Lessons Learned From William Sirls' THE SINNERS' GARDEN

by Cyrus Webb

Everyone who knows me is aware of the fact that when I find something I really like, I have to share it. This is especially true of books, so when author William Sirls' released his sophomore offering THE SINNERS' GARDEN I knew it was a book that I had to tell others about. 

First I shared my review on Amazon. Then I had a great conversation with the author on Conversations LIVE about it. Finally I shared the book with Conversations Book Club in Mississippi (photo from this event above). What makes this book something that I thought others would appreciate? Here are the highlights:

We live in a world that is so quick to count us out or put us down, depending on how it sees us.

How grateful we should be that our Heavenly Father sees who we are, knows what we have done and loves us unconditionally. In Williams Sirls' newest literary offering THE SINNERS' GARDEN, we are reminded not only of God's love but his purpose for all of us.

The cast of characters we meet are just like us: broken, imperfect, yet capable of things that might seem impossible to some.

Take Andy for instance. Many will be able to relate to the resentment he feels in life because of what we has experienced. Will he be able to accept the truth and forge a better relationship with those who love him before it's too late?

And there's Uncle Rip: a man that many would have dismissed because of his past deeds, but when he begins to share lessons that are the result of his transformation and renewed sense of purpose will others give him the benefit of the doubt?

We also meet Heather the police officer: another individual who wants to do good, hoping to find some peace in her life. Will some unexplainable events in the town be just what she needs to not just have faith in God but renewed faith in man as well?

One of the characters that will really stick with you, however (not that they all don't make their mark), is Pastor Welsh. The way he appreciates what God has done in his life and that of his father and now the town will remind you of what He is able to do for you as well.

One of the most powerful passages in the book (and there are many) is when the Pastor and Andy are having a serious conversation about God and his Will: "God has blessed you," Pastor told Andy, " and you're helping Him help others.". Andy seems doubtful. "I want to help," he says to the Pastor, " but other than that dream, it seems like God's left me." THAT'S when the Pastor gives us a huge nugget of encouragement: "God never leaves," he says. "People leave Him, but he won't leave you."

That is, to me, one of the main messages of this book. God loves us so much that He is willing to meet us where we are. All we have to do is make the effort, and that is what Sirls shows so beautifully in this book.

Rich with meaning and full of characters you won't soon forget, THE SINNERS' GARDEN is sure to leave you wanting more. Stay connected with author William Sirls and find out more about his books THE REASON and THE SINNERS' GARDEN at www.williamsirls.com.