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THE AMEN SISTERS - Angela Benson Walk Worthy Press September 2005 |
SYNOPSIS: After witnessing the suicide of a church sister, Minister Francine Amen is disgusted with herself for turning against the young woman and refusing to accept her claim of sexual abuse by their pastor. Now, after a short stay in a psychiatric hospital, Francine is trying to pull her life and her ministry back together. But first she must face all of the people she has hurt so deeply--including her younger sister, Dawn.
INSPIRATIONAL FICTION: |4+| Tricia-Ann Blades
REVIEW: Powerful! Soul searching! Spiritually provoking!
Angela Benson has again produced a powerful rendition of love,
forgiveness, God’s grace and mercy in Amen Sisters! It is through the
words penned, that Mrs. Benson takes the sensitive issues that are often
found within the body of Christ and creates a story so powerful that the
reader must examine themselves and their position with God.
“ My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray;
they have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from
mountain to hill. They have forgotten their resting place. {Jeremiah
50:6} This aptly describes the storyline of Amen Sisters. The main
character Francine is faced with the realization that not all God’s
leaders are who they should be. Placing our trust in man rather than God
can lead rather disastrous consequences! Faced with the untimely death
of her best friend who she encouraged to follow her on her quest of
spirituality; Francine like the prodigal must return home to face her
past and heal her present hurts. Condemnation is her expectation but
here the author shows condemnation does not exist in Christ Jesus, only
mercy and love. Indeed Francine proves by the end of her journey all
things work together for the good to them that love God to them who are
the called according to His purpose.
“We fall down but we get up…. a saint is just a sinner who fell down but
got up!” It is through the mercy of God that we are not consumed. Benson
in her narrative examines the mercy of both God and man. God is a God of
second chances but man is not. It is sometimes difficult for us to
forgive what man has done and it is often our desire to destroy instead
of have forgiveness. Benson uses two contrasting circumstances in
developing her plot. She shows in the supporting characters of Dawn and
Sly, Walter and Frederica and George that being unforgiving is like
drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. It is only
through forgiveness that healing can begin. When that healing begins one
can begin to soar to new heights and accomplish even more than once
thought possible.
That which is done in the dark is always revealed in the light.
Revelation is often necessary in order to bring reconciliation and God
has a way of ensuring reconciliation is wrought among his people.
Monika’s character encompasses all the themes of the novel. It is the
character used by Benson to prove the deceit of man, the power of
spiritual relationship among the brothers and sisters in Christ and the
fact that God is a God of reconciliation. Even though a supporting
character Monika plays a pivotal role in creating a perfect mesh for the
novel.
A powerful read, one of the best I’ve encountered in a long time!
reviewer@romanceincolor.com |15th January 2006