From the Heart

Reading a book about someone's journey through cancer is difficult, especially if you have gone down this path with someone you love. But I took the plunge and read Ken Mansfield's latest book, Stumbling on Open Ground.

Ken Mansfield writes his heart on paper, as if he is journaling about his experiences and emotions during this long road with cancer. I am too young to remember him in the music world, but I can read and appreciate what he did to make others look and sound good. He was a man in the midst of the fast lane, when God halted him. He was radically saved and then plunged into a difficult battle, not once, but twice, with cancer. 

As I was reading this book, I couldn't help but think of the psalmist who cried out to the Lord to deliver him. Gut-wrenching and brutally honest, Mr. Mansfield shares his struggles with God's grace, mercy and sovereignty. He doesn't candy-coat his message of pain in the midst of trusting. The reader can easily envision the author pounding his fists and screaming for relief, and then be assured that he is on his knees in quiet trust and surrender. 

Honest and broken. That is how Christ wants us. The road was extremely difficult for Mr. Mansfield, as it is with each of us at different times in our lives. BUT reading a book like this and being with the community of believers during these difficult times, whether physically or through hearing of the journeys of others, is the daily encouragement we each need. 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement through whatever trial they are experiencing.

I received a free copy of this book as part of the Booksneeze Blogging Network.