthed the premise of this book, based on 2 John 1:1, where John greets an “Elect Lady.” Long encourages all women, no matter their background, disappointments or failed dreams, to embrace God’s destiny and eternal purpose. He challenges women to move beyond stalled relationships, transitional setbacks and life’s interruptions. Citing Mary, Jesus’ mother, as the quintessential Elect Lady who had to overcome public stigma as well as personal sacrifice, the author enjoins every woman to emulate Mary’s steadfast faithfulness to God’s greater plan. Long clearly has a passionate desire to see women fulfill their optimal potential as Christians influencing those under their care, yet the book comes across as unoriginal and tired. (Jan.)