I just finished Brandon Clements novel "Every Bush is Burning" while flying back from Seattle. My wife had almost finished the book and recommended I take a look. She knows I love books that argue the merits and pitfalls of the current state of American Christianity. Plus, who doesn't love a story where the main character "might" run into Jesus? I'm in!
The story centers around the main character, Jack. Jack is a snarky writer with a gift for witty comebacks. Funny thing is, it's all a cover-up for his hidden demons. The book details graphic examples of sin and their aftermath.
Sin and Sinners: "Every Bush is Burning" deals with a myriad of issues including: alcoholism, adultery, rape, neglect, murder and more. You might be thinking, "Oh joy, I'll run out and buy it...not." Ignore your first impulse. This is more of a story about living in a world where Christianity is broken in many corners of the world...and yet, a lot of individuals press forward to help others and spread the love of God.
What else did I like?: As you know, I love the theme of helping others. In "Every Bush is Burning" a lot of people are (and some are not) helping others: recovering drug addicts, pastors, it doesn't matter their background. I really liked the way the author made it plain that you don't have to do anything miraculous to help others.
Example: In one memorable scene Jack bumps into a fellow Recovery member. It's at a public coffee shop and Jack hesitates to say hello to the obviously troubled young man. In Chapter 1 he probably would have walked the other way but now he doesn't. Long story short, just because he struck up a conversation with the guy, Jack was able to help him out of a situation where he'd most certainly made a B-line to the local drug-pusher. Again, such a simple act really resonated with me. It's something we can all do.
Lessons: Here are some of my biggest takeaways from "Every Bush is Burning".
Our lives are constantly in flux. Like I mentioned to the author, "Every Bush is Burning" was entertaining AND frustrating at the same time. Why? Because as humans we all want answers. Guess what? After reading the book, I walked away with more questions. But that's a good thing! It made me open my mind to other possibilities about how I act towards others and how we can all do a little something to improve the world around us. More importantly, it shows us how to look inside to help ourselves. Click on the picture above to pickup your own copy. Where's the burning bush in your life?
SIDE NOTE: Big thanks to the author, Brandon, for writing me back minutes after I emailed him. He'd love to hear from you too. You can visit him online at: BrandonClements.com
The story centers around the main character, Jack. Jack is a snarky writer with a gift for witty comebacks. Funny thing is, it's all a cover-up for his hidden demons. The book details graphic examples of sin and their aftermath.
Sin and Sinners: "Every Bush is Burning" deals with a myriad of issues including: alcoholism, adultery, rape, neglect, murder and more. You might be thinking, "Oh joy, I'll run out and buy it...not." Ignore your first impulse. This is more of a story about living in a world where Christianity is broken in many corners of the world...and yet, a lot of individuals press forward to help others and spread the love of God.
What else did I like?: As you know, I love the theme of helping others. In "Every Bush is Burning" a lot of people are (and some are not) helping others: recovering drug addicts, pastors, it doesn't matter their background. I really liked the way the author made it plain that you don't have to do anything miraculous to help others.
Example: In one memorable scene Jack bumps into a fellow Recovery member. It's at a public coffee shop and Jack hesitates to say hello to the obviously troubled young man. In Chapter 1 he probably would have walked the other way but now he doesn't. Long story short, just because he struck up a conversation with the guy, Jack was able to help him out of a situation where he'd most certainly made a B-line to the local drug-pusher. Again, such a simple act really resonated with me. It's something we can all do.
Lessons: Here are some of my biggest takeaways from "Every Bush is Burning".
- Life is hard and it'll never be perfect. That's where God comes in.
- God doesn't love minimal-sinners more than mega-sinners. God's love is unconditional.
- Surround yourself with support and people who challenge you.
- Christianity is not broken, we are.
- It's natural to be in search of "something"
- We will never be perfect, but that's OK.
- Admit your faults.
- God loves you.
Our lives are constantly in flux. Like I mentioned to the author, "Every Bush is Burning" was entertaining AND frustrating at the same time. Why? Because as humans we all want answers. Guess what? After reading the book, I walked away with more questions. But that's a good thing! It made me open my mind to other possibilities about how I act towards others and how we can all do a little something to improve the world around us. More importantly, it shows us how to look inside to help ourselves. Click on the picture above to pickup your own copy. Where's the burning bush in your life?
SIDE NOTE: Big thanks to the author, Brandon, for writing me back minutes after I emailed him. He'd love to hear from you too. You can visit him online at: BrandonClements.com
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