The Listener
By Terri Blackstock

I want to be a better mother, a better Christian. If you had the gift God gave Sam Bennet, that's what you'd hear coming from my soul. I think. I don't believe we can always understand what our soul is truly crying out for.

Sam Bennet woke one morning, sure he'd heard the voice of God. His first thought was that he was being reprimanded for being less than attentive in church the day before. He tried to remember what his pastor, and friend, John was speaking on. Something about the spiritual needs our hearts cry out. He was still trying to sort it all out when his wife woke up.

Sam's day progressed normally. Normal except for one thing. Everywhere he went, people said the strangest things,. They seemed to be telling him very personal things, and some of them were complete strangers! Then he noticed. They weren't talking, their souls were.

At first, Sam feels truly cursed, punished even. But as he seeks out his pastor, wife and friends, he comes to the realization that God has given him an extraordinary gift. As a Christian, Sam knew his opportunity to win souls for the kingdom of Heaven was wide open. And with every soul Sam helps lead to God, his excitement grows, as does the church body. But when the gift is suddenly gone, can Sam continue on his quest with the same fever as before?

I have enjoyed every Terri Blackstock book I have read so far, and this one was no exception. This book is relatively short, but I was still surprised at how quickly it reads. I think the author does a good job of relating the fears and hesitations we would all most likely show if presented with this type of gift. This book is certainly a reminder that being a Christian is more than going to church each Sunday and praying for the sermon to be over soon. Knowing that we have not just the power, but the duty to share the word of Jesus Christ with others is something I think we all need to remember.