Soul Food and Living Water [Paperback]

Yolanda Powell (Author), William J. Powell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2004

Overflowing with biblical teaching, practical examples and real encouragement, Soul Food & Living Water provides the spiritual nourishment the African-American family needs. Written in culturally sensitive language reflecting a rich heritage and strong faith, this book refreshes and equips families for today's challenges. 'Finally! This is the one we've been waiting for. Practical, relevant and refreshing, Soul Food & Living Water isn't just another family guidebook. We're talking about real-life answers for today's black family.' -Andrae Crouch, Recording Artist

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Lift Every Voice (July 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802417604
• ISBN-13: 978-0802417602
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,667,410 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A cool drink in the desert..., July 13, 2005

By 

Wordpraize Reviewers "Wordpraize.com" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soul Food and Living Water (Paperback)

Although prepared specifically for the African-American palate, Christian families of any culture will find sustenance in Soul Food and Living Water. The poignant accounts of the Powells' journey through submission and respect in marriage, raising teens with understanding and maintaining bonds and wisdom from grandparents and ancestors will help all Christian households navigate the rigors of raising a world-changing family against a pulsing, flashing landscape of sin. Single parents also will find practical ways to keep their families dining at God's table--even if all the seats aren't occupied.

At almost three hundred pages, Soul Food and Living Water offers enough to keep readers consumed for a long time. Each part of the book-individual spiritual relationships, marital intimacy, parenting and cultural heritage through extended family-could have easily comprised a book of its own. In an attempt to encompass all aspects of family, some subjects are probed more deeply than others, most notably marriage, understanding the influences of hip hop culture on teenagers, creating a home of peace and order and specific suggestions on dealing with family problems. The book is worth buying for these passages alone.

The editing team at Moody can be commended for maintaining the voices of the authors as well as many references to African American culture, such as the principles of Kwanzaa and the spiritual significance of cultural gatherings like Friday night fish frys and other get togethers. Focus on the legacy of endurance found in African-American culture will leave the targeted reader uplifted and satisfied. The cover shot and images throughout are positive and appealing as well.
--Marilynn Griffith

5.0 out of 5 stars Christ IS the center of family, January 4, 2005

By 

Loose Leaves Book Review (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Soul Food and Living Water (Paperback)

This is a biblically based, self-help guide for families. The book is a must-have for families following the teachings of Christ in today's fast-paced world. The Powells offer a fresh outlook, which is rich in heritage and truly anointed in the word of God. Their biblically sound examples and practical applications make it easy to transform your personal relationship with God while expressing love and sharing the word with your family.

The authors begin the book focusing on a personal relationship with God. Using biblical principles, the book emphasizes how every aspect of your life is tied to the Bible, even soul food Sunday dinners. The discussion on intimacy in marriages describes personal stories of commitment and provides suggestions on how to keep marriage as a threefold cord. The words are carefully crafted into stories, which present a clear relationship between Christ, husband and wife. Examples on how to enrich your marriage through romantic interludes, husbands leading the family while modeling the principles of Christ, wives modeling submission but still being independent, disciples expressing and sharing God's love to our families.
Is it possible for today's African-American family to raise children to be Christ-like? The Powells say YES! They present examples, affirmations, and suggestions on changing from "world view" to "biblical view" without compromising commitments to self, family, church or work. They chip away at America's problem, the breakdown of the family, in a way that will transform the world.

Soul Food & Living Water is not just a guidebook for reinventing the African-American family; it provides real-life answers to some of today's most complicated questions. As a Sunday school teacher and avid reader of Christian books on family and marriage, I strongly recommend this book to families, book clubs, Sunday school classes, and church leaders, as it will promote discussion while providing a biblical foundation. The word selection and presentation of ideas are skillfully sewn together to be culturally sensitive and relevant to other cultures. If family is important to you, this book should be part of your library.

Reviewed by Monique Bruner for Loose Leaves Book Review