The premise of this book
dramatically intrigued me. Its author, Michael Minot, reveals how his life
irreversibly changed from complete rejection of God, Jesus, Christianity and
religion to totally embracing faith in God’s truth.
This skeptical, atheist
attorney, with his typically lawyer-like analytical mind and process, accepted
a challenge from an old friend to read the Scriptures for himself and see how
they might help him reevaluate his life in terms of purpose and meaning.
As someone who made a
decision for Christ at the tender age of nine, I found it difficult to
fathom a life of not believing, not trusting God, not knowing the benefit and
peace of having the heavenly Father to guide me through the tough times. That
is not to say that I have led a perfect life. There were years of rebellion and
less than stellar decisions, but God never stopped loving or protecting me.
With a solid Christian background and knowledge, I did eventually appreciate
God’s forgiveness and recommitted to Him, acknowledging that I needed His plans
and not my own feeble attempts at being CEO of my life.
So, to consider what it must
be like to be an individual not having been blessed with a Christian basis and experience,
independently navigating life while believing in a mere existence by chance,
utterly fascinated me. The author’s investigation and diligent study
transformed him into a solid believer. Seeing God’s creation plans and how they
personally affected him, Michael Minot found reality, joy and a new life.
In reading the details of his
investigative journey, I was especially touched by his reference to the amazing
design of our bodies. It made me aware of the countless aspects of creation
that we take for granted. For instance, Minot pointed out the incredible
phenomenon of sleep. Think about this! Our bodies were constructed to go to
sleep, wake up, re-engage and be conscious of our surroundings and memories,
resuming where we left off prior to our hours of slumber.
Researching sleep versus
unconsciousness, I found that http://www.emedicinehealth.com offered an article on this topic. It stated
“Sleep is defined as a state of unconsciousness from which a person can be
aroused. In this state, the brain is relatively more responsive to internal
stimuli than external stimuli. Sleep should be distinguished from coma. Coma is
an unconscious state from which a person cannot be aroused. Sleep is essential
for the normal, healthy functioning of the human body. It is a complicated
physiological phenomenon that scientists do not fully understand.” I love it
when I read a book that prods me into additional research on a particular
topic. Contemplate this for just a moment. We regularly nap or sleep for entire
nights, re-boot and continue functioning and proceeding forward. Amazing!
The author was also blown
away by considering our biological complexity--that every cell, every organ in
our bodies has a connecting position and role to perform. Did this just somehow
evolve? Similarly, he points out that cosmology emphasizes the precision and
intricacy of our entire solar system. Did that just sort of materialize on its
own? Plants, animals, people, nature. What was the beginning? Scripture tells
us.
 |
| Michael Minot |
Michael Minot was candid in
admitting that his discoveries and new beliefs were not without tradeoffs. His
lifestyle and priorities changed. His old friends, particularly those who
shared his atheist attitudes and choices, disappeared. What he gained, however,
was far more valuable. He discovered the peace that passes all understanding
and a confidence that this world is not our home when a heavenly residence
awaits. He found the blessing of prayer and worship with a community of
Christ-followers. He found purpose in knowing that God uses messengers to bring
His light to people in this troubled world. Michael Minot, with his own
powerful experience, is one of those messengers.
This true story is a road map
to finding the abundant life that is available to anyone who chooses to listen,
believe and trust. Why bother? Because it erases that huge question mark about
why we are here and where we are ultimately going.
The Beckoning
is a book for doubters, as well as believers. A walk though Michael Minot’s
journey can mightily strengthen the faith of Christians. The doubters will be
compelled to digest the information and make a now-educated choice.
See you soon with more information on memoir writing and also features on books worth reading!
Soak up the sunshine,
Mary Anne
Author of Eyelash, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir
Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time!, Never Say
Perfect, From Italy with Love & Limoncello and Write Your
Pet's Life Story in 7 Easy Steps!
