Chase the Lion - Mark Batterson

Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson is based on the Old Testament story in 2 Samuel 23 about a warrior in the army of King David named Benaiah. Those who read Batterson's 2006 best seller are familiar with Benaiah---who chased a lion into a pit on a snowy day—and then killed it.

But there is more that is known of Benaiah, and a bigger lesson to be learned from his action with the lion. Most people would run from a lion, but Benaiah chased it. He overcame his fear and went after the personification of it.

This is what Batterson is saying in his sequel to In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day. Benaiah chased his fear, faced his fear, and used it as an opportunity to move forward. For Benaiah, becoming King David’s bodyguard and eventually the Commander-in-Chief of Israel’s army under David's son, King Solomon. Batterson says that your dreams should be so big they scare you. He says that 'Chase the Lion' is not just a catch phrase, but a radical approach to life. The fear of failure prevents one from seizing opportunity by the mane and conquering all fear.  You cannot succeed if you are afraid of failure, but you have to accept that you may fail several times.

Do I agree? Yes and no...but my opinion does not really matter for a book review. I know many people who have huge dreams that may feel overwhelming. For those, this book can be a huge inspiration to never give up "chasing the lion" until ultimate success. For others, like myself, there are no grandiose dreams and we are quite content. I do, however, love to cheer on others, and I recommend this book. Not only is it great for those who feel God has called them to greater things, but I enjoyed reading it and felt inspired. Even the smaller dreams and dreamers need encouragement. I admit that I did prefer 'In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day' but 'Chase The Lion' did engage my attention and was well-written.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook-Multnomah "Blogging For Books" program at no cost to myself. However, I was not required to write a positive review.


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I Love My Neighbor campaign

The Link of Cullman County has a God-sized goal for 2014...and YOU can be a part of it!! They are already making major changes in the lives of many and have plans to do more in the next year. They have Big Plans, Big Dreams, and Big Opportunities for YOU to partner with them!

That's why they have launched this campaign called, "I Love My Neighbor." There is no better way to simply explain what they do on a daily basis. By joining in, you can help make a difference in the lives of your neighbors, friends, family, or even yourself. The needs are many and can seem overwhelming, but TOGETHER and with GOD, the impossible can be done. The Link needs a larger facility to be able to help others, and there are volunteer opportunities available for the many services they provide. Plus, efforts are being made to reach practical solutions to some obstacles people face like lack of transportation. Also, when we reach out our hand to help a neighbor, they are able to pass that blessing along. "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up." - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

To help The Link of Cullman County accomplish some of these BIG DREAMS they are asking you to consider investing in your neighbors through a one-time donation towards this campaign. Or better yet, help to keep them going all-year through with a monthly donation that fits into your budget.
With your support we can work together to break the cycle of poverty and in doing so bring HOPE to our hopeless neighbors all-around us.
Thank you so much for your participation and prayers.
Click on this link to donate: I Love My Neighbor

 The Link of Cullman County is located at
1101 3rd Ave SE
Cullman, AL 35055

Phone	(256) 775-0028
Email	info@linkingcullman.org
Website	http://www.linkingcullman.org

Facebook: The Link of Cullman County
Twitter: @linkingcullman

Company Overview

We provide encouragement, goal-setting, career coaching, financial counseling, adult literacy coaching, English as a Second Language classes, Jobs for Life(TM) classes, GED classes and orientation, and Wise Up Money Skills for Teens (life economics in our local schools).

Description

Our beliefs are as follows:
We believe in God's love. All people are valued and loved by God, and it is our joy to serve them and our God. It is through God's love that lives will be changed one by one.
We believe in the power of synergy. When people with a common vision work together to solve the challenges faced by our community, we can create a synergy not obtainable while working solo.

We believe in progress. Progress is measure, not by how perfect we are, but by the positive, sustainable evidence of the quality of life of the members we serve.

We believe in Cullman. We want to embrace the past, present, and future traditions and values of our community. There are consistent opportunities for people to join together behind a cause to transform lives and improve the place where we live.

We believe in service. We want to serve those who serve others in our community and beyond. We believe that neighbors can help neighbors through the example of Jesus Christ. It is through his example that we can learn how to serve and love others.

General Information

We are working towards overcoming the barriers to our poor and vulnerable in Cullman County. We believe in offering a hand up and not just a hand out.

In doing so we believe that God wishes to use the body of Christ in Cullman to relationally love and support those who are in need. We are not one local church but many local churches serving together.

In that we have many roles for a volunteer to play: Encourager, Navigator, FInancial Counselor, Adult Literacy coach, English as a Second Language Instructor, Jobs for LIfe leader/team member, or a Wise Up Facilitator.

We also can always use people who can help us in the office to clean and with administrative tasks. We often have odd jobs that need to be done to upkeep our building like landscaping or other maintenance related items.

If you are interested in volunteering with us, stop in to get a tour and a volunteer booklet.