Why God Matters-- A book Review

Father and daughter, Deacon Steve Lumbert and Karina Lumbert Fabian, have written a lovely little book called Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life, published by Tribute Books. Theirs are stories of the journey to holiness in the events of ordinary lives-- lives to which we can all relate.

Karina writes, "My journey to truly living my faith has been one of small steps ever forward..." This book fills in the details of many of these small steps she has taken. Interestingly, Karina's life became a model for her father who converted to Catholicism and then became a deacon. Lessons learned by Karina and those learned by Deacon Steve are presented in alternating chapters, with intriguing titles like, "Martyr for the Trivial," "Out of the Depths of Despair," and "Does God Send Flowers?" (And does he send flowers? Yes!)

Deacon Steve writes, "Where are you in your faith? On the outside looking in? On the borders wanting to move closer?....Ask God to help you discover ways to get there." Simple? Yes. Profound? Yes.

"What's your martyr issue?" asks Karina. "Take some time today and dwell over it, but not about how you've suffered. Instead, offer it to God, then think about really solving the problem. Of course, the first step is to simply pray, 'Lord, let this end in me now.'" Who cannot relate to the struggle to avoid tripping over life's little molehills.

Each chapter begins with words of wisdom such as the following:

You know well enough that our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, nor even at their difficulty, but at the love with which we do them. --St. Therese of Lisieux

The affairs of God are accomplished little by little and almost imperceptibly. The spirit of God is neither violent nor hasty. --St. Vincent de Paul

Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if he wants anything of you, he will fit you for the work and give you the strength. --St. Philip Neri

The conclusion of each chapter is a brief suggestion or commentary followed by relevant Scripture and Catechism quotes. The book is worth getting for these quotes alone. They make the lesson of each chapter jump right out at you.

I recommend this book. It's an easy read, scarcely a hundred pages. The authors, in their genuineness, have produced a simple and positive message of hope and encouragement.

Why God Matters is available through this link.