cosmicbookworm's reviews
309 reviews

An excellent, well researched look into the travesty that came upon the Osage people in the early 1900’s. Already forced to move off of their native farmlands in what became Missouri, to Kansas and finally settling in Oklahoma, there is seemingly no end to the murderous cruelty, and swindling brought upon this group of people.

An eye opening look at a piece of our American history, with the corruption in our government, and how racism, greed and American privilege can destroy the lives of innocent people.

Search CSpan for an interview with Tai Edwards, a history professor from Kansas, that will give background to what happened to these people previously.

There isn't really anything in this book that I haven't heard over the years from Christian speakers, Bible study or school, but Craig Groeschel ties it all together to encourage us to rewire our minds through prayer and praise. He encourages us to think about what we think about, and focus on God - not on our problems. I found his thoughts to be motivating and encouraging.

The problem with reading books is that they refer to other books and you feel the need to read them as well. I've never considered reading a crime novel before....but I'm reading "The Voices We Carry" and reference was made to Philip Marlowe, the main character in Raymond Chandler's novels.....so down that bunny hole I went. I don't really know how to rate this. It was engaging. I'm glad I read it, but I don't know that it will inspire me to read others. Except that another book I am reading now has actually turned into a crime novel as well.....seemed like a nice story until things got messy. A whole new world.

Everyone should have a father like Atticus Finch. Always seeing the good in people, being careful to see things from the other person's perspective, and standing up for the oppressed / marginalized, and showing his kids how to treat people with respect at all times. Loosely based on a true situation, and I'm eager now to learn what facts are available about what happened in the real life version.

A combination of history, conspiracy theory, and pep talk to his brothers and sisters
Gregory introduces us to accomplished people in the Black community and helps us look between the lines and see things from a different perspective. This is the only book of Gregory's that I've read, so far, and it was his last to write. You get the sense that it is a brief summary of everything he wants his people to be aware of. I picked up this book because I heard Dick Gregory speak at Grinnell College when I was a little kid, but all I really remember is being there. I wanted to get a feel for what Dick Gregory was all about. His book is enlightening, thought provoking and gives me lots of new bunny trails to go down.

In preparation for writing this book Mr Yancey retreated and read the whole Bible at once. Doing it this way he saw things that he hadn’t seen before.

This book makes me think I've rated all my other books too high. I'm giving this one a 5 but it deserves twice that much. This is such a helpful and valuable book and Osheta Moore is such a great ambassador. Without anger or malice she brings us into her world and helps us to see things from her point of view. She truly seeks Shalom, and encourages us on that path. This book is for everyone. Everyone can learn from Osheta Moore, but specifically for white Christians who want to be peacemakers. I would also promote this book to white Christians who are not inclined to be peacemakers. We can all learn so much from the words on these pages. I bought the book on Amazon and also the audio on Audible. Osheta does her own narrating so by listening you get to hear her speak directly to you. It was amazing to be able to follow the text while listening to Osheta read her thoughts to me.

This book contains many valuable insights. “You know you’re in a good place when people can say, “I was wrong, I’m sorry, and I want to know how to do better, and others believe it.” You find yourself open to questioning yourself and listening to others more. You find yourself expanding.” “A narrative is not bad. Rules and rituals are not bad. We need them. But they need examination. They need accountability. A healthy community will allow questions, will disagree, will challenge their own practices, and will have the courage and compassion to speak up to their leaders. Healthy persons will also question themselves, disagree with themselves, examine their own ideas, and speak up to their own ways. With healthy places and people, there will be channels which allow a way to inspect their operations."

Excerpt From
The Voices We Carry: Finding Your One, True Voice in a World of Clamor and Noise
J. S. Park

This is a useful reference. It is slightly outdated. It does bring out the reality that it is important to know if your Bible was translated by committee or individual, and who was on that committee. Does that committee strive to be objective, or do they have a particular bent in their beliefs that manipulates the way they interpret the Bible. It is clear that Bible translation always includes interpretation, and that it is best to consult multiple versions for study.