That's Life

by Dee Bowman

Dee Bowman used to write a column in Christianity Magazine called "That's Life." Christianity is no longer being published, but several years ago, That's Life found a new home—hardback. I am not sure if this book contains every "That's Life" column, or just a select few. But it is filled with Dee's skill of captivating communication and spiritual focus.

Each chapter contains five short sections:

Lifetime: Recollections and Reflections. Each is a story from Dee's life with a faith-based message weaved through it. Each of these articles is approximately two pages long.
Life Savers: Little Well-Rounded Truths. Pithy sayings—often one-liners that drive home a point, usually spiritual, sometimes just wise. One page or less (depending on if "Lifetime" runs over two pages).
Life by the Numbers: Little How-To's That All Add Up. Each of these entries is a numerical list of How-To's or How-Not-To's offering sensible and spiritual adivce. One page.
Life Lines: Support to Keep from Sinking. More pithy sayings. Honestly, I'm not sure what the difference between this section and Life Savers. One page.
Life Passages: Selected Thoughts from a Daily Journal. Just like it says: selected thoughts from Dee's journal. This is perhaps the most intimate section of each chapter—a place where Dee's heart is the most exposed and the most self-examination occurs. One page.

Each chapter is set up exactly that way. Six pages made up of five sections. Due to its arrangement of short sections, this book reads very quickly. Because Dee is a communicator of the highest order, this book reads very easily. I don't believe there is anything in it that will cause you to make monumental leaps in your faith. But if you read this book you will be encouraged by the spiritual and sensible thoughts of one of the best preachers around.

And this is a book that you don't have to be a scholar to appreaciate. It's written for the common man—just like Dee preaches. So, if you're looking for a little encouragement from time to time, pick up That's Life.

Editors
Standing-Alone.com

The Editors do not advocate everything taught by the authors of the books we review. Like us, these authors are fallible humans and those who choose to read these books should measure them by the bible, the one true standard.