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Book Review of Prodigals and Those Who Love Them

Prodigals and Those Who Love Them
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Ruth Bell Graham knows about prodigals - two of her five children were spiritual wanderers. From the pain she experienced as she prayed, watched, and waited for them to return to the fold comes Prodigals and Those Who Love Them.

This sensitive, encouraging book expresses both the hurt and disappointment of the one who wanders and the confusion and fear of the one who waits. To capture both sides, Mrs. Graham recounts stories about five prodigals who returned, interlacing them with the stories of those who loved them. Also included are Mrs. Grahams own poems and diary entries written during the prodigal years of her two sons, as well as hymns and Bible verses that brought her solace.

This is not a 'how to' book that dispenses advice on how to win back a prodigal. Instead, it is a collection of readings one woman turned to for comfort when her children wandered from God. It shows how Mrs. Grahams faith persevered and grew regardless of the outcome of her prodigals stories.

Readers will be touched by the honest feelings of pain, frustration, and uncertainty Mrs. Graham expresses so eloquently. And they will share in the lessons she learned about Gods sovereignty and ultimate peace.

This book was previously published by Focus on the Family. A foreword by the eldest Graham daughter, Gigi Graham Tchividjian, who is also a mother of a prodigal, has been added. A closing article by Mrs. Graham, Gigi, and Gigi's son, Tullian, is new to the book as well.