Review 2025.05.006
Reviewers Note: It is the beginning of 2025 and one of the skills I desire to grow in is that of writing book reviews (having never done this before). I am doing this so I can better hone my writing (and reading) skills as I seek to think more critically about the books I am reading. I am sharing on Goodreads for my own personal development. I know this will be something I am always growing in so if you actually read these, please be patient with me as I develop this skill. I will also receive constructive criticism if you desire to help me become a better writer (and reader). I plan to use this disclaimer for the entire 2025 year.
The Familiar Stranger by Tyler Staton
240 Pages
I do not know when I first started watching Tyler Staton but I loved him from the start. I first read “Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools”. It was such an encouragement. Then I added “Searching For Enough” to my wish list and purchased it when it went on sale but I have not started it yet (my loss, no doubt). Recently I received “The Familiar Stranger” as a gift and so as soon as I finished the J.I. Packer book on prayer, I started this one.
I would love for “all” disciples of Jesus to read this book or anything similar so that they might hear stories of God’s amazing gifts to His people. The world is hurting so badly and yet we do not seek His face, we do not repent, we do not ask, we do not believe. Just thinking about this makes me sad. From the book: Oxford theologian Simon Ponsonby pointedly asked, “If we have what the first Christians had, why do we not do what they did? We must conclude that either God gave them more than He has given us, or we have failed to avail ourselves of what He has given us.” Brutal.
The chapter on healing had me crying almost the entire time so that was probably my favorite chapter. I know many who need healing, both physically and spiritually. I am hungry for more of Father and more of His gifts to His people, His church, and this world. I want more of His glory made known in and through the lives of His people through healings and real life transformation. Of course all of this depends solely on the Holy Spirit and His movement so I pray and wait.
There was a section about waiting in silence and I know I desperately need this. And hopefully I will be able to do this in a few weeks and rest in His presence. We could all use a little more silence and solitude. The entire book was encouraging and challenging. I highly recommend it to any and all disciples of Jesus.