Back in February I mentioned that the one in charge of blogging collaborations at Family Christian was moving on, and it was unclear whether the program would go on. I’m happy to report that her position has been filled, and the decision to keep the FC bloggers around was made! So I’m thrilled to be back, reviewing items for Family Christian. They are really such a fantastic company.
When I first say that the book For The Glory was up for review, I thought of two things – one, how I would love to read it, and two, how my mom would love to read it. You see, For The Glory is the biography of Eric Liddell. Think you haven’t heard of him? What if I mentioned the movie Chariots of Fire? Does that ring a bell? Chariots of Fire is the movie based on part of Liddell’s life. I grew up watching that movie, as it’s one of my mom’s favorites, which is why I was excited to read this book, and to give it to my mom to read, also!
If you’ve watched Chariots of Fire, you probably know that Eric Liddell was a Christian preacher from Scotland, who refused to race on Sundays, even when it meant giving up his signature event in the 1924 Olympic games. He passed on running the 100 meters, and instead ran the 400 meters race, a race he hadn’t trained for. And in doing so, he won a gold medal. Inspiring, right? But there is so much more to him than his observance of the Sabbath and his gold medal. And that we can learn by reading For The Glory.
Eric was actually born in China, to Scottish missionary parents. Eric spent his first 5 or so years in China, until his parents placed him in school back “home” in Scotland. He then went on to school at Edinburgh University, and, almost accidentally, became an athlete. It was also at EU that Eric started spending time preaching the word of God.
And then there is his amazing participation at the 1924 Paris Olympics.
But his inspiring life doesn’t stop there.
Eric returned back to his birthplace – China – and became a missionary there, losing himself in God’s work. He married, and had children. And he taught the Chinese people that he loved so dearly. And it was in China, during World War II, that Eric was eventually sent to a Japanese work camp, and died at 43 years of age. He succumbed to an inoperable brain tumor, although the malnutrition and overwork he had experienced likely hastened his death.
What a life. What an amazing, inspiring and extraordinary life.
If you enjoyed the movie Chariots of Fire, or are just interested in learning more about Eric Liddell, pick up this book! I think you will definitely enjoy it.
I received free product from Family Christian in exchange for an honest review.
All opinions are my own.
Affiliate links used.
