Dare I say it? This is one of the best, best, best, best books I've ever read, at least in its genre. While Kisses From Katie may not be a theological book, a book about doctrines that unite and/or divide, a book strictly about the gospel--what it is, what it isn't--it is a book that celebrates and illustrates the gospel. It is a book that celebrates and honors Jesus Christ. Kisses From Katie is a memoir or a biography, I suppose. It tells the story of a young woman, a young teen when the book first begins, who felt led by God to go on a mission trip. After spending three weeks or so in Uganda, she wasn't content to let that be enough. She wanted more, needed more. As crazy as it probably sounded to everyone in her life, she fell in love with a country, with a people. She felt sure, felt convicted, felt blessed, to make Uganda hers. At first, perhaps to please her parents, please her boyfriend, she committed to one year, just one year, of serving in Uganda. Of living and loving a community, of working as a teacher, of working with orphans and other children who needed her, who welcomed her. But within months, she had a new family. Literally. For she felt called to adopt, what began with one or two or three within the course of a year or two became fourteen. But her welcome, her care, her love and support, didn't just stay small. It grew and grew and grew and grew. She started a non-profit organization, started widening her ministry. A ministry that kept Jesus at its center, but a very, very practical ministry as well. One that saw to feeding and clothing and providing medical care and attention, one that met every need possible. The book is about her life. In a way, a small way, I suppose you could argue it was about her beliefs as well. But. I would say that it was more about how her beliefs led her to live the life she lives. How her beliefs have defined and shaped her. What's the difference? Well, a person can argue or reason doctrine; a person can state a creed, recite a creed. Not every person who does so actually lives out that doctrine on a day-to-day basis. In a way that marks them, in a way that clearly, undeniably speaks of Christ. Not that Katie ever claimed to be the most perfect person in the world, she doesn't ever make the claim that she's better than anyone else. I didn't get the impression even once that she was showing off or boasting about her good works. What I got from the book was love, love, love, this is all about love. It was inspiring, challenging, encouraging, convicting all at the same time.
I would encourage everyone to read this one!!! It was just WONDERFUL. I think I will definitely want to read and reread this one because I think it is so good!
© Becky Laney of Operation Actually Read Bible
1 comment:
I just finished it and totally agree with your review. Wonderful!
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