Courage and Calling: Embracing Your God-Given Potential

Smith (academic dean of Regent College, British Columbia, and author of Listening to God in Times of Choice) simplifies the process of sound vocational decision-making. Smith explains that God has given every person three expressions of vocation: the general call to follow Jesus as a Christian, the specific call that is each individual's mission to the world and the immediate call that includes the duties and tasks for which we are presently responsible. In Part One (""Taking a Sober Look at Yourself""), Smith raises four questions to ensure vocational integrity: What are my gifts/abilities? What is my heart's desire? Where do I most connect with the needs of the world? What is my unique personality? This section evaluates our suitability for our chosen vocations. Using Jesus' promise of an easy yoke and a light burden, Smith writes that our vocation can be an easy yoke if it is fitted around our character, strengths, potential and personality. Part Two (""To Be All that You Are Called to Be"") illustrates the necessity of developing courage and character, expanding our capacity to learn throughout our lives, facing hardships with maturity, working effectively within organizations and developing a life balanced between solitude and community. Smith's text is thoroughly engaging as he deals with one of life's most important issues. (Jan.)