The Promise, or The Pros and Cons of Talking to God

"The Promise, or The Pros and Cons of Talking to God" (TouchPoint Press) by Sean Paul Murphy is his "true story of first faith and first love and how the two became almost fatally intertwined." As a Facebook friend, I had read bits and pieces of this on Sean's FB posts and on his blog, so I have long been intrigued to know more about this personal story. I had known his name for a while as the screenwriter of several faith-based films I have enjoyed. In fact, we "met" on Facebook due to a discussion about my favorite of his, Hidden Secrets. I knew I liked what he has written, and I have also learned I like and share several interests with him.

The book is an honest account of Sean's life and the love he had for a girl whom he believed would one day be his wife. Just as I do with his films, I laughed, I cried, I reconsidered my opinions on a few things. I usually come away from his movies with a deeper understanding of the views of another and make adjustments in my own beliefs---sometimes solidified, sometimes altered a bit. While I have also heard the Lord clearly speak to me, it has never been to the degree Sean experienced, and I was definitely intrigued to know more.

It was worth the journey to get the answer I wanted. Sean shared himself and his life, even to the point of a vulnerability few are capable of sharing, and made you feel like these are people you actually know yourself. He is just a few years younger than me, so it was also a bit of a walk down 'Memory Lane' for me with some of his interests. He is a very gifted story-teller with a talent for drawing the reader into his world. His faith is a large part of who he is and I love the way he expresses the relationship he has with God. His failures and frailties are expressed with the same honesty as the forgiveness received. I definitely recommend this book.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book by the author, Sean Paul Murphy, for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.

Sean Paul Murphy is an award-winning screenwriter with fourteen produced feature film credits including the faith-based favorites “Hidden Secrets,” “Sarah’s Choice,” and “The Encounter.” Sean lives in Baltimore, Maryland. He is happily married with three step-daughters, and he can be found every Sunday morning playing guitar at his church.