The Mind of Terror

What motivates Islamic terrorists? What is in the mind of terror? Our news reports from the Middle East cover events--bombings, massacres, and suicide attacks. Our newscasters take time to explain who the players are--from Hezbollah to the Iranian Quds, from ISIS to the Palestinian National Authority. But there is something underneath these events and players that fuels atrocity after atrocity in the Middle East. What is it? Tass Saada provides the answer to that question as he delves into the mind of terror, explaining what motivates extremist groups throughout the Middle East. A former Muslim and a onetime sniper with Yasser Arafat's Fatah organization, Tass has lived it himself. At age 42, he steered his life in a radical new direction, committing it to Jesus. Tass not only describes the motivations and aspirations of those who live in the Middle East, he also outlines a peaceful solution. We can plant seeds of hope that will transform not only the Middle East, but also our increasingly diverse neighborhoods at home. Discover the mind behind terror and how to oppose its grip.

My thoughts: This is an excellent book on understanding the minds behind the terrorists, exposing why they do what they do and offering insight on solutions for how to help them overcome that mindset.
Written by a former Muslim sniper who converted to Christianity in his early 40's, Tass Saada helps the reader to see what motivates extremists and how one can respond to them. I found this book incredibly interesting and informative, with his having come from that mindset himself. I have felt rather confused and shocked by ISIS and why they are wrecking such havoc and spreading hatred. This book helped highlight how people could be filled with such contempt for human life. He makes a good point that ISIS has highlighted the call to be terrorists in the Quran.
One of the things I liked best about this book is the stories that Tass shares about building schools in Muslim countries and how he has been able to establish common ground and relationships with those in the communities where the schools are located. He also has some information on how we can get involved from wherever we live.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

Song of Silence

Lucy and Charlie Tuttle agree on one thing: they're committed to each other for life. Trouble is, neither of them expected life to look like this. While Charlie retired early, Lucy is devoted to a long-term career . . . until the day she has no choice.
Forced to retire from her position as music educator in a small Midwestern K-8 school, Lucy can only watch helplessly as the program her father started years ago disintegrates before her eyes. As the music fades and a chasm separates her from the passion of her heart, Lucy wonders if her faith's song has gone silent, too. The musical score of her life seems to be missing all the notes.
When a simple misstep threatens to silence Lucy forever, a young boy and his soundless mother change the way she sees--and hears--everything.

My thoughts: Cynthia does a wonderful job of bringing this story to life! In a world that is constantly changing, where there is no longer job security or loyalty, Lucy has been content to have found a job she loves teaching music and inspiring young people. When that is taken from her, she must re-evaluate her life and marriage as she struggles to remember who she is.
I could totally relate to Lucy, since I recently quite my job (which I loved) to stay at home with my children (which, I honestly, I love even more). While I have always wanted to be able to do so, it has been quite an adjustment! I can only imagine how much harder it would be if the situation were different and I wasn't going to something I enjoy more.
This is a beautiful book that is bound to touch your heart!
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.

Thriving in Babylon

Meet a man forced to live in a fast changing and godless society. He faced fears about the future, concern for his safety, and the discouragement of world that seemed to be falling apart at warp speed.

Sound familiar? His name was Daniel, and with the power of hope, humility, and wisdom, he not only thrived, he changed an empire while he was at it. Though he lived thousands of years ago, he has a much to teach us today.

Even in Babylon, God is in control.

In Thriving in Babylon, Larry Osborne explores the “adult” story of Daniel to help us not only survive – but actually thrive in an increasingly godless culture. Here Pastor Osborne looks at:

—Why panic and despair are never from God
—What true optimism looks like
—How humility disarms even our greatest of enemies
—Why respect causes even those who will have nothing to do with God to listen
—How wisdom can snatch victory out of the jaws of defeat

For those who know Jesus and understand the full implications of the cross, the resurrection, and the promises of Jesus, everything changes—not only in us, but also in our world.

My thoughts: I found this to be a wonderful, easy to get through, non fiction book that shows how pertinent the life of Daniel is today. We are all called to flourish in the environment that God has placed us in, and this books helps to equip people to do just that. This book came along at a good time for me, since we are going through some of Daniel in my Scripture study, so this harmonized well with what we have been discussing in the class.
I very much appreciated the author's candor and humor. This is an excellent book for a personal or church library.
I received this book from Litfuse in exchange for my honest review.