Book Review #6

Oh. My. Goodness.

The book I just finished reading on Monday morning was phenomenal. As most of her books are.

It really made me think.  Am I an Evangelical Christian who is intolerant??

Am I loving the sinner but hating the sin?  Do I realize that most people in that lifestyle (homosexuality) don't even realize it is a sin in God's eyes because they are not Christ-followers?  How would they know and why would they care?  I do have a couple of gay friends. And they don't even pretend to be Christians. They are not. I am ok with that, in the social sense because I don't expect them to act like Christians. They are not Christians. Period. Yet, I care about them.  I may not agree on their lifestyle, but they are people created by the same God who created me, a heterosexual.  I want to be like Christ with my life...and I want to represent Him well. Gay bashing just isn't something I do.....yes, I believe all people in this country have equal rights. And yes, I believe that God teaches in the Bible that marriage is to be between a man and a woman. But....i certainly don't ram that down my non-Christian friends throats.  It is not up to me to be the judge and jury over their lives.  Especially because  they are not professing to be "born again" or "evangelical".

Ok.....so with that out of the way, please note that I will not be accepting comments that reek of political commentary.  Yes, I believe the Bible is the literal Word of God and is applicable for my life today.  NO, I don't believe it was wrong for me to enjoy this book.  This book was very well written.

Basically, the main characters are a married couple (Zoe and Max) who have been trying to conceive via IVF.  She does get pregnant but has several miscarriages and a stillborn baby.  Her husband's brother and his wife (Reid and Liddy) are born again Christians who are under the heavy influence of a pastor who tends to be controlling.  They also are trying to conceive a child and are having a difficult time.

Zoe is a music therapist and Max is a blue collar worker (a landscaper).  They have used up all their savings to try to conceive a child. They have 3 frozen embryos left.  Soon after their baby is born premature and stillborn, they get a divorce.  Max becomes a Christian (he had also been an alcoholic) and moves in with Reid and Liddy.  

Meanwhile, Zoe becomes friends, then lovers, then married to, Vanessa, a guidance counselor at the high school where Zoe has a music therapy student.

Zoe has just battled cancer and depression after the stillbirth and divorce.  Vanessa and she become close and Zoe "comes out" to Max and her mom.  Max is stunned.  Zoe and Vanessa want to use the frozen embryos to have a child. Because Zoe had to have a hysterectomy after the cancer, Vanessa will be the one to try to carry a baby to term.  However, Max does not agree and takes them to court.  The court scenes are astounding. Let's just say that if MY minister acted the way the pastor does in this book, I would be finding another church!!  and the lawyer (Wade Preston)......oh my. Scum.

You will need to read the book to find out the ending!  I will tell you that I was VERY surprised at the ending.....and....I was happy....even though ......well.....you will need to read it! 

The author did a remarkable job and no,  in my opinon, she does not poke fun at Evangelicals. She did, according to the forward, consult with Focus on the Family...at least she mentions them.....the sad thing to me??  She portrays very well just how ridiculous some "Christians" are when speaking of gay rights/homosexuality.  Can't we just let the Lord do the judging and walk like Christ walked??