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Ellen Mongan reviews Matthew Kelly's spiritual memoir.


What if King Solomon came knocking on your front door? What would you do? What would you say? That opportunity may be yours today. Mathew Kelly’s book, Life is Messy, is similar to reading the book of Proverbs, written in a language that today's Christians can grasp. I personally think that Mathew Kelly is a word genius. Buy the book and see if my words prove true.

 

Life Is Messy cover

Mathew Kelly is a best-selling author, speaker, and man of God. Like King Solomon before him, God has given Mathew the gift of wisdom. His wise, well-written words come from his deep walk with God. He shares stories that have been lived out along his journey. Some accounts may bring a smile to your face, while others bring tears to your eyes. He candidly shares his failures and disappointments and the victories and blessings he has experienced. Mathew tries to see it all through the lens of the God who leads him.

At first glance, this book may seem like a quick read. If that is your “take home,” I suggest you read it again, but this time in Adoration before the Eucharist. By quieting your soul and listening between the lines, you will understand the deeper meaning. Life is messy, and all need a Savior. Only Jesus can heal the brokenness within each of us. 

The book is not filled with Scripture, nor does it mention Jesus on each page. It is a biography of a portion of Mathew Kelly’s life in the light of the Gospel. Those who know the Word of God and are also living for Christ will know his words were inspired by the Holy Spirit. Each chapter is packed with wisdom gained and real-life lessons learned in the good, the bad, and the ugly of his life. Where some authors might avoid sharing desolation, trials, tribulation, and sorrow during the deserts of their life, Mathew tells all. Each chapter proves the point that “Life is messy.”

Mathew begins, “Life is messy, and this is the human dilemma. You are not doing it wrong.” This immediately puts the reader at ease. You are not alone in the messy life you lead; all are in the same predicament. Some are just honest enough to admit it. “Life can be like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle without all the pieces.”

Mathew Kelly holds the reader's attention by writing each thought-provoking chapter so that it can stand on its own. At the end of each chapter of Life Is Messy, you cannot help but have a conversation with yourself. He suggests that you look in the mirror each day and listen to what the person is saying to you. Sometimes you may analyze, sometimes you may debate, but no matter which, I guarantee that you will learn more about yourself than you knew before. The real lessons of life are discovered by the soul.

Life is not a race; it is a dance. Are you ready to take God’s hand and accept His invitation? “Shall we dance? 1, 2, 3.” Let God lead while you follow, waltzing through your messy life together. With your eyes on Jesus as your partner, you may barely notice the messiness of your life until you do!

 

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Copyright 2022 Ellen Mongan
Images: Canva