The tagline for this book is “You were made to make a difference.” Honestly, it’s not a new concept and there was no ground-breaking information in the book. The book talks about how we can make a difference, be it on a grand scale in other countries or a smaller scale right in our homes. The book is chock full of biblical and modern-day examples of how powerful our actions can be if we just take a step out of our comfort zones and show love to the world.
I was a little wary about the book because I’ve read books with the same type of message before and am always left feeling like I don’t have enough money, time, or resources to truly make a difference. Max Lucado does something totally different with this book. He gives big examples and small examples, biblical and modern-day. Things that can help a tiny village in Africa and things that can help a single woman, alone in a brand-new city. Instead of feeling like the problems are too insurmountable for me to fix, I am left feeling like there are numerous ways I can make a difference that doesn’t include shoveling what little money I have at an aid organization.
Instead, I can pray. I can volunteer. I can invite a friend to coffee and let her have a listening ear if she needs it. I can make people feel valued and loved. I can pool all my talents and resources that I already have (such as compassion and a big heart) to make a difference. Maybe it’s not on a large-scale and maybe I’ll only affect a small minority of people. Maybe I’ll only affect one person. But it’s still making a difference because that one person is just as important to God as an entire village.
So, no. The message isn’t any different than others I’ve read. I don’t have a bigger itch to do missionary work, or even to start volunteering at a soup kitchen. But I do realize that I can make a difference now. It can be as small as praying for a lost friend, or as big (to them) as inviting them over for dinner. And I will make a difference. I was made to.
I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to learn more about the message of Jesus, what He stands for, and seeking opportunities to make a difference. The examples will amaze you and sometimes may bring tears to your eyes. It’s proof that there are still good people in this world and we have plenty of opportunities to show those less fortunate what it means to be loved.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising“.
I used to read a lot of Max Lucado. "You are Special" is wonderful!
Very cool that you got it free…how does that work?
I really like Max Lucado – he puts a spin on things we've probably all heard before, but in a way that really resonates. I loved his book "Travelling Light", which was bought for me when I was having a lot of trouble with anxiety. I'll have to pick this one up 🙂
Oooh very cool lady, thanks for sharing!
That is such a great message. I think it's really important to remember that doing something small can make a difference, too. Leo and I have been making weekly visits to our local SPCA adoption centers, even although we're not in the market for a second dog at the moment. We just like to pick out a dog or two and spend some time with them, like walk them and play with them. I always feel so bad having to put them back in their kennels, and I told Leo the other day that it sort of breaks my heart and I didn't know if I wanted to go anymore! But then he said to me, "Did you see how happy the dog was? He was wagging his tail and running and playing and having the time of his life." So when he said that, I felt like even though we can't take each one home, spending a little time with them does make a difference, too. We also throw a few dollars in the donation bin every time we visit; even though it may not be hundreds of dollars, it can still buy some toys or food.
That is such a great message. I think it's really important to remember that doing something small can make a difference, too. Leo and I have been making weekly visits to our local SPCA adoption centers, even although we're not in the market for a second dog at the moment. We just like to pick out a dog or two and spend some time with them, like walk them and play with them. I always feel so bad having to put them back in their kennels, and I told Leo the other day that it sort of breaks my heart and I didn't know if I wanted to go anymore! But then he said to me, "Did you see how happy the dog was? He was wagging his tail and running and playing and having the time of his life." So when he said that, I felt like even though we can't take each one home, spending a little time with them does make a difference, too. We also throw a few dollars in the donation bin every time we visit; even though it may not be hundreds of dollars, it can still buy some toys or food.