I recently finished Fall to Grace: A Revolution of God, Self, and Society by Jay Bakker. I have to admit that it was exactly what I needed to read at this time of transition in my life. It was a reminder to me that it was by grace that I was forgiven and it is through that same grace that I must learn to forgive. At a time when I am so focused on me (a little self-centeredness feels justified in the circumstances), it reminded me that instead I should be even more aware of God's "revolutionary" grace. A time when everything else in uncertain, the one thing I can hold onto is God and the relationship he created with me.

The book itself gave me many things to think about. It gave me new ways to view things that I had never really considered. On page 113, he writes, "Sin is still bad, mind you. But it is bad for us. Abba isn't mad at us for our sin. If anything, He probably feels sorry for us because He knows it prevents us from fulfilling our potential. Sin carries its own punishments: It prevents us from completing the radical transformation that God intends. It prevents us from realizing God's grace." It is a profound statement that I am still weighing in my mind. Not necessarily because I disagree with it, but because I have such a strong desire to not disappoint God. This idea challenges my automatic thoughts; ideas I have had for as long as I can remember.

There were a few thing I didn't like about the books. First, there were a few times when he mentioned specific people he disagreed with and it felt like he was taking shots at them. Perhaps, this is unfair and that wasn't his intention. And if I'm being honest, it's just one of my pet peeves. I feel like if your argument is strong, then pointing out other people is unneccessary.

The other thing I struggled a little with was the last chapters. In the last couple chapters, Jay challenges the church to offer love and grace to others, including homosexuals, bisexuals,and anyone else we mistreat or show lack of understanding to. While I don't disagree with what Jay is saying, the chapters felt out of place. The topic felt like it wasn't given enough. It felt like it was two books pieced together when each book could have stood on its own.

All those things aside, I was challenged, encouraged, and feel like I am beginning to understand what God's grace really looks like.

***viralbloggers provided me with a copy of this book to read and review. I have complete freedom on what I post.