BOOK REVIEW
Book: Hope Lies Ahead: Encouragement for Parents of Prodigals from a Family That’s Been There
Author: James Banks & Geoff Banks
I loved this book. Father and son take turns telling their story of the battle they went through fighting addiction; the toll it took on their relationships and the redeeming power of God.
As they share in the forward of the book, “Ours is a story about much more than addiction. It is about sins and mistakes we both made and the love that met us nonetheless. It is about the power of prayer (a lot prayer!) and forgiveness and learning how to cling to God in the dark.”
I found myself heartbroken- often to the point of tears- for the family, the son, the parents, the broken relationships. I also was taken to the mountaintop of praising God for His faithfulness, grace, mercy and love- again to the point of tears.
Beautifully shared, this is not a book full of religious jargon but rather a frank retelling of heartache, perseverance, and the mystery of God’s work in their lives. Whether or not you have a prodigal child or know someone who deals with addiction, this is a book that you will be glad you read.
