Fearless by Max Lucado

Today Max Lucado's new book Fearless releases. For years I’ve enjoyed Max's books. One summer, I read chapter after chapter of God Came Near aloud outside, just for the pleasure of rolling the words off my tongue. So, when the opportunity presented itself to read Fearless for review as one of Thomas Nelson's blog reviewers, I volunteered.

First, the timely back cover copy:

Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reasons for fear.

They're talking layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, flare-ups in the Middle East, turnovers at headquarters, downturns in the housing market, upswings in global warming. The plague of our day, terrorism, begins with the word "terror." Fear, it seems, has taken up a hundred-year lease on the building next door and set up shop. Oversized and rude, fear herds us into a prison of unlocked doors. Wouldn't it be great to walk out?

Imagine your life, wholly untouched by angst. What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats? If you could hover a fear magnet over your heart and extract every last shaving of dread, insecurity, or doubt, what would remain? Envision a day, just one day, where you could trust more and fear less.

Can you imagine your life without fear?

And now my review:

Whether it's the stock market or real estate appraisals, doctor's visits or the future, there are lots of things in life to fear, especially lately.

Take a peek at the cover of this book. See that kiddo jumping off the end of the dock with no concern for 1) the water's temperature; 2) the depth of the water; 3) clearance of the dock; 4) creatures in the water. I can come up with a hundred things to worry about. But not that kid. He's fearless. And that's what I wanna be.

One of the ways Max woos his readers is through his fantastic word-smithing. I know. I know. I made it up. (sort of; writers know of it) Max strings phrases together you can't help trying out on your tongue the second time before moving on. He also engages your imagination. His opening illustration for chapter six had me laughing aloud as he described flying with a seasoned fighter pilot and regretting his dinner the previous night. All in a chapter about keeping our eyes on Jesus.

What a timely book. Max explains that he began writing the book two years ago, not knowing what kind of emotional, spiritual, economic climate the book would release to. God knew. And every chapter speaks to me in this midst of this trying season in our country.

When you get a chance, read this book, especially if you've ever struggled with fear or anxiety. I found each chapter addressed an issue God was pointing out in my own life. Pick up a copy to give as a gift, too. You'll be blessing the reader like Max encouraged you.

Here's to living FEARLESS!