Customer Reviews

Glimpses of Grace: Daily Thoughts and Reflections

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

L'Engle does something here that few devotional authors dare. She not only supplies answers and inspirations, she poses questions. Questions without easy answers. Questions that penetrate to the heart of true faith in God.

Does she qualify as a mystic? Yes, in that she moves outside the world of pure rationalism.

Is she a Christian? Yes, in the sense that she believes upon Jesus Christ as the savior and as the only begotten Son of God.

Is she an agnostic? Yes, by her own definition. She says that by confessing agnosticism, she is only confessing that she doesn't know everything. She refuses to lie or pretend otherwise. Yet, in the midst of not knowing, she still believes in the God that created the universe.

This devotional breathes life into a sometimes stale genre. L'Engle's openness might challenge, even offend, some. But for those on the limits of faith, those hanging in amidst life's tragedies and unexpected miracles, "Glimpses of Grace" gives a little more grace to move on. This is classic and poignant writing. One closes the pages filled with a greater awe and greater mystery regarding the love of God.

L'Engle expert and biographer, Carole.F. Chase, gracefully presents a powerful reading from this great 20th century thinker, novelist, poet and writer of Christian truth for every single day of the year (even for leap year). As it is with the best of this sort of book, Glimpses of Grace's daily readings produce not only a fulfilling sample of the author's greatest work; but they also produce an appetite for the works themselves. L'Engle fans will recognize the many and various themes which are common to the author's whole corpus, but many are likely to be surprised and overwhelmed seeing the massive quantity this author has produced and how much is yet to be discovered in her many books. Those most intimately familiar with the life and work of Madeleine L'Engle will realize how insightfully and thoughtfully Carole Chase has selected and arranged these "glimpses" which provoke intense contemplation and inspiration at the same time.

This is a beautiful devotional, and a glimpse of the way a brilliant mind works at something we all aspire to: understanding God. It is refreshing to read something that doesn't pretend to have all the answers about Him, but encourages us to "learn to love the mysteries". I don't know about you, but that is what I am trying to do. Instead of simplifying who God is and reducing him to the level of an idol, the author encourages us to see him as Omnipotent God, Creator & Sustainer. It is a breath of fresh air to me, and a wonderful encouragement.

I read the Crosswick Journal series before being buying this treasure as a Christmas gift to myself a few years ago. I was already a fan of Ms L'Engle. However, this book brought her into a new realm. I followed the readings quite faithfully during two yearly cycles. I must say that they provided my those glimpses of grace that were needed during that very difficult time of my life. These are only glimpses because they are relatively short and easy to digest over breakfast. However, as so often happens, glimpses open doors that reveal so much more. My faith in the God of Creation was reaffirmed through this book. This God accepted me as I was (and am) and affirmed me as good. What more can one ask from a book of daily reflections?

Thank you Ms L'Engle. I'm proud to call you a fellow Episcopalian!

Since Christmas of 1995 my wife and I have used these fabulously interesting readings from GLIMPSES Of GRACE to buffet us from the storms of everyday life! As one quite perceptive reviewer speaks of her as a Mystic and Yes, she asks good questions. Her readings relate to the living of all life in the face of Belief and Doubt.

One reading from May 20th she is doing an afterschool seminar for high school students and is asked by a brilliant young lady from Harlem, earlier from Panama: "Mrs Franklin, do you really truly believe in God with no doubts at all?"

"Oh, Una, I really and truly believe in God with all kinds of doubts... But I base my life on this belief." Another topic that often arises in her readings is that of Death and Eternity. After one student is saying that it seems lately "there's death everywhere..." Another answers, "Is the price too high? Are you afraid?" These lead to the titles of "We Die Many Deaths and A Metaphor for the Afterlife." Her simple yet clear approach seems to come down from the power found in Creation... that Life is a Gift and where there's Life there's Hope!

This is truly one lovely, consistently inspiring devotional book by an awesome fearless lady! Sincerely retired Chaplain Fred W Hood

Madeleine L'Engle has written many wonderful books for both adults and children. Her work is very provocative and most thoughtful. You glean something more every time they are read... GLIMPSES OF GRACE takes the best passages from her books and reveals more contemplative insights. This Daily Thoughts and Reflections is cross-referenced by topic and title. GLIMPSES OF GRACE can be appreciated by Madeleine's fans as well as someone who is not familiar with her work. I keep an extra copy on hand as I have often given this book as a gift. Highly recommended!

Chase skillfully combines memorable quotes from L'Engle's amazing works of art. Each day's reading provides an uplifting message that engages readers' in a thought-provoking journey through the year. As a whole, the book's collage effect serves as a wonderful introduction to L'Engle's work and gives faithful readers a poetic reminder of her skill. Makes a wonderful gift!

I love Ms. L'Engle's work, but the setup of this book just didn't work for me. I liked the idea, but the execution didn't come through.

Like C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L'Engle is one of those authors that an amazing number of adults encountered once as children but never read again. She is best known perhaps for her A WRINKLE IN TIME (1962). As this daily reading of her fiction, letters, and essays makes clear, she is just as interesting for adults to read as children. In her work, L'Engle struggles with issues of faith, doubt, evil, science, and justice, and in the process helps us all come to some helpful conclusions. For Christians who are interested in seeing a talented author frankly and creatively wrestle with a range of important issues like these, GLIMPSES OF GRACE is worth reading. In her treatment of quantam physics, for example, she was ahead of her time in understanding how scientific advances were reshaping the Christian faith. Ministers, worship leaders, and Sunday school teachers will find her treatment of faith refreshing, affirming, and compelling.

Glimpses of Grace: Daily Thoughts and Reflections is recommended for devotional reading as well as an overview of this important author's work.

I've been using this book as part of my daily prayer/meditation. I enjoy L'Engle's approach to Christianity and spirituality.