There's a Snake in My Garden

Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (5/09) Jill Briscoe has written an exceptional book on how the "snake" (temptation) comes to all of us to change our ways of thinking. Growing up as a Christian has many challenges in today's world of materialism, leaving our higher power and seeking a life we don't really want. Regardless of what we believe, going to church or reading scriptures, we have temptations each day of our life. Sometimes we give in; other times we are strong. This is her story of how temptation sometimes got the best of her and her willingness to seek God for help. She talks of her life-growing up in a Christian home where in one world she was the perfect daughter in Christ, but in another world she gave into temptation. She realized that she could not live in the world alone and needed a mate- her mate was very religious and had a calling. Would she be able to live up to his calling? For months at a time her husband was called to do the Lord's work- and during that time the snake reared its ugly head. As a pastor's wife she made many blunders and her husband having just received a new church was plagued with his parishioners leaving. We get used to our pastor and when a new one comes in, we sometimes look for the bad to reject him. This is a personal story that we all have gone through. Ms. Briscoe's honesty, concern and forthright manner give us all the opportunity to re-assess our relationship with God. Not all of us will have that relationship. However, her book gives us the insight to review where we are without judgment, criticism or others noticing our failures. "There's A Snake in My Garden" is a very compassionate and compelling read.

This is a great book that tells the beginnings of Jill's life & ministry and how the "snake" is always there to discourage, distract & cause you to stumble. Even though it is an old book, the same thing happens to all Christians.

"Stodgy, stiff, self-righteous, boring..." These are NOT words that describe Jill Briscoe's autobiography, "There's a Snake In My Garden!" Brilliantly, Briscoe refers to her conversations with "the snake," representing her own struggles with various temptations. Using wit and humor, she draws the reader into her world.. not the one you might expect a wife of a successful pastor to reveal, but the one all of us most likely relate to. Briscoe uncovers some weaknesses in herself, displaying the very human part of being a "Christian." Her story is interesting, challenging, inspiring, and encouraging. And it's sure to make you smile! :)