God Is Love

Laughing All The Way by Karen O’Connor is a highly amusing look at life as we get older. With scripture references and a focus on God, it has much wise advice to impart.

There are 4 C’s covered – new choices, challenges, chances, chapters. Within each section are anecdotes, advice and each chapter ends with wit, wisdom and willpower. You will recognise yourself in the scenarios.

We make choices every day. We are only responsible for our choices, not others. “I’m not held captive to the opinions and choices of others.” We do choose how to respond though. “We can choose to focus on the hurts and disappointments, or we can… see them as opportunities to trust God.” We cannot control the behaviour of others. We must hand their lives over to God. Too often we try to do God’s job – our job is to pray. God’s job is to convict. Do not carry a burden that was never meant for you.

Some people try to steal our joy. Do not let them. Focus on God and let Him be the source of your joy.

God is love. He loves us no matter what our circumstances. “God… will never turn away from us, no matter what other people do to us.” Keep your eyes on God. No matter what people tell you. “God is never about blame, shame and guilt.” If others make you feel blame, shame or guilt, their actions are not from God. He loves you. “It’s not about being worthy. Our behaviour doesn’t merit God’s favour. He loves us.”

I found Laughing All The Way a really powerful book. Written in a light hearted manner, it felt more like advice from a dear friend. I cannot wait to read more by Karen O’Connor.

I received this book for free from Net Galley. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON