"When I Lay My Isaac Down"

In elementary school, I hated book reports. I loved to read, but I did not like the teachers making me stand up in front of the class and share my personal feelings and opinions of the book. For a shy kid, it was torture. But those teachers must have done something right by me in the reading department, because I went on to become an English major in college. I hesitate to admit that because now you will expect perfect grammar in my blog. Just remember - false expectations lead to bitterness! :-)

I still love to read and now I do enjoy sharing a great book with anyone who will listen. I have even been known to read out loud to my family if there is one I want them to read, but I know they won't read it on their own. I think they secretly like it, but still roll their eyes for my benefit.

Two of my very good friends recently read a book and had been encouraging me to read it, too. At first I didn't want to because I was afraid it would be too painful. But I did eventually read it and "When I Lay My Isaac Down" by Carol Kent is a book I just have to share. It deals with a tragic event involving the Kent's only son who is also their only child. I would call very few books I have read besides the Bible "life changing", but this book will definately change your view of the challenges that come into your life.


Without giving anything away, I will share just a little from the inside cover to give you a better idea of what the book is about,

"Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say --"Isaac experiences" as in Genesis 22 --thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing news that forever changed their lives.....Carol's candid retelling of her emotional and spiritual agony will touch your heart. The principles the Kents learned in the process of surviving such unspeakable circumstances will boster your faith, renew your hope, and challenge you to new levels of personal and spiritual commitment."

I got this book from the library, but if it were mine to keep I would have highlighted every time Carol Kent used the word "choose" or "chose" or "choice". She and her husband Gene chose to use a tremendous family tragedy for God's glory. And by God's grace we have the free will to choose how we handle the challenges that come into our lives as well.

I think everyone on my Christmas list will be getting "When I Lay My Isaac Down" in their stocking this year. That's how important I think the lessons in this book are.

Blessings,

Carol