A Resilient Life

If you've ever committed to a diet, exercise, or ministry plan, you've probably realized that it's much easier to start something than to finish it. At a young age, Gordon MacDonald recognized that he had inherited a "quitter's gene," and because of this and an influential track coach, he began a lifelong quest for answers. "Why," he asked, "do some people finish what they start, persevere in moments of adversity, push themselves in the direction of their potential, and often make their greatest contributions in the latter half of life?" The key element in those who don't quit is resilience. Those who have it, MacDonald insists, have gathered all the lessons from life, both successes and failures, to build a foundation of strength and character. Using examples from the Bible, from his own life, and from the lives of contemporary people, MacDonald identifies the characteristics of resilience and leads you with encouragement through the process needed to develop them.

At a young age, Gordon MacDonald recognized that he had inherited a "quitter’s gene," and because of this-and an influential track coach-he began a lifelong quest for answers.  "Why," he had to ask, "do some people finish what they start, persevere in moments of adversity, push themselves in the direction of their potential, and often make their greatest contributions in the latter half of life?  Why do others expect to retire from life when they reach their senior years?"  The key element in those who don’t quit is resilience. Those who have it, MacDonald insists, have gathered all the lessons from life-successes and failures-to build a foundation of strength and character, preparing them to face anything.

Using examples from the Bible, from his own life, and from the lives of contemporary people, MacDonald identifies the characteristics of resilience, leading readers through the self-assessment needed to develop them. The journey is demanding and humbling, he reminds us, but the rewards of living well are immeasurable.

MacDonald offers sage advice to Christians in middle age and beyond, asserting that the greatest contributions God has for believers come during the second half of life. The prolific author and pastor tells how a high school track coach instilled values that laid the foundations for effective adult living. This wizened man taught the teenage MacDonald principles that have stayed with him for a lifetime: run with vision, look backward only to learn from mistakes, cling to self-discipline while giving distance to self-indulgence and find satisfaction in joining with others to make great things happen. MacDonald (Ordering Your Private World and The Life God Blesses) listened well to his mentor and sadly realized that he had inherited a "quitter's gene" from his family. In this book, he characterizes resiliency as being committed to consistently finishing strong. Those who nurture a big-picture view of life, he says, leave the weight of the past behind, discipline themselves to go the distance and run with a "happy few" who best embody the truest expression of lasting friendship. MacDonald's guide to embracing resiliency is especially practical as he describes running the entire life race with gusto, urging fellow Christians to enlarge their minds, harness their emotions and trim their egos. With a passionate yet humble voice, MacDonald's self-help guide is a classic, riveting read. (Jan. 7) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

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Reviewed by Trina (Port Clinton, Ohio), March 16, 2008

At a low time in my life when I thought I would not get back on my feet, my counselor suggested this book. Upon his advice, I checked it out at my local library. This book allowed me to take Gordon MacDonald's thoughts, experiences, advice, and successes to better my life. I learned how to think and act differently in a more positive manner and to let go of the smaller things in life and allow God to handle the troubles and obstacles that I was unable to bear. I have suggested this book to my friends who are struggling with their current life situations. This book will be added to my personal library collection as I believe this is a book that can be re-read numerous times and still allow new knowledge and stronger strength in one's Faith.

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