This book addresses many of the types of fears that we encounter in our lives, drawing from the stories in the New Testament where Jesus was addressing the fear and anxiety he saw in the people around him. It was encouraging to be reminded that Jesus really does care about the things we dread and get anxious about and that He is concerned about delivering us from those fears.

Some examples of fears Lucado addressed are the fear of disappointing God, the fear of not having enough (time, money, intelligence, acceptance, health, etc.) and the fear of worst-case scenarios. And while each chapter held meaningful pieces of Biblical advice on how to counteract these fears, I found that I enjoyed the last chapter most of all, "The One Healthy Terror", which spoke on the fear of the Lord. After reading about all the areas where the enemy seeks to strike our hearts with fear, I really appreciated how Lucado reminded us that there is really only One that we should fear - and that is the One who holds our very life in His hands! I was reminded that it is vital to my battle against fear to have an accurate view of God and to see Jesus for the awesomely terrifying and powerful God-man that He is! To quote Lucado…

"As awe of Jesus expands, fears of life diminish. A big God translates into big courage. A small view of God generates no courage. A limp, puny, fireless Jesus has no power over [your fears]…Stare long and longingly at the Bonfire, the Holy One, the Highest One, the Only One. As you do, all your fears, save the fear of Christ himself, will melt…" (pg. 169, 170)

I found "Fearless" to be challenging, inspiring, and thought-provoking. Lucado's imaginative story-telling and insight into the Scripture makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read and I would recommend this book to anyone, without hesitation.

Whenever I watch the Wimbledon Championships, I want to grab my tennis racket, go out on a court and hit tennis balls. I want to volley like the pros do, I want to serve at incredible speeds and I want to be part of strong baseline ralleys. Watching the professionals play tennis makes me want to play tennis.

Reading Max Lucado's latest book "Fearless" made me want to grab my computer (or a notebook and pen) and write. Journeying with Lucado on the back of his words made me want to be a better writer. Obviously he's a true professional.

I honestly haven't read many of Lucado's books (we have most of the children's books and in my defense, I am kind of from another planet), but "Fearless" brought me to a place of great respect for Max Lucado as a writer. He is a great writer. (And then, I'm probably preaching to the choir here.) Still, I learned lots and was inspired.

Sadly, I might not have bought the book if it weren't for the Thomas Nelson Publishers blogger review team I am a part of. Why not? Likely because of the blurb on the back combined with my lack of Lucado history. The marketing language just seemed a little too dramatic. I couldn't identify with the fear scenarios set up in the blurb. Unfortunately that would have meant missing out on a great and inspiring reading experience. I'm glad I didn't miss out.

On a personal note, I find it ironic that "Fearless" is released on the day we will walk our five-year-old daughter-our eldest-to elementary school for the first time. She is going to Grade One today and will start off a whole new era in our family. It is understandable that in this season of my life, chapter 5, entitled, "My Child is in Danger: fear of not protecting my kids" spoke to me on a deep level.

"The semitruck of parenting comes loaded with fears," writes Lucado. "We fear failing the child, forgetting the child. Will we have enough money? Enough answers? Enough diapers? Enough drawer space? Vaccinations. Educations. Homework. Homecoming. It's enough to keep a parent awake at night."

I am releasing my daughter into the world today. It comes with its unique set of fears and questions. Lucado reminds me to be fearless, because I have prayed and I will continue to pray for her and our other children. He writes: "Prayer is the saucer into which parental fears are poured to cool … Each time a parent prays, Christ responds. His big message to moms and dads? Bring your children to me. Raise them in a greenhouse of prayer."

I would recommend "Fearless" for the inspiring journey it is. Lucado does not disappoint.

Fearless by Max Lucado (www.TheFearlesBook.com)
Most likely the most challenging book I've read this summer! Everyday each one of us are faced with choices. A choice to confidenly live the life God created us for or a choice to step back with hesistation and fear and perhaps follow a different path.

In this book Max touches many areas of life, which at some point we all may face. At first I was tempted to skip the section regarding our children, but I pushed though and gained some insight I've found applicable to other life areas.

This book was definately a timely book in my life. It has given me an opportunity to view the reasons I do or say things. It has challenged me to step up in my faith and to dig further in the Word of God than before. This book coupled with the messages I've heard at a camp, have reminded me to pick up a few dreams, I'd let fall by the way side.

This is one of those books that I will read again and share with friends.

The focus of this book is fear…or rather, freedom from fear.
With many examples and illustrations, Max Lucado demonstrates for us the inevitability of humans feeling fear and the harm it does a human to feel fear. Max Lucado uses his signature gift with words to demonstrate for us the need for humans to live fearlessly.

Of course, you mustn't take all of his illustrations literally, Max is the kind of writer who imagines and exaggerates in order to share a deeper truth. For example, on page 167 he doesn't really mean that Moses and Elijah's portraits are really hung in the entry wall to the Hebrew Hall of Fame, he is merely illustrating for us just how important those prophets are to the Hebrews, and just how awestruck Peter, James and John would have been to see them in their day and age.

My favourite example of fear taken to devastating lengths is the quote Max includes on page 9 regarding the perception Martin Niemoller had of Adolf Hitler in 1933: "I discovered that Herr Hitler is a terribly frightened man." Max uses this quote as an illustration of how fear releases the tyrant within.

This was an enjoyable book with an excellent message. It really is important for us to learn how to live our lives without fear, while remaining aware of the risks and dangers being fully alive proposes.