Friday, November 6, 2015

52 Original Wisdom Stories by Penelope Wilcock


My Thoughts:

52 Original Wisdom Stories, written by Penelope Wilcock, begins with Advent and goes all the way to Feast of Christ the King with 52 easy to read stories. The tales are told by way of Sid and Rosie, an older couple that have lived through divorce and experienced much of life. They relate modern day happenings to the Bible and bring topics such as adversity, falling in love, illness and home-making to life. I was touched by Advent 4- The Judge. It spoke of criminals being judged for their actions by someone who potentially may have a bias toward them. It also mentioned couples going through divorce and how people could be judged unfairly due to the fact that we are human. Then it brought up the fact that one day we'll all be in judgement with the Lord. It was a comfort to know that He loves us and knows our hearts, struggles and life experiences and will be just. At the end of each story there are questions to ponder and a shared prayer. I found it a bit difficult to begin this book as the main characters, Sid and Rosie, are... unusual. For example, Sid sleeps on the floor and Rosie throws her little grandson's toys away when he's naughty. I suppose the author wants us to see that people are people and everyone needs to know the Lord. Sid and Rosie's beliefs appear to be eclectic and not completely from one religion, as far as I could gather. The book has some sweet moments but it's not one I would recommend to friends. 

About the book:

These 52 loosely related fictional stories about the large themes of life, nature, and faith follow the liturgical year and are an ideal resource for public worship.

Sid and Rosie are an older married couple with several children and grandchildren. Through a series of short, engaging narratives, we learn about their faith, their feelings for one another, their hopes and dreams, and their perception of how God speaks to them through the events of their lives.

Each story stands on its own; their sequence follows the rhythm of the church's year from Advent through Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, and Harvest Thanksgiving. With an open tone of wonder and reflection, author Penelope Wilcock explores the ordinary and extraordinary topics of daily life: falling in love, marriage, birth, education, illness, farming, adversity, hospitality, homemaking, and work.

This beautiful large-format paperback is suitable for personal reflection or as a refreshing resource for church and small group discussions.


*I was given this book from Kregel in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.*




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