Bonnie Gray
  • Blog
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Podcast
  • Books
    • See All Bonnie Gray Books and Resources
    • Breathe: 21 Ways to Stress Less
    • Sweet Like Jasmine
    • Whispers of Rest Book
    • Finding Spiritual Whitespace
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact

Book Review: Slaying My Dragons of Fear

By Bonnie Gray • September 8, 2009 • 8 Comments

Can you imagine a life without fear?  Max Lucado’s newest book Fearless got me started.

I was waiting to meet up with a friend, sipping a cup of decaf with Max Lucado’s newest book in hand.

My friend greets me.  “Watcha reading?”

“Fearless.  It’s a book that explores what life might look like, if we lived without fear.”

This particular friend isn’t a believer, so I was subtly throwing a line out to see if the topic might be of interest.  Maybe she’d like to borrow the book for a read?

It didn’t turn out to be such a big attraction.  I don’t blame her.

Exploring my fears is probably the last thing I’d like to do in my dealings with fears.

I like to keep mine quietly locked away, with the keys hidden for good measure.

Funny thing is, fears can’t be kept in a box.

The not-so-funny thing is, fears can keep me living in a box.

Can you imagine your life without fear?

This was the question Max asked on the jacket of his new book.

Hmm…  Now, that is an attractive proposition.

Max Lucado deftly guides the reader through fears, chapter by chapter, under the light of Scripture, but with the humanity of self transparency and empathy.  You know this guy is gonna get you, because he tipped his hand first.

Some chapters may not be as applicable as others.  But for the two that hit home in my case (Fear of Worst Case Scenarios and Fear of the Coming Winter), dragon slaying fears was well worth the read.

 

If I had to make a bet on which chapter was Max’s favorite to write, I’d put my money on Make Believe Money:  The Fear of the Coming Winter.

It was the funniest and the Scriptural back ups most poignant.

I have never heard anyone pit the investment strategy of the rich foolish barn builder (Luke 12:16-21) against the widow who gave away her life savings (Mark 12:42-44).

But, Max did.  Superbly.

 

How do you handle fear?   What role does it play in your decision making?

 

This post is Part 1 of Slaying My Dragons of Fear. In upcoming posts, I will be writing about the hope I found
in facing my fears while reading Max Lucado's newly released book, Fearless:  Imagine Your Life Without Fear
Read Part 2:  Are You a Feargazer?
SUBSCRIBE NOW to catch these updates from FaithBarista hot and fresh directly in your mailbox
via email (click here) or RSS (click here) news reader.
Full Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this book as a participant of Thomas Nelson's Book Review Program. 
booksfearshope

Share With Others

Share Your Voice

Pull up a Chair

This is a quiet space for you and me. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Click to comment »

8 Comments

Get Faith Shots

Get each post served up hot and fresh in your mailbox.

[newsletter_signup_form id=0]

I Still Remember: An Ode to A Wedding Annivesary
Are You a Feargazer?

Connect with Me

Bonnie Gray

Welcome to Faith Barista – a blog that serves up shots of faith for everyday life. Posts brewed hot & fresh. Hang out. Swap some stories.

You Might Also Like

  • Little Ways to Be Present First Thing In the Morning (The Better Life by Claire Diaz-Ortiz)

  • Why Fighting Back With Joy Is a Beautiful Gift

  • Slowing Down In A Chaotic World (Book Giveaway: Notes From a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenreider)

  • The {Beloved} Needs TLC: You’re Going To Be Okay by Holley Gerth

8 Comments

  • Reply Doug Spurling September 8, 2009 at 1:04 pm

    Thanks Bonnie, Max is one of my favorite authors.

    “Funny thing is, fears can’t be kept in a box.
    The not-so-funny thing is, fears can keep me living in a box.”

    So true. I’d tell you about my fears, but I’m afraid to.

    Looking forward to upcoming posts. Keep up the good work.

  • Reply Catherine September 8, 2009 at 3:23 pm

    I will read this one 🙂 On a similar topic, I have LOVED John Ortberg’s book “If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat” and read it no fewer than 4 times (as proven by the various color high-lighter markings) when I was facing one fear or another. If you haven’t read that one, I strongly recommend it. I have enjoyed all h is writing, but this one is my favorite, by far.

  • Reply Billy Coffey September 8, 2009 at 3:41 pm

    I LOVE Max Lucado, and this book will surely be on my desk soon. I’m a guy who tends to fight a lot of fears. I need all the help I can get!

  • Reply Walter September 8, 2009 at 5:24 pm

    Fear is a part of us all. Nature give it to us for a purpose. Our exemption though from other creations is that we are capable of controlling our fears.

    The secret is to feel it, to allow it, but never be manipulated by it. It takes wisdom and determination to master this. 🙂

  • Reply Bonnie Gray September 8, 2009 at 8:17 pm

    @Doug: I know, I am afraid, too. I will take a babystep in my upcoming posts to tell some (although not all). Hey, babysteps, right! 😉
    @Catherine: Thanks for the pointer to John Ortberg’s book. I will see if the library has it for checking out.
    @Billy: Oh, you, too!? (whew) Glad to hear I’m in good company. This is a good one.
    @Walter: Hi, Walter. Welcome! I don’t view fear as something we can master, but I do believe we have a Master, God, who can calm and relieve us from our fears. Do you view differently? How have you been able to “master” your fears?

  • Reply Are You a Feargazer? | Faith Barista September 9, 2009 at 12:13 am

    […] post is Part 2 of Slaying My Dragons of Fear. Read Part I: My review of Max Lucado's newly released book Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear Stay tuned for Part 3: A Beginner's Quick Guide to […]

  • Reply A Newbie’s Quick Guide to Faithgazing | Faith Barista September 14, 2009 at 12:06 am

    […] post is Part 3 of the series Slaying My Dragons of Fear. Be sure to read:  Part I: My review of Max Lucado's newly released book Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear Part […]

  • Reply Feel Like Your Best Days Are Behind You? | Faith Barista September 21, 2009 at 12:07 am

    […] post is the concluding Part 4 to the series Slaying My Dragons of Fear. Be sure to read: Part I: My review of Max Lucado's newly released book Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear Part […]

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG

Sign up to refresh your soul with God’s love and rest. I’ll send you encouragement to nurture your heart and wellbeing. I’ll cheer you on!

SUBSCRIBE NOW»

Pull up a chair. Refresh your soul. Be inspired with soul care, stories & encouragement here. Breathe. This is a quiet space to swap some stories. Share your journey. Be the beloved. Be you. Serving up shots of faith for everyday life.
Bonnie Gray

“Bonnie has often led the way to freedom and truth by going there first herself. Her ability to invite us in as readers into our own stories only makes this world a better, more healed place.” 

– Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun

“If you’ve ever been weary and needed room to breathe, then Bonnie Gray is the guide you’ve been looking for as you journey with Jesus to a new place of peace and freedom in your life.” 

Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Powerful Power of Introverts

Order Now »

LISTEN TO BONNIE’S BREATHE PODCAST

VOTED 2022 CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD FINALIST BY ECPA

“In a world crying out for kindess and belonging, this is a book needed for our times. Sweet Like Jasmine is a gift, a beautiful remembrance, that God treasures each of our broken hearts in His sweeping story of redemption.” 

– Ann Voskamp, New York Times bestselling author of The Broken Way

Order Now »

BONNIE IS A TRUSTED VOICE TO SO MANY – FEATURED ON

Archives

Compassion International Blogger

Compassion International Blogger

Sometimes it takes more faith for us to enter into a child's story than simply praying that it changes. Experience these stories unscripted.

Read the stories»

Facebook Twitter Google Plus Instagram RSS Pinterest
Bonnie Gray

Contact

© 2018 Bonnie Gray. All rights reserved. Website by Contemplate Design | Privacy Policy
Bonnie Gray
  • Blog
  • Soul Care Quiz
  • Podcast
  • Books
  • About
  • Speaking
  • Contact