There's something about the relationship between a father and his daughter that is much more special than any other relationship between any two people. If a woman grows up without feeling loved by and cared for by her father, no one else in the world can make that up to her, she will always have an empty hole in her heart that only her father can fill. (Of course this applies even more to our Heavenly Father than to our earthly father!)
So when I was offered the opportunity by Tribute Books to read and review "Why God Matters" by the father and daughter duo of Deacon Steven Lumbert and Karina Lumbert Fabian as part of a book tour, I was more than happy to oblige. Deacon Steven and Karina obviously enjoy a very close and loving relationship that includes the Lord at the heart of it, a closeness that was missing in my own life with my father, but which surprisingly feels closer than ever since he passed away four years ago. It was intruging for me to have a look at what that closeness might have been like while he was still living.
Deacon Steven is a convert to Catholicism and Karina, born after her father's conversion, is a cradle Catholic. Their book of very short stories and anecdotes of faith was very easy to read and a quick read as well, which made it very enjoyable to pick up and read through in short spurts rather than one long read. I enjoyed this aspect as I usually only have 10-15 minutes to sit with a book before the pace of my life causes me to get up and running once again.
After a little background of each of their experiences of faith in general, the book alternates between short stories written by each of them individually. Each short story chapter includes a quote of wisdom from other Catholic writers, a scripture quote, a quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and a life lesson section where the reader may apply the chapter to their own life.
I came away from this book with the feeling that living life as a Catholic is as simple as drawing God into the everyday ordinariness of life and turning to Him in both joy and sorrow because after all, that is where He is always found. I enjoyed the simplicity of "Why God Matters" and would highly recommend it, especially as a gift for someone in the RCIA process who is just beginning to learn and understand why God matters in their own lives.
I thank Deacon Steve and Karina for writing an authentic and spiritually uplifting book, and I thank Nicole at Tribute Books for offering me this opportunity to read and review "Why God Matters."
I would love to read that book! It sounds wonderful. My husband and my daughters, I've always thought, have a special connection. We are so blessed to have him employed at their school (for one of his jobs) :) When they found out he was going to be spending every day with them, their response was a joyful laughter, not a resistant sigh. They love him being a part of their daily lives. Praise God for fathers! They are grossly underrated in our society.
ReplyDeleteDear Anne,
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting about Dad's and my book!
My sister and I were certainly blessed with terrific parents. Dad could be goofy, wise, supportive, and fun to be with. We loved doing things with him, even going to the dump. In fact, part of the reason I asked him to collaborate on Why God Matters with me was because it'd been too long since we'd done something together.
One small point, though: Dad didn't convert until Gina and I were adults. He was always supportive of Mom's faith, and went to Mass with us, but it was a casual thing when we were growing up. Once he converted, though, there was no going half way!
Dear Credo, I hope you will pick up the book. I'm glad your girls love their dad so much. It's one of the most important relationships in a girl's life--and a dad's.
Blessings,
Karina Fabian
Nice write Anne. God bless.
ReplyDeleteDear Anne,
ReplyDeleteI think you hit upon a point that is not often talked about in American life - the absence of a father's active presence in a daughter's life. Usually we only hear about what is lacking in the father/son dynamic.
I agree with you when you say: "If a woman grows up without feeling loved by and cared for by her father, no one else in the world can make that up to her, she will always have an empty hole in her heart that only her father can fill."
That is what makes this book so special - the loving father/daughter relationship at its core.
It's a way of looking at one's relationship with God, especially if you are a woman thereby a daughter.
I'm glad that you enjoyed the book and thank you for sharing it with your blog readers.
Best wishes,
Nicole
Tribute Books
Thanks for the great review! It sounds like a do-able book for busy people. Love that it includes short quotes and scripture. I'll put it on my list:)
ReplyDelete