Review of Restore Me!
Posted: 19 Sep 2024, 01:54
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Restore Me!" by Dr. Susan Agbenoto.]
The trash can is always a receiver of trash, yet never a producer of any. Worse, if the trash can is situated outside one's gate, it may encounter harsh weather conditions such as extended sunny periods, stormy nights, or windy evenings. This is precisely what happens to most pastors the world over. They provide comfort and support to their flock, always expected to be available to listen, regardless of their internal struggles. But do we stop to think about the mental challenges our preachers go through? Do we ensure they receive professional help for the psychological burdens that other people’s issues put on them? How do they vent out their deepest emotions without appearing weak?
Restore Me!: But Privately, Please (The People Cannot Know) by Dr. Susan Agbenoto's book aims to accurately portray most pastors' lives. She describes how their selfless acts often prevent them from exposing their vulnerabilities in an attempt to appear strong to their congregations. As a result, some pastors have faced challenges such as suicide, depression, drug overdose and termination. Dr. Susan has provided several measures pastors can take to promote their mental well-being.
What I liked the most about this book is the inclusion of Selah moments in every chapter. These allow readers to reflect on what they learned about themselves in subsequent chapters. This introspection then leads them into prayer to ask God for guidance and strength. The author has also titled all the chapters of this book and coupled most of them with rhetorical questions, which engage the reader’s knowledge on particular subjects before they read the author’s thoughts. The inclusion of statistics about ministers from reputable organizations underscores the urgency of addressing pastors' mental health.
Dr. Susan has provided scripture verses from the Bible to authenticate her arguments. She also cited Bible personalities such as King David, who was surrounded by many people yet suffered personal battles. The author also presented Mike's testimony, highlighting how traumatic events in one's life can trigger a relapse into drug addiction, even after successful rehabilitation.
There is nothing I liked the least about this book, which merits a rating of five out of five stars. I found one grammatical error and believe it must have been professionally edited. I recommend it to pastors across all denominations, as they most likely resonate with the issues Dr. Susan highlights in this book.
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Restore Me!
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The trash can is always a receiver of trash, yet never a producer of any. Worse, if the trash can is situated outside one's gate, it may encounter harsh weather conditions such as extended sunny periods, stormy nights, or windy evenings. This is precisely what happens to most pastors the world over. They provide comfort and support to their flock, always expected to be available to listen, regardless of their internal struggles. But do we stop to think about the mental challenges our preachers go through? Do we ensure they receive professional help for the psychological burdens that other people’s issues put on them? How do they vent out their deepest emotions without appearing weak?
Restore Me!: But Privately, Please (The People Cannot Know) by Dr. Susan Agbenoto's book aims to accurately portray most pastors' lives. She describes how their selfless acts often prevent them from exposing their vulnerabilities in an attempt to appear strong to their congregations. As a result, some pastors have faced challenges such as suicide, depression, drug overdose and termination. Dr. Susan has provided several measures pastors can take to promote their mental well-being.
What I liked the most about this book is the inclusion of Selah moments in every chapter. These allow readers to reflect on what they learned about themselves in subsequent chapters. This introspection then leads them into prayer to ask God for guidance and strength. The author has also titled all the chapters of this book and coupled most of them with rhetorical questions, which engage the reader’s knowledge on particular subjects before they read the author’s thoughts. The inclusion of statistics about ministers from reputable organizations underscores the urgency of addressing pastors' mental health.
Dr. Susan has provided scripture verses from the Bible to authenticate her arguments. She also cited Bible personalities such as King David, who was surrounded by many people yet suffered personal battles. The author also presented Mike's testimony, highlighting how traumatic events in one's life can trigger a relapse into drug addiction, even after successful rehabilitation.
There is nothing I liked the least about this book, which merits a rating of five out of five stars. I found one grammatical error and believe it must have been professionally edited. I recommend it to pastors across all denominations, as they most likely resonate with the issues Dr. Susan highlights in this book.
******
Restore Me!
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon