Pretty much everyone that listens to worship music, and
probably a good number of Americans who don’t, are familiar with the song I Can Only Imagine. But where did the
inspiration for the song come from? I knew from watching the concept music
video many years ago that it was a tribute. But despite the fact that I’d seen
Mercy Me play many times when I was younger, including a week long retreat to
Glorietta, New Mexico for college week with Mercy Me providing worship, I wasn’t
aware of all the pain and providence that led up to those words being penned.
The movie gives the story in a nutshell, but on the pages of this book, Bart
Millard takes the time to get a more complete version of the story out in the
form of his memoirs.
Wow. What a story. Bart went though some difficult times as
a youth, particularly where it involved his father. But ultimately this is a
story of the power of God and His redemption, as well as how God prepares His
followers for years before His plan can be seen by us. I really think that
everyone can connect with at least one part of this story. His collection of
experiences is unique but there are those little parts here and there that
everyone can read and just cry over. For me, it was the part where he mentions
that after his Dad’s funeral was the hard part. Everyone else moves on with
life and the support drops out when you need it the most. I experienced this
when I lost my brother and I’ve said it to grieving friends for years.
I’m not going to spoil it by getting into the details of the
book, but I will say this is a worthwhile read for everyone. Read the book,
watch the movie, and share it! Bart’s story is touching, real, and a clear case
of God’s purpose despite the pain of living in a sinful world.
I received this book
for free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to
write a positive review and the opinions and thoughts I have expressed are my
own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16
CFR, Part 255
