It's time to get... Unstuck by Robert Reynolds (Review)

Unstuck: How the Savior Frees Us From our Favorite SinsUnstuck:
How the Savior Frees Us from Our Favorite Sins
by Robert Reynolds
LDS Nonfiction
Paperback & ebook, 131 Pages
December 28th 2015 by Deseret Book Company

Summary

''This book was not written by a General Authority. In fact, it was written by a run-of-the-mill sinner. Are you going to keep reading?'' Robert Reynolds, an entertainment attorney and manager of Grammy-nominated band The Killers, refreshingly tackles the why-did-I-do-it-again? cycle that entraps many of us. Reynolds explains that whether we find ourselves reluctant to let go of our ''favorite sin'' or exclaiming in frustration, ''Dang it! I did it again,'' the Savior and His Atonement can change our desires and set us free to become better and stronger. With a fresh, relatable voice, Reynolds provides insights into the why behind the things that tempt us. He also shares the hope we can have in overcoming even the most alluring of sins through reliance on the Lord s grace. Learn how to find and maintain a mighty change of heart and discover a rich increase of spiritual power, joy, and peace in your life.

   
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My Review

UNSTUCK was an enjoyable and inspiring read about how we let ourselves get stuck in the same pitfalls and how we can change our hearts towards the Savior. Readers will find a little humor, some stories and examples, but foremost a straightforward and honest discussion. There are three sections within the book: Sin and Weakness, How to Obtain a Mighty Change of Heart, and "Can Ye Feel So Now?" How to Maintain a Mighty Change of Heart. This is an easily relatable book to any Christian or LDS believer no matter what stage of belief they are in, as long as the desire is there for change. Definitely recommended reading!

My copy of this book has lots of little flags sticking out of it for things that I don't want to forget or to come back to. We all have our weaknesses, although some of us know more what those are than others and some are more easily seen than others. This book helped me more clearly think about the things that I'm continually working on (or being tempted by) and how to avoid falling into the same traps. It also gave me some ideas of discussions and ways of presenting a gospel principle to some of my children who have their own struggles.

Here are some (it was so hard to choose!) parts that stuck out to me the most:


We all narrow our sins down to the few we enjoy.

Just as physical resistance builds physical strength, spiritual resistance to temptation builds spiritual strength.

...humility involves recognizing our weaknesses and the accompanying need to rely solely upon the Lord, and faith involves acting upon that recognition. Humility is about knowing you ought to rely; faith is actually relying.

At whatever stage you are in, [God] already knows the desires of your heart and will help you, as long as you are honest with Him and with yourself. If you aren't ready to fully trust God, admit it. And when you are ready to trust your all-powerful, all-knowing, loving Father, tell Him.

We are not simply to become less like Satan. We are to become more like Christ. Thus, the most effective focus is not avoiding temptation; it is the Savior.

Remember, we each have a conversion story, not a conversion sentence. We will all sin again. Therefore, to retain that mighty change, we must "apply the principle of repentance continually."

We all seek joy as if it were the purpose of life because it is.

Overall, an easy-to-understand, applicable, and honest book on temptation, sin, and making changes for good that allow the atonement to work. Recommended for teens on up.

Content: Clean

Source: Received a complimentary copy through the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.

About the Author

Robert Reynolds manages multi-platinum recording artists and works in entertainment law. He served a mission in South Caroline before receiving a bachelor's degree in English from Brigham Young University and a JD from New York University Law School, where he was honored with the Jack Katz Memorial Award in Entertainment Law. Robert was an associate in a New York City law firm and now practices law in Las Vegas, where he represents authors, actors, UFC fighter, and various bands and musicians, including the internationally acclaimed Imagine Dragons (whose lead singer, Dan Reynolds, is his younger brother). Robert and his wife, Erica, are the parents of four children.


What's the last inspiring read (fiction or nonfiction) you picked up? Did you learn anything from it?

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