When a staunch atheist is introduced to the Lord Almighty in the most casual—and childish—way, it’s not the end of the world. It’s a Tuesday.Bradley Michaels is just another man ending just another workday at just another job. He can list the usual complaints, can point his finger at the usual causes, and he can go about his routine as if one day is absolutely no different from the next.Until God … absolutely no different from the next.
Until God himself just shows up uninvited and shakes up Bradley’s entire existence by flaunting his own.
It’s not fair, but Bradley never claimed life is. And he tries to handle the new, omniscient presence in his head with calm attention and cool collectedness.
But God happens to be a bit of a kid. He likes to joke, to prod, to stir things up. And what God sets his mind to, God succeeds at.
Just as Bradley believes he’s got life all figured out, God has to throw a wrench into it.
But not at all in the way that Bradley—or you—can expect.
Just when you think life is going according to plan, you find out your plan sucks. And it’s time for a new one.
♦ CIPA EVVY Award for Inspirational Fiction ♦
Enjoy the Read…
If you delight in sudden spiritual experiences, urban fantasy, lighthearted humor, hints of motivation and transformational philosophy, unexpected inspiration, award-winning short stories, and considerations for conduct of life, you’ll relish reading Almighty.
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It is always good to have someone make you think about what you believe because it helps you to examine your heart to clarify and solidify your beliefs. This short story did that for me. Does that mean I agree with the author’s premise or take on things? No. But it also doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate her perspective. As a Christian (not a religious fanatic), I do believe that God can speak to people as he did to Bradley in this story. I mean He is God and has the power to do whatever He wants. I do believe that God wants us to think beyond ourselves and the very small worlds in which we sometimes box ourselves. He wants us to see the possibilities for us and that we have the ability to change ourselves and the world around us. He does want us to be happy.
However, I cannot agree with a couple of big ideas the author presents about God to her character Bradley. First, I don’t believe that God is unsure of who He is or of the breadth and scope of His power. He also doesn’t equate man as equal to himself as we are His creations. Second, I have to respectfully disagree with the author’s take that the Bible is just a book written by men for no real purpose. I believe, not blindly, but after years of my own reading and study, that the Bible is the Word of God with stories, instruction, and direction for us to learn to live as God intended and to draw us into a personal relationship with Him.
What the author has achieved with this story is making me think and question what I really believe. It takes talent to use so few words to create such introspection and reaction about a story’s topic.
I thought after reading the summary this would be a great book. Unfortunately I was wrong. But one thing this guy Bradley is walking down the street God lets his presence be known by screaming boo in his head. After he tells him he’s who everyone refers to as God, but not a name he likes nor was there anyone around to name him. After Bradley believes it is him. God then explains that it doesn’t interfere with the war, health crises, Pregnancies or anything for that matter. He doesn’t perform miracles, he didn’t write the 10 Commandments because as he says why would he carved into stone. Not to mention the Bible is all fake because the apostles didn’t know him again although not mentioned I guess the thousands of eyewitnesses at his sacrifice was just all Made up. I could go on and on about why this book is ridiculous, but before I go I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you that in the book God says you shouldn’t listen to another man and live your life accordingly, such as a preacher. Yet, after the book is done this man tells you how you should live your life. Needless to say I just didn’t like it. So essentially this guy goes from being an atheist to believing there is a God but one who does nothing.
ALMIGHTY: A SHORT TALE OF OMNIPOTENT PROPORTIONS is a stand-alone short story.
It is an irreverent, but not heretical, humorous approach to an atheist discovering he needs to get off the fence. God is real.
It could have been preachy, but it wasn’t. It was light-hearted and fun.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: ALMIGHTY: A SHORT TALE OF OMNIPOTENT PROPORTIONS
Series: N/A
Category /Genre: Humor, short story
Recommended for: 18+ due to adult humor
Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
Received from: Justine Avery (as a gifted copy)
A really good read.