Firsthand | Book Review

While growing up, we are taught by our families, the faith that they want us to follow.  But, what happens with you feel that what you have been taught doesn’t work for you?  In Firsthand by Ryan and Josh Shook, they take a look at how to find a faith that is all your own.  Not one that your parents want you to have.

In this book the Shook brothers walk you though  the steps to finding a faith that is all your own.  The do this because they are addressing a widely ignore problem that is facing today’s younger members of society.  When people in their late teens and early twenties leave home to start a life of their own they are stuck with a faith that is their parents.

Now, most would tell you that questioning your faith is wrong but, according to the Shooks God actually tells us to question what he says in Psalms 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”  It’s our human nature to have questions but, all the answers lie in the Bible.  We must find the answers for ourselves.

What I love about this book, besides the steps to finding a faith all your own, are the included stories from others who have already taking the first steps to having a personalized faith.  To see that others have had the same questions that you might have is a wonderful feeling.  It’s a feeling of community and connection.  A feeling that your not alone and when it comes to questioning your faith or trying to find your way in this world, that is a wonderful feeling. 

There is so much more to Firsthand than just the book.  There is even an online community that you can connect with to take the walk with others. 

If you have a teenager that is struggling with their faith or a child that is getting ready to head off to college, I highly recommend this as a gift to them.  It will help them make their faith all their own, while keeping them immersed in God. 
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.*