Book Review of Your Life Still Counts by Tracie Miles

Tracie Miles wrote this book about an incredibly important topic, how God can use our past to impact other people in our future.  He doesn't make mistakes, and our own mistakes can be exactly what he uses to help those who are hurting.  

This is an inviting book, with a nice cover and title.  I found Miles' writing to be engaging, and her stories to be vulnerable without being sensationalistic.  I loved the testimonies and questions that were included.  Miles wants people to work through their pasts in a God-centered manner and I think the Bible study questions could be a powerful tool for breakthrough in this regard. I can see her work being extremely useful for people wanting to move from painful backgrounds into all God has for them.

I would have liked to see less of an emphasis on public platforms.  Not everyone is called to be a public speaker or author.  She says this in the book, but I felt it got a little lost in her encouragement to do "big" things for God.

I struggled with theological accuracy a few times.  When red flags arose, I wished I could hear why she phrased things as she did.  I think some issues may have been a case of misspeaking, not an incorrect Bible interpretation.  However, one in particular bothered me.  That was in the last chapter, as Miles discussed the Great Commission and fields white for harvest.

Those two passages are about bringing others into relationship with God.  It's about the gospel of Christ.  His cross, his death, his resurrection, his glory, his gift of salvation.  Yet, I felt as if Miles was saying those passages were mostly about us, our future, our destiny, our glory, our goals, our benefit. Maybe you will get another interpretation from that section, but it bothered me.

Overall, the book was encouraging, uplifting and on a very important topic.  I am passing it on--with a few comments of concern.  Rating: 3.5 of 5.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review.