Kristine Cuer

photo credits: OMF Literature

31 Lives. Stories. Miracles.

A drug-crazed wanderer. A mama-san living in luxury. A man yearning to be a woman. A hardened criminal behind bars. An athlete at the peek of his career. A revolutionary fighting for the cause. A successful businessman who almost had it all. An entertainer drowning in praises and applause.

Such were some of the thirty-one people featured in this book — who discovered that nothing in this world could satisfy. At one point in their lives, in their success or despondency, on the stage or behind prison walls, these men and women came to grips with the reality that they were confronted with the Truth that changed their lives forever. With trembling feet and a broken heart they crossed over — from darkness into light.

This is My Story is a collection of inspiring first person accounts celebrating the triumph of God’s power over human weakness and testifying that no one — absolutely no one — is beyond the reach of God’s love and grace.

I don’t think I can describe this book better than the back cover so please let me indulge this one time. After all,if truth be told, this is probably not one of those books I’d pick up from the bookstore and buy. Not because I have a different religion. Although if you are to think about it, Catholic and Protestants are technically classified as Christians since we all believe in one redeemer and that’s Jesus Christ.

It’s just that I’m not one of those people who’s inclined to debate and talk about faith. And if you’re to ask me if I think that makes me less of a Christian since one of the duties of His followers is to spread the Good News and here I am feeling less comfortable than I should then maybe yes, that makes me one. Or I don’t know. And I’m not trying to evade the question. All I know is that I believe in Jesus Christ as God and for me that’s all that matters.

This book was given to me as a gift from Gee during my birthday and I could honestly say it’s one of the best I’ve received. Firstly because I’d appreciate a book as a gift, but more than anything else, it’s mainly because of the message that goes along with it.

And for that I won’t rate this book. After all, those who contributed their stories in this book are not authors to begin with. And one can’t really rate one person’s personal experience to another.

And like what Gee said when I asked her to write a book dedication: Sharing Jesus is the greatest gift I could give to someone who means a lot to me.

I couldn’t ask for more.

And like what one of my favorite songs says: How could I fail to see. You are the love that rescued me. And all I am is devoted to You.

Guess this book indeed gives us thirty-one reasons to believe that no matter how far we’ve wandered, we can never be too far from the love of God.

Book #32 of The 100 Books Challenge: This is My Story by Various contributors. 239 pages. ✓