Review: Common Stones: A glimpse into several different worlds, in an effort to become more acquainted with our own

Common Stones: A glimpse into several different worlds, in an effort to become more acquainted with our own by Alicia M. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I eventually realized that every day was a choice: A choice to get out of bed, a choice to decide to take one minute, one hour, one day at a time; a choice to brighten my surroundings for myself and for those whom I love; a choice to enjoy life despite any guilt, fear, or void that may still remain; a choice to trust God fully knowing He holds the entire puzzle in His hands while I only see a handful of pieces.

This is the crux of Common Stones, the thesis if you will. Alicia Smith has gathered several stories (including her own) about some blindsiding events that people face during life in this fallen world. She walks with you through several horrific events (such as her beloved father's war with cancer), and then gives you a nutshell filled with succulent seeds of growth. After we hear Ben's story (in his own words, mind you) -- a young man's fight after a debilitating car crash -- Alicia points out some wonderful truths. Surround yourself with good company! And then she outlines characteristics of a true supporter: listens, speaks with respect, supports the need for laughter.

The book is packed with the marvelous life lessons that would help us over those troublesome stumbling blocks that cobble our maturing faith if we'd only take them to heart. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather learn from someone's mistakes rather than stubbing my own toe. Pain is a great teacher, but why must we bear repeated pain when someone else has graciously shared his or her life changing event?

We absolutely should bear each other's burdens. God declares this. One reason is so that the burden does not weigh down our sibling in Christ. Another reason is so that we learn from their mistakes... or hardships... or accidents... or we learn compassion. Whatever the lesson, we grow.

Just as Chappy learned that there were blessings for him and his family from Hurricane Katrina. He just had to stop and listen for the Holy Spirit's urging. Listening to God a few men were able to build a ministry that had far reaching effect on "un-accepting" people. People who found Christ in a coffee shop rather than a formidable church setting.

Words of wisdom abound in this book. Notice the miracles... Let God hold you up... Celebrate the milestones no matter how big or how small... However, one thing that shines throughout this book is that faith is our binding cord and common stone that solidly holds siblings in Christ together. Together we bring Him glory, and together we hold each other up. There's nothing as satisfactory as the family of God.

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