Convicting life lessons -- The Heart of the Amish

WARNING!  Don't read Suzanne Woods Fisher's The Heart of the Amish if you can't handle at least a little conviction!  As you work your way read the stories, you will most likely find at least one instance that makes you think something like this:  "Wow!  If that person could exhibit peace and forgiveness after going through that experience, then I certainly don't have any excuse for not doing the same."

Not all the stories are directly Amish-related.  Some are from Mennonite individuals, and others have a little more distant connection to the Plain people.  But all teach important lessons about the benefits that come from trying to follow God's plan of peace and forgiveness, both for those who are wronged and those who have done wrong.  And the Amish proverbs and tidbits of information scattered throughout are a pleasure to read as well.

This book can easily be read in just a few sittings, or it can be enjoyed one story at a time.  Either way is certain to encourage some moments of review and reflection.

Thanks to Revell Publishing for providing a copy of The Heart of the Amish in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

We have all been hurt and we all have someone we need to forgive. But sometimes it's hard to let go of our hurt and anger in order to truly forgive and move on.

For the Amish, forgiving others in order to live at peace is woven into the very fabric of their faith. From daily annoyances to heartbreaking tragedy, they exhibit an incredible capacity for forgiveness that often baffles us. How do they do it? And how can we have the same attitude and ability to forgive?

Through true stories gathered from a variety of Amish communities, bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher shows you how the Amish are able to release their pain and desire for revenge, and live at peace with others. Her in-depth, personal research uncovers the astounding yet fundamental way the Amish can forgive anyone from the angry customer at the grocery store to the shooter at Nickel Mines. You'll learn how to invite God into your story, apply lessons from the Amish to your own circumstances, and find the freedom that comes with true forgiveness.

About the author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of The Letters, The Calling, the Lancaster County Secrets series, and the Stoney Ridge Seasons series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace. She is also the coauthor of an Amish children's series, The Adventures of Lily Lapp. Suzanne is a Carol Award winner for The Search, a Carol Award finalist for The Choice, and a Christy Award finalist for The Waiting. She is also a columnist for Christian Post and Cooking & Such magazines. She lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and connect with Suzanne on Twitter @suzannewfisher.