Book Review: Working Toward the Next Level

Don’t you just love it when God answers prayers? Especially when it is in a way or method you don’t really expect. I have found this happening quite often lately. The latest has been my prayer to be a better husband to my wonderful wife Jenn, and a better father to my two boys. I am not sure what I was really expecting, if anything. I suppose I thought I was doing alright. Perhaps some extra credit for actually asking to improve. So what does God do? First, He directs me to a scripture that wakes me up to the fact that I don’t give God my all. (Or my family, my job, my church -yup I am a guy and I am lazy). Now that He has my attention and I am aware of my need to step up my game He sends the next tool. A free book in the mail. The following is my eye-opening review of the book:

I recently finished a review copy of “All Pro Dad” by Mark Merrill, published by Thomas Nelson. I have to admit, I was hesitant to request this book from BookSneeze. My fears were confirmed. This book is convicting. Mark has taken his years as a speaker, and his time with Family First, to write a guide for us guys. I would recommend this book to fathers of all ages, even those who hope to be a father someday. Be warned however, this is not a book you just read once and put on a shelf. Mark Merrill has thrown the gauntlet down. This book will give every man, father, and husband the tools he needs to become an “All Pro Dad.”
To become an “All Pro Dad” Mark starts with two fundamentals, Love and Leadership. I found it fascinating that Mark’s years with Family First has given him access to many influential people (celebrities, CEO’s, and NFL coaches alike). Mark has interviewed these individuals, teaching us how universal these foundational truths are-- whether in the home, our careers, in the boardroom, or on the football field.

Once Mark has his foundation set he devotes the rest of the book to the seven M’s. They happen to be: Makeup, Mind-set, Motive, Method, Model, Message, and Master. Mark devotes an entire chapter to each M and it’s importance to us as husbands and fathers. I found that some chapters stung, while others soothed. I suppose that means I now know which areas in my life can use improvement. The real question is, “Will I put the book to its intended purpose, or on a shelf?”

As the old saying goes, the largest room in the world is the room for improvement. This book is a useful tool for anyone looking to improve and become an “All Pro Dad”.

I did find this book to be convicting. The chapters that I felt didn’t apply to me seemed a little tiresome. The ones that I could see my faults in really stood out. Wouldn’t you know it, I received “All Pro Dad” in June. For Fathers Day our church held a showing of the movie Couragous, for the men. God seems to be telling me something. As follow up to the movie, most of the men are now reading the book, The Resolution. Okay, I get it. I prayed for help to be a better father and dad. God in his amazing and infinite wisdom has given me two great books, and surrounded me with God fearing men to help build up and support each other. Lastly, he has given me the best wife and mother to our children any man could ask for. I know God must really love me. A few days after finishing “All Pro Dad”, I was privileged to baptize my youngest son. God’s timing is indeed perfect.