Like many history buffs, WWII is one of my favorite eras to study. One aspect that’s always full of so many incredible stories is the leadership during this time. Whether the country’s leaders or military leaders – there are a few things to learn from these figures from history. Churchill is one such leader and so I couldn’t resist this book written by his great-grandson.
When Winston Churchill was a boy of sixteen, he already had a vision for his purpose in life. “This country will be subjected somehow to a tremendous invasion . . . I shall be in command of the defences of London . . . it will fall to me to save the Capital, to save the Empire.”
It was a most unlikely prediction. Perceived as a failure for much of his life, Churchill was the last person anyone would have expected to rise to national prominence as prime minister and influence the fate of the world during World War II. But Churchill persevered, on a mission to achieve his purpose. God and Churchill tells the remarkable story of how one man, armed with belief in his divine destiny, embarked on a course to save Christian civilization when Adolf Hitler and the forces of evil stood opposed. It traces the personal, political, and spiritual path of one of history’s greatest leaders and offers hope for our own violent and troubled times.
More than a spiritual biography, God and Churchill is also a deeply personal quest. Written by Jonathan Sandys (Churchill’s great-grandson) and former White House staffer Wallace Henley, God and Churchill explores Sandys’ intense search to discover his great-grandfather―and how it changed his own destiny forever.
I’ve decided there needs to be a really well made movie on Winston Churchill (unless there is one and I’ve totally missed it). He led an incredible life and reading pieces of it were enlightening and inspiring. While there is plenty about Churchill and his time leading up to WWI, WWII and after, I was surprised at how much was written about Hitler and the Nazi Regime. I understand why – it helped to reveal more about Churchill: his motivations, what drove him, and how his faith played a role in his life. So that wasn’t a bad thing, just not what I was expecting.
I will say it isn’t a quick or easy read and some parts weren’t so easy to get through. If you’re not in a non-fiction reading mood, maybe wait until you’re ready for some non-fiction. I’m encouraged by a life like Churchill’s – that God can use any one to do something incredible. Our own shortcomings and even our pride can be overcome when we are willing to move in the path God has for us.
“Let us treasure our joys but not bewail our sorrows.” A quote of Winston I really liked.
If you could interview someone from your family line, who would it be?
(Thank you to Tyndale for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)
