[June 24, 2025] Summer just kicked off here in the Northeast with hot and humid days making the outdoors a little uncomfortable. In a way, this is a good thing because it gives me more time to get comfortable in my easy chair and read more. Today’s book is an example of one of my favorite types. And although the book “Reflections of Grace” is not technically an autobiography, it goes with others like it. The reason I read autobiographies/memoirs is to gain insight into how that person thinks. In particular, I am selective about what autobiographical books that I read. In this book, called ‘a memoir’ by the author Dr. Allen D. Ferry, we see his personal development from an early age and how and why he dedicated his life to the sacred seven: “God, mate, children, ministry, job, family ministry, and life ministry.” The book heavily draws upon his Christianity and points out those who had the greatest influence on his religious life.
Reflections of Grace: Christ-Like Men & Women Who Influenced My Life. Dr. Allen D. Ferry, 2019.
I’ll begin by noting that I enjoyed Reflections of Grace. Of course, like any book dedicated to Christ, this one will inspire those who already look to Him in their lives and have an interest in potentially developing a closer relationship in their faith. Dr. Ferry tells us of his upbringing, which included the divorce of his parents, his life-threatening health issues, and his disappointment as the doors were initially closed to military chaplaincy. Fortunately, many strong religious men and women were in his life, put there by God to ensure that Dr. Ferry pulled a possible defeat into victory as he overcame those life challenges.
This book should be on your desk to pick up and read anytime you are down and out. Why? Because the stories here give us hope that we too can succeed if we believe in Christ, work hard, never give up, and grab the opportunities given to us. But, as Dr. Ferry says, once you’re in the hot seat, now it’s up to you to make it all work. Like so many folks we know, the proverbial rug can be pulled out from under us. The author points to his own life experiences, such as being told he could not enter the military chaplaincy because of a past ailment that permanently altered his upper body strength and made it difficult to pass the Army’s physical standard. Dr. Ferry was fortunate that he was eventually allowed to join the Army National Guard, and his deployments to combat zones proved he could live his personal goal to help Soldiers.
This book is not for everyone. America and the West are rapidly rejecting Christianity, and many now see anyone religious as a stereotypical Bible-thumping Neanderthal. Such a person will neither like the book nor appreciate the messages contained herein. It’s their loss. And while I don’t think those folks will be missed, I do believe that Dr. Ferry would prefer not to see them as a loss but would welcome each one into the fold of Christianity at any time. For those who rely on their faith and belief in Jesus Christ, this book is highly recommended.
Dr. Allen D. Ferry is a pastor, an Army National Guard chaplain, and Bible College Director. He served in Bosnia, at Ground Zero, and twice in Iraq.
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Please read my books:
I decided to order myself a copy based on this article by Gen. Satterfield. But I also saw that Dr. Ferry has written a number of books. I consider myself a good Christian and so, based on this review, I should like it.
“This book is not for everyone.” Now that is some kind of upfront warning. Do you need be a Christian to read and enjoy this book? I don’t think so. Just get a copy and read, and make up your own mind whether the book by Dr. Ferry adds value.
Looks like a new book I’m goin to have to buy and read. If Gen. Satterfield takes the time to read and write about a book ,then I’m on it.
“This book is not for everyone. America and the West are rapidly rejecting Christianity, and many now see anyone religious as a stereotypical Bible-thumping Neanderthal.” — Gen. Doug Satterfield. He makes two good points here. The unfortunate one about our society moving in the wrong direction and how so many today, especially those on the political left have given away, voluntarily, their morals to a feel-good, ‘I am superior to you’ mentality that permeates all of what we do. I understand that young men have begun to move back to the teachings of Christ in greater numbers and this is an excellent sign. Women, however, seem to be stuck in a downward, mental health crisis and that is marked by Feminism. Sir, thank you for the review and please continue with it. I’m glad you’ve reviewed this book by Dr. Ferry. 🙏 God bless.
Pastor John, I think you’re right about “feminism” is actually harming us women by lying to us.
Thanks for the book review.
Good review. I might get my uncle a copy of the book. My Uncle Jeb is a “born again” Christian and is deep into being the very best husband, protector, and believer he can be. Born again are his words to describe himself. He was once a nasty man, and he has seen that Faith can matter.
First let me write that I’m glad you’re still reviewing books for us. Second, this one by Dr. Ferry looks interesting and being a good Christian, as best as I try and hope to be, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it also. I’m most interested in finding out about those that most influenced his life. Well done and we all,appreciate you giving it a highly recommended grade.
Winston, and yes, you’re right. I’m like Gen. Satterfield in that I prefer to eke out the “thinking” process for those who write memoirs. What problems did they have and how did they overcome, and what were they thinking while overcoming.
Good review! 📚