Why are gun rights human rights? And, why do so many Christians behave in such un-Christian ways?
Graham Allen has the answers. With over two billion views online, the social media star has given a voice to those who feel silenced by mainstream media and pop culture. Now, with America 3:16, Graham shares a deeper look at the life events that shaped his philosophy on Christianity, politics, family, and country.
Graham reveals how difficult family circumstances distorted his early understanding of God. His rearing could have destroyed his faith, but it only made his faith stronger and purer. In this book, the 12-year Army veteran and father of three takes you on his journey from a Mississippi upbringing, tours in Iraq, and his experience as one of the “other 99%.” By understanding where Graham Allen comes from, you’ll understand where he, and America, are going.
I’ve been a fan of Graham’s podcast Dear America for some time. I thought for Veteran’s Day I’d read his book I’ve had on my TBR. (Thank you for your service and God bless you, Graham.)
Some of the stories I knew already from hearing them on the podcast and others were new to me. I especially like the stories from when he served in Iraq. Some were crazy, crazy-scary, and some were funny and I loved the brotherhood between the unit.
I also loved the story of the ups and downs with him and his wife. I think it’s so cute that their relationship started as pen-pals when he was in Iraq the second time. Reminded me of my grandparents who’s courtship began as letters while my grandpa was serving during the Korean War. (Luckily he didn’t go to battle in Korea but was serving elsewhere.) But he was also honest about their troubles and how they got through it.
The stories were open, honest and to the point. Though there was one story where I would have liked more context. Everyone found out that his wife was pregnant with their second child because a friend dared her to take a pregnancy test. Wait, what? How does that happen?
The stuff with the church he belonged to. For crying out loud, those who were judging him and kicking him out were committing the sin of pride. Had me thanking God I’m Catholic and have the sacrament of confession where I am absolved of my sins. And his step-dad using the Bible as punishment…that is the exact opposite of what the Bible is for.
Did they all forget the Proverbs 24:16 “for a righteous man falls seven times and rises again”?
ETA: On reflection I think I came off as self righteous and just want to add that I don’t think I am better than other Christians because I’m Catholic. We’re all sinners. Just to clear it up: I am glad I wasn’t told as a child that I was so bad I was going to hell, or that because I am “backsliding” that I would be cast away. I was just told God loves you and He will forgive you, and go to Confession.
Anyway, to sum up I really enjoyed this book. It was like a long form of the Dear America podcast and I heard Graham’s voice in my head reading it.
5 out of 5 American Flags.
Favorite Quotes:
Page 29: You may not realize it in your own life, but no matter how dark things are now, there is always a tomorrow, and God is working in your life. In fact, I’ve learned that it is when we think God isn’t there that He is actually working the hardest behind the scenes, lining up what He has in store for us next!
Page 202: America is not some sort of Utopian Leave It to Beaver family TV show. America is like a big, dysfunctional family. Siblings here can hate each other and bicker constantly. But by God, nobody else had better come after your brother or your sister, or you’ll come out swinging. That’s how I view America.
Stephanie 