phyllish
Written on Sep 17, 2018
A seriously funny and funnily serious book
Jonathan Tony shares real-life examples and Scriptural principles to help Christians with feelings of inadequacy with just the right touch of levity. Though I’m not sure my husband would agree it is just a touch, as he had to sit by and listen to me chortle, snort, and snarkle throughout.
I was impressed with the way the author wove his examples so masterfully. Once an example was introduced, it was snuck into other examples later on so that they would pop out and startle you like a jack-in-the-box. “Oh my! Is he mentioning the shame-dilier again? That is perfect here!”
You know how some people start in on the self-depreciating thing and it just rankles? You know what I mean, right? Though author Jonathan Tony pokes fun at himself, it isn’t like that. He is honest about his perceived shortcomings, not to make himself appear humble, but to encourage and exhort. And make you laugh.
The things that are shared here are very insightful and helpful. As I was reading, I was thinking of people I know who would be blessed by reading this book and making out a mental list of who I should buy a copy for. I can see myself picking this up again and again when I am discouraged or beating up on myself for not being “enough” so I can remember that I don’t have to be because Jesus always is.
The Scriptures used were very appropriate, in context, and taken from all over the Old and New Testaments. I was surprised he used Ahaziah as an example. Not only because it’s not often you hear someone mention him but also because my husband and I were just reading about him last week. So cool! If you aren’t familiar with much of the Bible, be prepared to learn about some of the people who aren’t quite as prominent as Paul. Or David. Or Jesus.
Mixed in with the author’s insights were obscure references to pop culture (yeah, I was glad I was reading on my Kindle so I could highlight names and phrases to see who they were), not-as-obscure references to pop culture, goofy quotes from movies and TV shows and even a reference to Dumbo that brought a tear to my eye.
In addition to the above, the author also debunked some popular Christian myths such as:
“and now I am happy all the day”
I’m too blessed to be stressed
Joy means you are always smiling
Chris Tomlin wrote all the hymns
Jonathan Tony, thank you for sharing this book with the world. I believe God is going to use it to touch many lives.
“Just you wait, little tree. Just you wait!”
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I was given a free copy of this item. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.