"Don't walk away. Your success is on its way. It may be lying on the battlefield you fear the most."
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What Every Sinner and Believer Should Know by Lunga M. Phewa Trafford Publishing
book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott
Lunga M. Phewa, a South African by birth, is a young man who wants others to partake of many significant lessons he has learned thus far in life, by looking at situations in a Christian framework.
Phewa advises young people to avoid false friends who judge others, who are dishonest with others and themselves, and who are disloyal. Loyalty is a "character-driven attitude," as is persistence in the face of obstacles, and cheerfulness in the face of calamity. Even someone who has, as he describes, fallen to the level of a public joke, a tramp, or a "dirtbag" can redeem him or herself through the effort to be a model for others.
Interestingly, Phewa has the wisdom of an older person, it seems, as he builds his case in this rather short book. One dominant theme, which could be relevant to anyone at any stage of life, is that "bad companions destroy everything." He also stresses that no effort toward the good is ever lost, and that evils do not go unpunished, if only by one's conscience, "the humble yet groaning voice." Drawing directly on Bible verses such as "Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness," Phewa warns against letting overbearing pride be your guide, and he emphasizes the contentment that comes when one simply accepts one's circumstances and stops feeling frustrated, envious, or discouraged by life's challenges.
In each situation, Phewa reminds the reader of God's love, and the strength that one can get from "remembering and treasuring the Law Of God." He believes that when one looks back on one's life, despite the scars, one can still feel contented because one has survived. The past can be revered as a proving ground, not mourned for lost chances. People make their chances every day, and there is always something to look forward to.
Though little information is available about the author, one can guess that Phewa's own life has not been physically easy, and that he has faced numerous challenges of the sort he writes about. Twenty-four years old, he has unusual insights and has created a small but neatly organized, inspirational text that may give hope to others who struggle with adversity.
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