Faith and Other Flat Tires: Searching for God on the Rough Road of Doubt by Andrea Palpant Dilley

This memoir was an easy read, despite Dilley’s habit of waxing philosophically.  And it is an interesting story of a woman who grew up a missionary kid, became an adult without truly knowing her own beliefs, and her journey back to God.

Right off the bat, I struggled with this book. I believe that every person’s story is valid and you can’t truly critique someone’s truth. Having said that, Dilley’s assumptions about others disturbed me. On page 22, she writes, “If I follow the standard testimonial conversion narrative for Christians, what I’m supposed to say next is…” She goes on to talk about how people growing up in Christian homes leave the church, dabble in worldliness and sin, realize the futility of such a life, return to church, find faith, and “discover good living.” While I agree that this is the path some take, I certainly don’t find it the norm or the “standard.”

Also, I was a bit disappointed that her rediscovering faith seemed to have little, if anything, to do with Jesus. She talks about her dissatisfaction with her life,  her search for God, and her doubts about God. But even at the end, she refers to certainty in her faith in God, but wavering Christian beliefs. She says “nothing fully satisfied my spiritual need…” (p. 298). And she seems to liken her life spiritual life to a never-ending desert.

I am a firm believer that if you seek, you will find. Dilley’s story definitely includes seeking. I just find it sad for her that she seems to not be experiencing the love, joy, certainty, and freedom that faith in Jesus Christ provides.

Giveaway!

I am giving away a copy of this book. For your chance to win, be sure and post a comment by August 20, as I will choose a random winner at midnight. Winner will be notified here on my blog!

A complimentary review copy and the giveaway copy of this book was provided by Worthy Publishing with no expectation of a positive review.