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A lovely, up-lifting book. I have not yet gone through the book with the study guide. This is my first encounter with Max Lucado's work (other than one of his children's books) and I will certainly seek others. I like his simple writing style with touches of humor - which makes it seem like you are having a conversation with a friend. ( )

If one only reads the first story, Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks, there will be hope enough to face all life's trials, unanswerable questions and seemingly endless and purposeless pain-filled experiences. ( )

This was an excellent book that we read for book discussion group. It is divided into two sections - The Bruised Reed and The Smoldering Wick. It is based on the text in Matthew 12:20: "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out." Each chapter records a Bible story and then talks about how God still does things for us.

A few chapters I particularly liked: "Don't miss the party" about the elder brother who would not forgive, therefore, he missed the celebration party. "You can choose like many to chain yourself to your hurt." "Bright Lights on Dark Nights" is about the paralyzed man Jesus heals beside the pool of Bethesda. The point is that when Jesus told him to take up his bed and walk, he did. Lucado asks what is it that paralyzes us? We should believe what Jesus says - we are forgiven, so unload the guilt. We're valuable, let's believe him; we're provided for, stop worrying, we're eternal, bury our fear; stand up, let's do it. ( )