Messy Faith: Daring to Live by Grace

I came across this book via a tweet from Jay Bakker and the title so described what was happening with my own faith. So, I took a chance and ordered a copy. I am glad I did. This is a humanly honest portrayal of the author's journey but the questions, the struggles and the doubt seemed to be my own. AJ's insights into scripture opened my eyes and my heart to the foundation that existed within me and allowed me to build on that strength during the my own messy times.

The cross constructed out of duct tape on the front cover of "Messy Faith" is what drew my attention to this book. With disarming and refreshing honesty, A.J. Gregory paints a real life, sometimes gritty, sometimes hilarious journey of faith. Wherever you are in your walk of faith, this book is an incredible guide that essentially explores success and failure along with issues of addiction. Simply put, whenever any person of faith leans on anything other than God first, addiction can take over, lead to sin and away from God. Read this book and then read it again. It's simply wonderful.

During a vacation from an intense job/ministry with the homeless, I desired to read a good book that would be medicine for my weary soul. Messy Faith, was the right medicine, as if prescribed by Jesus to renew and encourage my faith. Not only is A.J. a highly gifted writer but she also has deep penetrating insights (and wit) into our human condition and God's transforming grace. Her authenticity and transparency about her own journey and brokenness (how refreshing), in the context of sound Biblical wisdom, makes Messy Faith a must read for all who truly dare to live by grace - and just maybe (like for me) you might also trust and love Him a little more. I am re- reading the book and look forward to reading more from A.J. Gregory!

An honest and raw exploration into faith-when sometimes the answers aren't as black and white as we would have liked. I think this could be a modern-day Handbook to Life to the modern day Christian/spiritual seekers - when life doesn't turn out quite like you had thought. Through it all, God is with us. With 'Messy Faith', AJ is with us along our journeys, echoing our struggles, and coaching us to the finish line, never to give up in our seeking. It's a gift to read an author to uncannily reverberates my own struggles in my faith. In the end, we are all in this together. So grateful for her book as this has taught me that faith, albeit sometimes messy, sometimes, not what we thought, is still faith, and in the end...it's all God.

The book Messy Faith was great! A.J. Gregory says it like it is. We all feel a lot of the things she writes about. The book actually makes me realize that the daily struggles my friends and I go through are actually normal. Other people experience pain and self awareness, I am not alone... I feel that its a great book for those who just want to own up to being who they are and excepting themselves and God. I am really impressed with this author. I hope she has another book out soon!