ABOUT THE BOOKIn times of doubt, fear, and loss, we turn to the songs and hymns that remind us that this world is not all there is--that what awaits us as followers of Jesus is a heavenly kingdom. Songs like "Face to Face," "Amazing Grace," "Heaven Came Down," "Victory in Jesus," and "I'll Fly Away." And behind every song about heaven is a story. So many were written amid circumstances of great personal pain on the part of the songwriter. And in sharing their story, we can find even more comfort in our own circumstances.
Award-winning author Ace Collins offers this collection of 30 inspiring stories that provide hope for this world and insight into the next, painting a picture of eternal life filled with joy, peace, and happy reunions. This book is perfect for those who love the stories behind the great hymns of the faith as well as anyone who has experienced loss, and pastors, hospice workers, and counselors will find it the perfect pass-along for the grieving.
MY THOUGHTS.....
In the introduction of this book author Ace Collins states that most of the songs that are listed in this book were inspired by the suffering of people searching for answers during difficult times. In the pages that follow he shares stories behind the classic hymns, modern songs, and black spirituals that are all about Heaven. Did you know that "Wayfaring Stranger" is probably 250 years old but no one knows who wrote it? That "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder" was inspired by the death of an underprivileged young girl and sung publicly, for the first time, at her funeral? And the amazing fact that even though John Newton is credited with writing "Amazing Grace" in 1799, the final verse was actually written by an unknown American writer and added to this beloved hymn in the early 1800s.
Ace Collins shares scripture and many interesting facts about thirty well-known hymns and songs in Stories Behind the Songs & Hymns About Heaven. This is a book that will appeal to both music lovers and history buffs and I believe that it would be a wonderful addition in both personal and church libraries.
I received a copy of this book from Baker Books but there was no obligation to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Citing his Arkansas heritage, Christy Award winner Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. In that capacity, Collins has authored more than eighty books for 25 different publishers that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children’s works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a television special, been featured on every network morning TV show and does college basketball play-by-play. He is married to Kathy Collins, Chair of the Education Department at Ouachita Baptist University, and the couple has two grown sons. Collins lives in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Learn more at his Website Facebook Twitter Instagram
View all my reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment