“Prodigals and Those Who Love Them: Words of Encouragement For Those Who Wait” by Ruth Bell Graham
For anyone waiting for a prodigal’s return.
There is perhaps nothing that brings more angst to a parent’s heart than waiting for a prodigal to return home. Beloved author Ruth Bell Graham knew about prodigals–two of her five children were spiritual wanderers. In this time-tested classic, she offers encouragement to those who anxiously wait.
This is not a “how to” book that dispenses advice on ways to win back a prodigal. Instead, it is a collection of readings one woman turned to for comfort when her children wandered from God. It shows how Graham’s faith persevered and grew regardless of the outcome of her prodigals’ stories.
In Part One, Graham introduces you to five prodigals who “returned to the father.” In Part Two, she offers comfort and encouragement through Scripture, poems, hymns, prayers, and more. You will be touched by the honest feelings of pain, frustration, and uncertainty Graham expresses so eloquently. And you will share in the lessons she learned about God’s sovereignty and ultimate peace.
Now beautifully repackaged, Prodigals and Those Who Love Them brings peace and hope to all parents of “wayward” children.
I am reading Prodigals and Those Who Love Them by Ruth Bell Graham this month. At first, when Ruth selected five prodigals to discuss, I assumed they would be all men. But one of my favorite characters she talks about is Flora Campbell, the daughter her father disowned.
Ruth talks about a father being like a great shepherd and going after that one sheep that is lost. The pride of Flora’s father, accompanied by his iron principles, caused him to be unwilling and unable to forgive his daughter.
Finally, God changes the heart of Flora’s father, and he forsakes the pride of his religion. At last, he forgives his daughter and asks for her forgiveness for his iron will and refusal to gather his daughter into his arms when she needs him most.
Throughout this book, Ruth Bell Graham gives the reader beautiful insights into a parent’s heart and uncovers the very nature of God as a Good Father who desires the best for His children.
