Customer Reviews

Let the Church Say Amen

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

Simon Jackson, pastor of Zion Hill located in Houston, Texas is a regal and revered man. Well that is at church at least. His home life is complicated. He can't seem to understand his oldest son, and only daughter. He's turned them over to God. His concern now is his middle child. The one he refers to as his prodigal child. His wife has been the only woman he's been with. It wasn't like he didn't have opportunities, but he honored God. He just wished that Loretta could see that there grown children needed to sink or swim.

Loretta Jackson, first lady and school teacher. She's been called a many names. Mainly she was devoted to her husband and her family. Though she didn't have much to say Loretta is the glue that holds her dysfunctional family together. She didn't dare argue with Simon about the children. Instead she tries to make up for him. It is Loretta's hope that her family eventually realize that they need one another. And no matter how they may feel they are all the others have.

David the oldest child had always been a problem child. Nothing major, he was a C student fun loving kid. Only problem David couldn't seem to adjust to, was not having his father's acceptance. Once he had a college scholarship and played football. Now things were so different. His family at times tried to help him.

Jonathan the middle child has always done precisely what it was his father wanted. A college graduate with a Divinity degree. Jonathan is struggling with the weight of the world on his shoulders. There is no easy way for Jon to divulge his secrets to his father. Not if he wants to maintain Daddy's love.

Rachel this baby girl gives new meaning to what it is to be a preacher's kid, as well as a drama filled baby mama. She doesn't have just one child out of wedlock, but two children, with two different men. Sister girl is still a partier! Yet she wonders why she can't make it to praise God on time!

This is a VERY BOLD story. It promises to keep you perched on the edge of your seat trying to read what is going to happen next. I tell you at times I was like this is some crap. At other times I was laughing aloud. It's filled with a family struggling with demons and as they bond the burden appears to get lighter. Those of you who haven't opened this book from fear that it's "religion" TRUST this book has a lot to offer.

God is an awesome God! AMEN...

We may not understand God's motives, but He knows what's best for us!

This is the story of a family in turmoil. The seemingly perfect pastor of a medium-large Houston African-American church, Rev. Simon Jackson, has a smoothly running ministry but trouble at home. His long-suffering wife Loretta is caught between her choice to follow him as her leader and head of the household, and her feeling that his neglect and hard attitude toward his children is a mistake that is making things worse. And the kids are a mess! The oldest son is a drug addict, the daughter, with two babies by two different men, puts the drama in "baby mama drama" and the younger son, the one that Simon thinks is the perfect one who will follow in his footsteps, is hiding a secret that is making him miserable. As his family life continues to unwind, other events are coming that will shock Simon out of his complacency with his life and his judgmental ways with his children.

While the events kept me turning pages and there were a few surprises, the characterizations of each of the main players could have been more substantial. I especially felt that in the case of the daughter, Rachel, who comes off as an unsympathetic brat most of the time (but who, I confess, added most of the page-turning action to the story, wondering what her crazy butt would do next). Things are on the road to resolution by the end of the story but it's hard to see what changes have occurred (again, especially in the case of Rachel) and the wrap up was a bit rushed. There were so many events where I wanted to see more into the characters' heads for their deeper emotions and reactions, but the storyline rushed on to another development instead. Maybe a sequel is in the works?

Anyway, it was a pretty good read--like I said, I kept turning the pages and read it pretty much in one sitting--but just a little less than fully satisfying. However, as a non-African-American non-churchgoer, the setting of a church and pastor's family was also a fascinating glimpse into a part of everyday life that I hadn't seen before.

This is how i would put it. If you read all of your good books, then you might want to read this from your "later" pile if you have nothing else good to read. My bookclub was wrong for selecting this.

This book comes across at first as a Christian book purportedly about the life of a pastor and his family.While there is no sin greater than another, this book at the end leaves one to think that God turns His eye and shruggs and says "oh, well, they love each other" so this particular sin.."well, it's a new era, we must accept these things". Garbage! I was truly upset that the son's lifesytle was to be accepted and "ain't everybody happy!!" If you want Christian fiction that is truly about Jesus and His saving grace and enjoy a little drama too try Victoria Christopher Murray...stay away from this one.

When I first started reading this book I got caught up in the characters and then the storyline became so obvious about how the pastors children would turn out. I get so disappointed when I read a novel that is suppose to be Christian fiction and uses profanity throughout the book. I was looking for an uplifting novel, but instead it leaves you depressed. Let's just say if you like drama, this is the book for you, but if you are a Christian don't bother to read this book.

I bought this book for my 16 year old step-daughter. I let her borrow a lot of my "Christian Fiction" books, and though I do read, non-Christian fiction as well, I wouldn't openly expose her to just anything (Both her mother & I are very active in our respective churches and care a lot about what things are influences in her life.) I borrowed the book from her, and was very saddened to find that there was as much cursing and vulgarity in the book as there is in ANY OLE BOOK YOU PICK UP off the shelf. There are ways to depict certain actions and behaviors, without blatently "putting it out there". The storyline is very perdictable which makes it a quick read. Had I purchased it as "just a book", I would have said it's okay, but I bought this as "Christian Fiction".

Being called to preach the word of God is not something that should be taken lightly. Understanding this, Reverend Simon Jackson has devoted his life to the charge of leading the congregation of Zion Hill Baptist Church. Not only is Simon a Godly man but he is a family man also. Unfortunately because of the demands that the church has placed on him his family life has been the area of his life that has always received the proverbial short end of the stick.

David, Simon's eldest son, is losing an ongoing battle with drug addiction. Ever since a knee injury prematurely brought his professional sports career to a halt he hasn't been able to get back on the right track. Jonathan, his middle child, is his pride and joy. With a new degree under his belt and an interest in the seminary, he is following in his father's footsteps. At least this is what he wants Simon to believe. His only daughter, Rachel gives a whole new meaning to Baby Momma Drama. So busy trying to ruin her son's father's life she doesn't realize that she is only hurting herself. Loretta, David's wife, is the epitome of what a First Lady should be. Faithful, loving and subservient to her husband, through the years she has sat by and watched her husband give his all to the church while her family suffered.

Life has taken a major turn for Simon. Tragedy strikes him at home as well as work. Realizing that the things he has put so much into aren't garnering a return he finds solace in the one place that he never thought possible. Is it too late for Simon or will he have a chance at righting his wrongs.

Let The Church Say Amen is a story of love and forgiveness. Reshonda Tate Billingsley is a mesmerizing wordsmith. Having the uncanny ability to paint a picture with the stroke of her pen, Reshonda will draw you into her story and keep you captivated.

Angie

This book was well written, and I enjoyed the depth of her characters. I read it quickly with the hope that the "good son" would redeem the family somehow. Rather, he just added more issues to their broken family. I was hoping that Billingsley would bring one of the characters to real victory instead of leaving them "kinda" healed. Also, there were some really graphic points that I could do without.

Christian fiction readers, beware!!! In my opinion this is far from a Christian Fiction work. This book contains several swear words, and is extremely shallow. If you are a Christian reader that expects to read the "f" word, "b" word, "s" word, etc....., you may enjoy this book. However, when I read a book categorized as Christian Fiction I expect a "clean" literary work based on the principles of the bible. The story line is very predictable throughout the entire book, and at times scenes are unnecessarily exaggerated, which makes them corny. Also, I am disappointed that the author sublimely attempts to persuade readers to view principles of the bible as unimportant, particularly in reference to a lifestyle of homosexuality and fornication. The bible is very clear about the eternal outcome of individuals who practice this lifestyle. "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." (Revelations 21:8-NIV). Followers of Christ do not have to judge the world, Christ will do that. However, it is our great comission to go out and reach the lost, and proclaim the true word of God, which is not supported by this book. I would not recommend this book to anyone, especially someone who is not strong in their Christian Faith and values. I am so glad that I checked this book out from my local library instead of purchasing it, because I would be even more disappointed. Don't waste your time!

I read this book because I am reading the book called Nothing but Drama which has Rachel from Let the Church Say Amen leading a young girls' group. I wanted to read her background first before I finished Nothing But Drama. The main problem that I had with this book is that is categorized as Christian fiction in my library and it uses profanity. I am not sure if that is how this book is categorized in stores. I had a problem with the profanity. I do not curse in part because I am a Christian and I just do not want to read it in a book. This is not a problem for most people and if you decide to read it you will enjoy it. I did learn something from the book for my own family and that is to not devote so much time to noble causes (i.e. church, charity events, sports, etc.) and neglect the family. It is not worth it.