Crazy Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives [Paperback]

Susan K. Williams Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2009

"It hasn't been extraordinary people who have changed the world; rather, it's been people who have been willing to act and live on faith," observes pastor and author Susan Smith. Drawing on biblical, historical, and contemporary stories of what she calls "crazy faith," this inspirational volume challenges readers to dare to step out and make a difference in the world. Faith is "vision fueled by action," Smith declares. Follow in the footsteps of those who have earned a place in the Hall of Faith, including Moses, Harriet Tubman, David, Nelson Mandela, Sarah and Abraham, Mother Teresa, Noah, and Mary McLeod Bethune.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. Smith, a pastor and former news reporter and talk show host who contributes to the Washington Post's "On Faith" blog, challenges ordinary people to let God use them for impossible tasks. Such submission requires "crazy faith," knowing God will bring success even when the task seems impractical and illogical. Appropriate for anyone experiencing a calling or facing a crisis, the author cautions that "fear cancels faith" and must be overcome by staring down life's Goliaths. Following an introductory chapter, each subsequent chapter includes the solidly researched life story of someone with "crazy faith," followed by a "Crazy-Faith Challenge" for group study or individual reflection. From biblical characters like Moses and King David to heroes of black history like Harriet Tubman and Nelson Mandela, these driven dreamers aren't as ordinary as the title asserts. Yet their humble beginnings suggest anyone could develop similar determination. Read as a whole, their patchwork of history becomes a united tale of faith against all odds. Feisty, enthusiastic and encouraging, the author's language will inspire readers to face seemingly insurmountable challenges with "superhuman energy." (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

Starred Review. Smith, a pastor and former news reporter and talk show host who contributes to the Washington Post's "On Faith" blog, challenges ordinary people to let God use them for impossible tasks. Such submission requires "crazy faith," knowing God will bring success even when the task seems impractical and illogical. Appropriate for anyone experiencing a calling or facing a crisis, the author cautions that "fear cancels faith" and must be overcome by staring down life's Goliaths. Following an introductory chapter, each subsequent chapter includes the solidly researched life story of someone with "crazy faith," followed by a "Crazy-Faith Challenge" for group study or individual reflection. From biblical characters like Moses and King David to heroes of black history like Harriet Tubman and Nelson Mandela, these driven dreamers aren't as ordinary as the title asserts. Yet their humble beginnings suggest anyone could develop similar determination. Read as a whole, their patchwork of history becomes a united tale of faith against all odds. Feisty, enthusiastic and encouraging, the author's language will inspire readers to face seemingly insurmountable challenges with "superhuman energy."
Copyright (c) Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --Publishers Weekly, Jan. 12, 2009

Faith is an astounding thing, especially when you test it... .
Crazy Faith emphasizes the amazing accomplishments of several biblical persons and latter-day counterparts. It is well thought out and the conclusions drawn by Susan Smith are thought provoking, giving the reader another paradigm to consider.
Through intriguing imagery, familiar bible renditions of struggle, faith, and courage come alive. Individuals who pressed forward in the face of doubters and unbelievers were able to achieve the humanly impossible. Keeping an open mind will give you a chance to appreciate the authors' interpretations.
The stories of "crazy faith" taken from more modern experiences are informative and truly inspiring. Each is presented with vivid details that will leave the reader in awe. The accomplishments are remarkable. The journey of faith begins with just one small step, followed by dedication, perseverance, and the hand of heavenly intervention. Many attitudes, visions, and lives were altered for the better because one person had enough "crazy faith" to stand up in the face of impossible odds. Even the hardest heart will be touched.
I found Crazy Faith to be a wonderful source of inspiration intermixed with honest preaching from a single perspective. Nevertheless, even when different areas of focus were presented, it felt like the same points were emphasized again and again.
Armchair Interviews says: "Crazy faith" ideas are worth the read. --Diane A Brown, Armchair Interviews.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Judson Pr (March 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0817015310
• ISBN-13: 978-0817015312
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,206,047 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A spiritual book of history, sure to inspire, April 5, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crazy Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives (Paperback)

It's easy to believe what is socially acceptable. But when you go outside it, you're called crazy. "Crazy Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives" travels through history and focuses on people of many faiths who did outrageous acts for their time in the name of their faith. From Moses standing up to the leader of the Egyptians, to Mother Teresa's endless charity in India, these people were driven by faith and earned their place in history. "Crazy Faith" is a spiritual book of history, sure to inspire.

3.0 out of 5 stars A Modern-Day Look, October 10, 2009

By 

Diane Brown "The Readers Cove" (Fort Collins, Colorado) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Crazy Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives (Paperback)

Faith is an astounding thing, especially when you test it...

Crazy Faith emphasizes the amazing accomplishments of several biblical persons and latter-day counterparts. It is well thought out and the conclusions drawn by Susan Smith are thought provoking, giving the reader another paradigm to consider.

Through intriguing imagery, familiar bible renditions of struggle, faith, and courage come alive. Individuals who pressed forward in the face of doubters and unbelievers were able to achieve the humanly impossible. Keeping an open mind will give the reader a chance to appreciate the authors' interpretations.

The stories of crazy faith taken from more modern experiences are informative and truly inspiring. Each is presented with vivid details that will leave the reader in awe. The accomplishments are remarkable. The journey of faith begins with just one small step, followed by dedication, perseverance, and the hand of heavenly intervention. Many attitudes, visions, and lives were altered for the better because one person had enough crazy faith to stand up in the face of impossible odds. Even the hardest heart will be touched.

I found Crazy Faith to be a wonderful source of inspiration intermixed with honest preaching from a single perspective. Never the less, it felt like the same points were emphasized again and again. Different areas of focus were presented, but still the same point over and over again.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars AAMBC Book Reviews, August 10, 2009

By 

African Americans on the Move Book Club (San Antonio, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Crazy Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives (Paperback)

Questions about real faith has always been an interesting topic for believers throughout the ages. Crazy Faith by Susan K. Williams Smith delves in the topic of miraculous type of faith. She weaves together incredible stories of people from the Bible as well those from history and contemporary events. What makes this such a great read is that it weaves biblical figures such as Jesus, Moses and David with stories about Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Harriet Tubman. This book does not feel preachy, although the author is a pastor. It speaks about the different levels of faith and it takes to have "crazy faith". If anyone finds themselves in a situation that seems against all odds or someone has an impossible dream or goal that speaks to their, this book will reveal wonderful examples of how these individuals beat what seemed to be unbeatable or unattainable. This is also an easy read; each chapter easily connects right to the next and there is a summation tying the Bible figure with the contemporary counterpart. Any book that leaves you with as many questions as answers about your own plight within context of the subject matter is definitely good. Crazy Faith does not disappoint.

Richard Agnew
AAMBC Book Reviewer