Review of "Things Are Not As They Appear"

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of ""Things Are Not As They Appear"" by Robert H. Jones.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Things Are Not As They Appear by Robert Jones is a memoir of the author's Christian journey and the supernatural miracles he has witnessed and performed. The book is suited to adult Christian readers interested in spiritual healing and miraculous events.

The author was born in California, and his father was a war veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress. This stress contributed to the decline of his marriage, and his parents divorced. He moved to Wisconsin with his mother and siblings and soon realised he needed to father himself. Having few memories of his dad left him with years of abandonment issues. As he moved through adolescence, this void was filled with destructive behaviours. The end of a relationship pushed him further into a world of illicit drugs, and he decided to try heroin. Three days before, he was invited to a coffee shop with his brother to meet a group of Christians. The preacher asked him to accept Jesus into his heart, and he felt a loving force keeping him in his seat. This was the moment the author was born again into God’s kingdom. The following years provided many lows and highs on the author’s Christian journey. The power of God was ultimately displayed to him by supernatural miracles.

The author presents a fantastic reflection of his life. He openly expresses his abandonment issues and how they impacted his growth. I admire the honesty, and many readers will relate to the material. The memoir reflects how early childhood trauma can impact decision-making and hinder emotional intelligence. Self-sabotage is apparent in this journey until the author feels the power of God. I particularly liked that the author had to continue to work hard and make mistakes to see his purpose in life. This reminds us that it is ok to falter in our journeys.

Strong faith and dedication propelled the author to spend time working as a missionary to help and heal people. I loved reading about his experiences in Indonesia, Africa, Cuba, and the Philippines. These eyewitness accounts of the reality of third-world countries serve as a reminder to count our blessings daily. I enjoyed reading about the local people, the scenery, and the cultures. I especially liked the author’s enthusiasm despite poor living conditions, scorching heat, and intensely emotional encounters.

The book includes numerous accounts of spiritual healing and supernatural miracles. The author states many people will not believe his words, but the passion with which he writes these testimonies is captivating. With the power of prayer, many conditions were cured. The author discusses raising people from the dead. These accounts are fascinating and fantastical, and the reader must have a strong faith to accept all these miracles as fact.

The book is exceptionally edited. I loved learning about the author's life and Christian journey. I especially liked the descriptions of Africa. I found the insight into the country and its people insightful. The descriptions of supernatural miracles are mesmerising. I found nothing to dislike about the book, so I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

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"Things Are Not As They Appear"
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[Mark Lazarus]

It sounds like a deeply personal and inspiring story about faith, healing, and resilience. The author’s experiences with spiritual growth and his dedication to helping others are admirable. I imagine the reflections on overcoming trauma and finding purpose through faith would resonate with many readers. While I may not necessarily share the same perspective on supernatural miracles, I do find it compelling to read about people’s transformative journeys. I might consider giving it a read, especially to gain insight into how faith can profoundly shape someone’s life.