As a pastor, one big part of my ministry is the preaching. A small but key part of preaching is to have illustrations that help the hearers think through the point that is being made. It is important to have a good set of resources for finding illustrations and examples to use in my messages. This book provides many great examples from a variety of topics.
The categorical breakdown of the book is helpful, and insightful. There are six subjects: war, work, leisure, community, women and children, prayer and reflection. Again, I felt this was a good resource book, but also found some of the quotes and stories a bit long. I was not able to read straight through. I found myself bouncing around, and getting into more of a hit or miss read. If the content looked to be interesting, I jumped in. If it looked o little boring, I would just scan it and move on.
I really enjoyed a number of the inspirational speeches early in the book. Bennett also does a good job of 'setting up' the stories. There are some very compelling thoughts to be found throughout. But you will have to do some digging.
I have been able to use a number of segments from this book in a variety of settings. I have read a few quotes to my boys in family devotions, I have used three quotes in my preaching, and I have been able to bring up a few things I read in some political and spiritual conversations with friends.
Overall, while not a great 'reading' book. A good 'go to' book to have around.
