Restored! God's Salvage Plan for Broken Lives
Schaeffer (When Faith and Decisions Collide), a Santa Barbara, Calif., pastor, does a neat job of revisiting the biblical account of Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi, from the biblical Book of Ruth. Opening with a personal account of his difficult childhood, the author sets the stage for the foundational message in this text: distress in life can ultimately lead to total restoration. Schaeffer retells the story of Naomi, who lost both her husband and two sons before returning to her homeland with daughter-in-law Ruth. Schaeffer walks readers step by step through Naomi's life, citing the value of building character over seeking comfort; making those good choices; being a worthy example for others; transforming one's desires; and growing into a person of authenticity. Each chapter is full of personal stories mixed with the biblical story of Ruth, and each ends with a pertinent life-changing question. Schaeffer's work is heartfelt and richly offered, and he urges Christians to embody the attributes of kindness, righteousness, and selflessness daily in order to experience a fully restored life. (Mar.)(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC.  All rights reserved.