“Sometimes all a person needs is a little perspective.”
I don’t usually read fiction. But I had heard so much about this particular book (published by Thomas Nelson) that I had to take the time to see what all the buzz was about. It didn’t take a lot of time though. The book is short–only 156 pages, 10 chapters. Once I started it (at 1:30 in the morning), I could hardly put it down.
Jones (just Jones–no Mr. to it) has a gift of noticing things that others miss. He comes and goes in the small town of Orange Beach and seems to show up suddenly, almost miraculously, at the most opportune times. He confronts the hurting and the struggling with truth, love and humor. He helps them gain a new perspective on their circumstances, giving them a new vision for their future. He’s never in a hurry and just seems to meet people where they are at the moment, challenging them to rise higher with words of wisdom such as:
“Whatever you focus on increases.”
“It’s time to stop letting your past control your destiny.”
“Every single action a person takes has far-reaching consequences.”
This allegorical and somewhat autobiographical story contains many other quotable quotes to ponder. Reading it has caused me to move into the light and be inspired to develop a new perspective, to notice others and be more aware of those who have noticed me, and to really grasp that even the small stuff is important, that my actions can have an effect generations from now.
There is a reader’s guide at the end of the book with thought-provoking questions for each chapter. It would be suitable for group study.
This is a book that will be read many times, marked up and beat up.