By Daneen Akers
“Jesus wasn’t afraid to take a religious rule and offer a new teaching. He especially cared about the people who were the most rejected by the religious leaders of his time,” says Danilo Cortez, pastor. This quote summarizes what this book is about. It’s a snapshot of over thirty individuals who have sacrificed their wellbeing, their reputations, their support systems, and their livelihoods to stand up and speak out for Jesus. They believe Jesus came to bring heaven to earth now and they want to join Jesus’ mission of loving all, caring for all, recognizing God’s work in the world, and joining God in that work.
This book highlights the lives of people who aren’t what you might call typical saints. These are saints like Anne Hutchinson from the USA’s colonial days who was banished from Puritan Massachusetts because she was a woman leading Bible studies in her home, speaking out about what God had laid on her heart. And Fred Rogers from children’s television who practiced caring for every person, believing each one was special no matter who they were. And Bayard Rustin, a chief organizer of the Civil Rights Movement, who quietly worked for the cause though much recognition didn’t come his way. These saints were not afraid to rock the boat, or maybe they were and did it anyway.
Technically, this is a children’s book, written on a middle school level. However, it is a book to inspire all age groups and to be shared among generations. It’s a book that will motivate the young to do the right thing even when it’s hard, to stand up for the marginalized and lonely, and to have courage when confronted with rejection. It’s a book to stir the old to not give up, to work for the good of all, and to have the boldness to be open to new experiences. May this book be the spark that causes its readers to take the words of John Lewis seriously, “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” Or as Bayard Rustin put it, “Every community needs angelic troublemakers.” May this book fan into action more angelic troublemakers who aren’t afraid to radically and unconditionally share the love of Jesus burning in their hearts.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
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