aimeedehaan's review against another edition
2.0
This book is supposed to make you take inspiration from Shelene's adventure filled life, and say "yes" to God. While her experiences are interesting to read, they were hard to relate to. There are not many of us who can make multiple trips to Africa every year to help those in need. And, while I understand that the poor of this world need help, it is frustrating that people seem to think money can solve the problem. In one example, a house is built for a family in Africa - what about the other people from that village, don't they get a house too? Distributing money to some and not others promotes inequality among communities and does not provide the means for people to be self sustaining.
I liked the authors fervour for God and enthusiasm to seek change, but I feel that she still places too much emphasis on her "good works" and does not write with a tone of humble gratitude.
I liked the authors fervour for God and enthusiasm to seek change, but I feel that she still places too much emphasis on her "good works" and does not write with a tone of humble gratitude.
thetarantulalounge's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
3.75
shelfesteem's review against another edition
3.0
In Love Skip Jump author Shelene Bryan encourages her audience to live a life of love, skip something for the sake of someone less fortunate, and jump into action to serve God and the people around you. Shelene recalls her first visit to Africa to meet her sponsor child. The remainder of the book details the works that were inspired as a result of that trip. Through her candid and often times humorous retelling of events Shelene proclaims how God took her from a pampered, successful, American-dream-living woman to an advocate for the less fortunate both here and abroad. Confessing her insecurities, fears, and prejudices Shelene begins to say “yes!” to God. The rippling effect of her obedience inspires those around her to do the same.
Love Skip Jump says what so many American Christians need to hear - get off your couch and take action for Jesus. God blesses those who are faithful to do His work and once we take a step we will want to take another, then another, and before you know it we will be walking out our faith! Our busy lives are filled with activities that have no eternal consequence. We tend to be ignorant of the plight of others or complacent, deaf to their cries due to our desire for comfort or making excuses because of our fears. We need to start behaving in a way that makes others wonder “By what power or what name did you do this?” It’s time to be doers of the word and not just hearers.
In addition to the commentary, the prayers that Shelene includes at the end of each chapter are little treasures. Many of her weaknesses and insecurities echo our own. Readers can use these one breath prayers to profess their need for divine strength, wisdom, and guidance in their decisions to Love Skip Jump.
I had just two sticking points with this book. While every little bit helps and little sacrifices today could lead to larger steps of obedience in the future; I believe God asks us to give sacrificially (see Mark 12:41-44 & Luke 18:22). I wish that she would have addressed that forgoing entertainment or our morning latte should not be the sum total of our giving. Regretfully, there were occasions when I felt that the book was written in large part to boost awareness and support of the non-profit organization Skip1. I give Love Skip Jump 3 stars - I liked it.
Love Skip Jump says what so many American Christians need to hear - get off your couch and take action for Jesus. God blesses those who are faithful to do His work and once we take a step we will want to take another, then another, and before you know it we will be walking out our faith! Our busy lives are filled with activities that have no eternal consequence. We tend to be ignorant of the plight of others or complacent, deaf to their cries due to our desire for comfort or making excuses because of our fears. We need to start behaving in a way that makes others wonder “By what power or what name did you do this?” It’s time to be doers of the word and not just hearers.
In addition to the commentary, the prayers that Shelene includes at the end of each chapter are little treasures. Many of her weaknesses and insecurities echo our own. Readers can use these one breath prayers to profess their need for divine strength, wisdom, and guidance in their decisions to Love Skip Jump.
I had just two sticking points with this book. While every little bit helps and little sacrifices today could lead to larger steps of obedience in the future; I believe God asks us to give sacrificially (see Mark 12:41-44 & Luke 18:22). I wish that she would have addressed that forgoing entertainment or our morning latte should not be the sum total of our giving. Regretfully, there were occasions when I felt that the book was written in large part to boost awareness and support of the non-profit organization Skip1. I give Love Skip Jump 3 stars - I liked it.
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