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The Book and its Topic
Stand against the Wind is not a mere book. This is a work of art in appearance and a life-changing lesson in substance.
When rating books, I use a criterion of the X-factor. In short, this judges whether it is pleasing to look at, modern, creative, of good quality, etc. Is there something inherently nice that is difficult to put your finger on…? You get the point.
Well, Stand against the Wind should be the measuring stick for this criterion. It scores a solid ten out of ten there.
From the cover that looks like it is painted to the variety shown on every page, it is a work of art. It uses the most original method of referencing Scriptures that I have encountered. Gone are the boring old days of foot notes and reference libraries. Hooray!
Obviously? Yes, I guess you can say that. After all, Erwin Raphael McManus could be called the owner of the creativity message in the Christian society. Why should his books not scream cREatIvITy from every page?
But as they say, let’s not judge a book by its cover (I can’t believe I actually just wrote that – Erwin will be disgusted at such a lack of originality and creativity).
Is the book worth reading?
As far as life changing lessons go, this book does not disappoint either. It tells you how to “Awaken the Hero Within”. And the hero is (progressive drumbeat in the background)...
Character! Erwin claims that once you start living for those around you, you will experience the life you have always longed for. This comes with the development of your character. And that is what this book will help you achieve!
The title is ‘Stand Against the Wind’ and once the hero of character has been awakened within you, this is what you will be able to do. You will be able to stand strong no matter what life throws at you.
Erwin warns “If Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither is character formed in one moment”. This is in his chapter on perseverance, and it is a timely reminder that we cannot expect to read a book on character and then instantaneously have character.
We will have to fight for our hero to be awakened, but then again, nothing worthwhile in life comes easily or cheaply. Oh, and the Stand Against the Wind mentions the reward for having character...
No, I am not telling you. Go read the book!
It is solidly grounded in Scripture with numerous references and quotes to the Word of God. I wish they all were quotes since that would save us some trouble, but that’s just me...
So, how does it read?
This work of art reads like a poem. Erwin did not save any of his creativity when actually coming up with the words. It is almost abstract, but in a very special way.
The way it is written makes you want to read it more than once.
The font used is something new, and Erwin uses the bold and red variations often to highlight important points. Then he just sometimes writes sentences larger than the rest, or uses all caps. All in the name of emphasis!
I found the changing type slightly distractive at first, but about 30 pages into the book and you will be used to it.
Stand Against the Wind is a quick read. You will easily read it over a weekend or shorter. My copy has 119 pages and it was so good, I wish it was longer. The English is a tad difficult to follow, but you have to keep in mind that I speak it as a second language.
What did this book mean to me personally?
Stand Against the Wind encouraged me to keep walking (just like Johnnie Walker!). We need to sometimes be reminded of a few principles critical to the success of our Christian walk. That is what Erwin did for me here.
Believe it or not, but this website is a direct result of something Erwin told me personally during his June 2007 visit to South Africa. Erwin encourages everyone to pursue their God given talent (and he uses Gallup’s Clifton Strengthfinder to identify talent). He also says that “When we are passionate about God, we can trust our passions.”
I have always had a passion for reading and for computers. Since I became a disciple of Christ in 2001 I also had a passion for Christianity, so this website is a direct result of trusting my passions. Maybe ‘Stand Against the Wind’ will bring you closer to living your God-given passion?
Conclusion
Stand Against the Wind is almost complex in its simplicity. It is about normal Christian life. At the same time, Erwin brings home part of his message through the creativity that this book portrays. It is excellent. Read it!
Should everyone read it? Yes. I think Christians should read it as soon as they become Christians, because it blows some of the myths about Christianity right out of the water. If you have been a Christian for years, still read it. It is timeless.
If we apply what we read in Stand Against the Wind, we will develop character, become truly free and be able to stand against anything life throws at us.
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