Finding Hope When
Things Look Hopeless
- Dr. Larry Ollison -
(Harrison House Publishers)
__________
Although I never have
spoken to or even met
the man, Larry Ollison
has impacted my life
more profoundly than
David Lee Roth. And
in my world, that's a
pretty hefty statement.
__________
It's kind of a wacky story, really. At the time, I'd devoured every title from author and pastor, Larry Ollison. Yet, shortly after getting my hands on a copy of his then-latest book, Finding Hope When Things Look Hopeless, in 2017, it somehow "fell through the cracks" — likely a result of being distracted by moving from my former residence to a new one. And I soon forgot all about Larry's book. Hang on — that's not the wacky part.
Fast forward THREE years — November 2020. I was digging through a crate containing some of my old rock and roll memorabilia that oddly had wound up at my GF's house. And there it was — buried under folders filled with '80s era magazine clippings of Lita Ford and Joan Jett, I found my long-lost copy of Larry's book — at the exact time I needed to rediscover it.
The cool thing about Larry is that he's a "straight-up dude" — young enough to have experienced Hendrix and raced Chevy's back in the day, but old enough to possess immeasurable faith-based wisdom as the founder of Walk on the Water Ministries. For his legions of followers, Larry combines his "Everyman" perspectives from the past with his current spot-on spiritual insights — resulting in a slew of compelling "life guides."
Us church folk are quite familiar with the term, "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17 / NLT). We also recognize that a great way for Christian friends to "sharpen" each other is through "small group" experiences. And that concept allows Larry to be most effective. Through his personable, conversational style, he creates an intimate super-small group vibe, as he shares powerful biblical messages with readers one-on-one. And it's that unique ability that makes Finding Hope so impactful.
In today's troubled times, it's tough to find hope, and easy to lose hope. However, Larry shows that there IS hope for believers, based on our faith in Christ and the promises found in the Word of God. He reveals further how the words we receive can produce victory, while the words we speak can bring defeat. Pursuing our dreams and dealing with broken heartedness also are two of Larry's primary bullet points.
The book of Proverbs speaks specifically of the importance in surrounding ourselves with "qualified" advisers. And Larry devotes an entire chapter to seeking and securing healthy personal relationships — cornerstone content, to be sure.
Another cool thing about Larry is that he isn't some slick, toothy "Brylcreem Prophet." He's a laser-focused pastor and teacher — an acknowledged, trustworthy authority on the Word of God. Although Finding Hope does offer readers wise words of tremendous encouragement, it ain't a "Twinkie" — it's a "T-Bone." And for those who either are "famished" or merely seeking "refreshment," Finding Hope is both nutritious and delicious.
-Christopher Long
(December 2020)
__________
- A SHOT OF POISON -
"10th Anniversary Edition"
(2020)
__________
- SUPERSTAR -
__________
- SHOUT IT OUT LOUD -
(2014)
__________
- C'MON! -
(2012)
