cover image Move Over Victoria-I Know the Real Secret!: Surrendering the Lies That Bind You to the God Who Frees You

Move Over Victoria-I Know the Real Secret!: Surrendering the Lies That Bind You to the God Who Frees You

Nancy Kennedy. Waterbrook Press, $15.99 (224pp) ISBN 978-1-57856-200-8

Idols: Kennedy (Prayers God Always Answers; Mom on the Run; Honey, They're Playing Our Song) says that everyone has them, though some people are more coy about their enslavement than others. With wit and style, this book gives those cumbersome idols the comeuppance they deserve. Calling upon her own weaknesses to illustrate how destructively idols can insidiously capture the heart, soul and spirit, Kennedy reveals the darker side of common idols such as useless chatter, image, food, busyness, possessions, achievement, approval, control, perfect relationships, perfectionism, attention, happiness, being right, independence, revenge, self-pity, romance and self-righteousness. Kennedy asserts that the only way to be set free from an idol's grip is to ""repent, replace, and rejoice."" Freedom seekers must repent by identifying the idol specifically, unmasking its power and recognizing its danger. They then replace the idol with Christ and concentrate on the truth that he is enough. Finally, they can rejoice by cultivating a deep, satisfying relationship with God and honor God with thanksgiving. As if Kennedy's self-abasing humorous anecdotes weren't satisfying enough, she concludes each chapter with a ""Think on These Things"" list of reflections, applications and Bible readings. Readers will feast on Kennedy's poignant lessons made palatable by her down-to-earth transparency. (Sept.)