From Ashes to Beauty

I almost did not buy this book. The previous reviews made me think it would not be worth my money. I had been asked by the Lord to "go after the sexual revolution". I was not quite sure how all to do that, so I was searching for knowledge and wisdom. My pastor suggested that Steve Gallager would be the guy with the knowledge. In retrospect, looking at the title and contents of the book, I realize that this was not so much about sexual addiction itself but about Steve's journey in dealing with this problem in himself and others. The first part of the book read like a novel. I did not want to put it down. Then his ministry began and the real meat of the book is introduced. Steve's spiritual journey is the real substance to this book. His maturation process was at the same time a thing of pain and of beauty. He does not spare us the details of how he struggled and how he betrayed the Lord on more than one occasion. He has truly learned the secret (and shared it with us) that man truly must yield to God if he wants to be an instrument in God's hands. Our human ambition and selfishness always rise up to prevent us from reaching the spiritual heights God wants us to attain. When we think we have it all figured out and start coasting spiritually and relying on our human wisdom and charm, we find that the power we had when we walked totally in the spirit has dissipated and we no longer have the power within ourselves to freely love God and mankind as we were commanded. I've had a glimpse of this paradoxical situation through my own journey, but this book hammered the concept home. Where this is no vision, the people perish. I have the vision, now I need to live it out. This book should be read by every pastor in the world. I can guarantee you, if a pastor's heart is truly open, his attitude toward his flock will never be the same after he reads about the struggle Steve reveals in his own heart dealing with spiritual pride. If you're in charge of a mens' group, this is a book that you should read and discuss as a group. If you are a Pharisee - like me - this book will either turn you off or allow you to see your blindness and get you on the road toward learning to love as Christ commanded. I'm starting down that trail right now and I realize there are lots of challenges and perils toward reaching the destination, but I can't help but think of Frodo Baggins and his quest with the ring. This journey to finding intimacy with God and God-like love for our fellows humans is the quest we were born for. Donald James Parker Author of Love Waits