Title: Eddies of His Breath: Contemplations of the Word
Author: Eric Ribbens
Publisher: Archway Publishing
ISBN: 978-1480874008
Pages: 222
Genre: Religion
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Pacific Book Review
Eddies of His Breath: Contemplations of the Word is a fresh Bible exposition written by Eric Ribbens which provides an exhaustive look at some of the famous Bible stories connecting great insight with our lives today. Through these vignettes of Scriptural retellings, the author hopes his audience will experience the love of God for humankind in a new and discernable way.
Ribbens begins by offering a solid and stirring introduction that gives us a prelude to what the book entails along with the inspiration behind his writing. He uses a new-fangled approach in his musings of the Word by highlighting some of the obscure figures in the Bible, some only referenced, but still play a key role in God’s plan, providing us with the struggles they faced and their contemplations of the situations they found themselves in. He makes these people own their story using the first-person narrative even as these retellings adhere to the Biblical depictions of their experiences. The book adds humor and emotion to the narratives, aspects that brought me deeper into the heart of each story. Each story starts with a Bible verse, quoted in relevance to the speaker in each piece. Here, you will find dispositions and reflections from Eve, Miriam, Leah, Hatshepsut who was the wife of Pharaoh, the repentant thief, Manoah, the father of Samson, and many more.
Author Ribbens is skilled at bringing these unique stories to life with his distinctive finesse of Biblical understanding and remarkable knack for storytelling. The text is tidy and well-organized with reflection questions at the end of each chapter intended for further discussion in Bible study groups and devotionals. The book draws from the author’s experience as a biology teacher and his interactions with young people, who are seeking a more relevant and authentic experience, away from the inept paternalistic authoritarianism that proves ineffective.
Eddies of His Breath: Contemplations of the Word by Eric Ribbens will make you see your life in a new light and teach you to rely on God’s plan for your life rather than holding on tightly to your reliance. It will appeal to any theologically minded fan of Biblical retellings, and anyone preparing for daily readings or church discussions. The text’s valuable lessons of faith and courage will stay with you long after the reading is done.
