Polishing God's Monuments: Pillars of Hope for Punishing Times

There are few books that have impacted me like this one has. In a time when so many churches preach prosperity, happiness without an end and a life with no problems, Pastor Jim Andrews reminds us that God's purpose in life is not to make us happy, but to make us holy. As he relates the story of his daughter and son-in-law, who seem to know no end to their "sorrows", he teaches that even in the hard times, we must look to what God has done in the past . We may look to our own experiences, to what the Bible teaches and to the experiences of others. This is what he calls "polishing God's monuments". Certainly this book has provided me with more monuments to polish. Because I am married to a preacher and truly love to hear God's word preached, I especially enjoyed his writing style. As I read, I could almost hear his voice preaching from the pulpit. It is a book I will re-read and share with many others.

Pastor Jim Andrew's book is a treasure, as he is too. He gives solid biblical teaching, wisdom, and insight into dealing with very tough times in our lives. This book is solid and beautifully written. His use of language is unique and descriptive, and interjects wry humor when you would otherwise just be in amazement that he could continue to preach and teach so faithfully throughout years of family ordeals. Christians who do more than just skim the surface of the bible will appreciate his depth and biblical references. This is a book that I will give to my friends who are hurting, and is one that I hold in highest regard. I have purchased several copies.

Polishing God's Monuments was an unexpected surprise. A book that arrived (as do so many others) without any fanfare, I quickly skimmed the four endorsements and paused only when I saw Bruce Ware's name and his claim that this title is "so gripping and moving and inspiring that one cannot put the book down." Based on my respect for Bruce Ware, on the enthusiasm of his endorsement and on the track record of the publisher, Shepherd Press, I decided I should at least give the book a try. Am I ever glad I did! Polishing God's Monuments is the story of a young woman and her devoted husband who have faced a lifetime of mysterious, devastating illness. Written by Jim Andrews, the young woman's father, the book intersperses narrative with teaching, experience with theology. When she was young, just a senior at Wheaton Conservatory of Music, Juli Andrews contracted mononucleosis. Though mono is not usually a devastating or long-lasting illness, in Juli's case it set in motion a bizarre series of events that culminated in her being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (now referred to as Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome) and eventually a horrifying accompanying disease known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. This is an affliction that causes some patients, and Juli among them, to become extremely sensitive to chemicals that do not bother most other people. Paul, Juli's husband, contracted mononucleosis and then CFS at around the same time as his new wife. The young family was devastated. Juli's condition left her in terrible condition, unable to care for herself and often unable to do even the simplest things. Her chemical sensitivities rendered her unable to handle even the fainest smell of perfume or the chemicals used in inks and fabrics. Eventually she even developed extreme sensitivity to light, to the chlorine in water and even to the presence of electricity, leaving her lying day after day in the cold and the dark. Her disease left her unable to live even a semblance of a normal life for year after year. But through it all her husband tended to her, cared for her, and searched far and wide for something, anything, that might alleviate her condition. This is the story Andrews tells in this book. A pastor for the last seventeen years and a seminary professor before that, the bulk of the narrative comes in the form of letters he wrote to his congregation to keep them updated on the drama of Juli's life. But woven between these touching letters is straightforward theology--biblical reflections on the nature of suffering, the character of God, and the important discipline of looking to what God has done in the past to remind us of His faithfulness in the present and the future. That discipline, which Andrews refers to as "Polishing God's Monuments," gives title to the book. Andrews writes about suffering from the perspective of one who has seen suffering in a close and personal way and one who has suffered by watching and participati

This book gives answers and attitudes necessary to survive emotionally and keep your faith intact during times of suffering and grief. Do any of us enjoy pain? Have your dreams for a fulfilling life turned into disappointment? This story is gripping in how a young couple face much suffering and disappointment with courage. The author indicates various ways we as humans will inevitably face suffering and how the Scripture, as well as our past experiences can enable us at that time.

While at a conference to hear Tedd Tripp (Shepherding a Child's Heart) speak, I visited Mr. Tripp's book table. I was about to walk away when this book caught my eye. I asked my husband to buy it for me. I was intrigued by the title. I read this "work of the heart" in 3 days and I'll have to read it again because there is so much in it. It's not only a reminder of God's wisdom and power. It's the proof, the evidence of it in one family's life. It is written by a pastor who happens to be the dad of a very special daughter (and son-in-law). He also happens to be a wonderful teacher of God's truth. The book is interesting in that the chapters alternate from letters to his church regarding the health of his daughter and chapters which read like sermons--get your highlighter, Bible and tissue out! The insight into the scriptures and people of the bible in the "sermon" chapters are amazing and deep, yet still clear to most readers. All Christians would benefit from reading this "work of the heart". Get a copy for yourself and extras to share with others--especially those who have any type of affliction. (Most of us Christians do!)