People who love prodigals often struggle in silence. This book lets you know that you are not alone and that there is hope. Pastor and author James Banks and his son Geoff Banks each write from their perspective, sharing their story of redemption and offering you hope while you are in the struggle. No matter what your prodigal is going through—addiction, turning from faith, worldly … pursuits—you’ll find encouragement to pray deeply, love generously, and cling to God for comfort, healing, and restoration during the difficult journey.
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This is an interesting and emotional read. I love the way the chapters are split with the viewpoint of dad, James, and then the son, Geoff. They each share about life as the parent of an addict or the person who is the addict. And each point of view is important to know. While I can imagine life as a part of a child who suffers with an addiction (by the grace of God I haven’t had to experience that), I had no idea the physical, psychological, and mental challenges a person with addictions faces. If you are a parent of a prodigal, a person who is a prodigal, deal with prodigals, or know someone who does, this is a must read for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
This book brings about some of my greatest fears as a mother. We have some children that we’ve adopted which leads to several special situations. For us, that means knowing that there are some things that are out of our control. Our children struggle with RAD. It affects so much and makes me fear for what will happen somedays. But then I remind myself that God is in control, not me.
Hope Lies Ahead tells us a true story of one family with a son who becomes a prodigal. But praise God he comes back! I found this story inspirational and full of good advice for parents. Because I truly think we will have some prodigal moments with some of our children this is a book that I will keep on our shelf to pull off as I need it.
I recommend this book. Truly, all parents should have a copy. It really helps with what to pray for our children even as they are young. I think it also offers some great advice for parenting whether you’re dealing with a prodigal or not.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
The Prodigal Son is one of my favorite parables in the Bible. It illustrates how much God truly loves us and wants us to have a deep and meaningful relationship with God. Because I am the younger sister and have the experience of watching my older sister make some poor choices while I was a teenager, I took the safer path of being a “good” girl.
I remember watching how my mother, especially, reacted to my sister’s choices. So this real-life story of Dr. James Banks and his son Geoffrey caught my attention. Perhaps because we call North Carolina home and so do these authors, I also had an appreciation for this family.
Told from both Dr. Banks and Geoffrey’s sides this book kept my attention. I love how it illustrates how a prodigal child can overcome things such as addiction. It also illustrates how we have to be willing to keep praying for those we believe may be lost since God always knows where His children are. So check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
This has been a very emotional book to read. I appreciate how transparent the authors’ have been in sharing their story. Most of us are familiar with the story of the prodigal son. The story hit home for me in several ways as the authors’ began to share their journey. Growing up in a house where my dad was a preacher we were always judged by others in the church. We seemed to be held more accountable than others and were always watched by members of the church. My father was all about appearances and any secrets going on in our family were never revealed. I pray that this book will touch many lives and set them free.
I loved how this family was open and received great counsel from their church. They had prayer warriors surrounding them which helped them during their difficult journey with their son. Geoff began to spiral out as he found himself deeper into drugs. He addiction was so severe that at times his parents were at a loss of what to do. The pain that Geoff went through was so heartbreaking and I could feel his hopelessness. It is easier for people to have sympathy when someone has cancer or other recognized medical condition. When someone deals with addiction, they shun them and toss them aside.
The rollercoaster ride the family went through was difficult and eye opening at the same time. Geoff wanted to be accepted but felt the only way he could accomplish that was to get high and hang around people like himself. As parents we want to protect our children, but sometimes we have to give it to God. It was nice to read how God was changing not only Geoff but his parents as well. In a crisis we need to stand together as a family. As the addiction became worse, so did the communication between husband and wife. At sone point I’m sure they wanted to give up, but instead they dug in deeper and surrendered everything to God. A situation may look hopeless, but God is in the hope business. He wants to strengthen our faith, hope and endurance.
The book is one I think everyone should read. It shares the struggles of an addict and his road back to God and his family. It is an honest look at how devastating addiction can be and the consequences it has on not only the addict but the family as well. Forgiveness and grace is the key to helping those who feel rejected and a failure. Geoff needed his family to not give up on him. What he realized was that he was not alone in his journey. God was guiding him and watching over him. His parents in their darkest moments knew they had to forgive their son and welcome him home with unconditional love.
I encourage readers to share this book with others and ask a God how you can help those who feel lost and about to give up. Addiction is an illness and without help it can destroy lives. I want to thank the authors’ for sharing their story and allowing God to use their story to impact others. Through our test comes our testimony.
“Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us,” Luke 11:4.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Hope Lies Ahead
by James Banks and Geoffrey Banks
This well written book provides a fresh, honest look at a heartbreaking family situation. The perspectives of father and son are provided in alternating, easy to follow fashion. Centering on addiction struggles the story can easily apply to any family that has experienced separation and heartbreak-no matter the circumstances. I found Geoff’s story enlightening as he shares his life from experimenting to complete addiction. The parental perspective provided “the other side of the story” realistically.
As a believer, I found the scripture references fitting and uplifting. I would strongly recommend this book for anyone, whether you have experienced the prodigal child or not. The story stands as a great reminder that relationships are the most important aspect of our lives, especially our relationship with God, our Father and Creator. Five stars!