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Cindy McGill
with David Sluka
Chosen, Division
of Baker Publishing Group
September 2013
ISBN 9780800795658
Nonfiction/Self-Help
Reviewed
by Leslie Halpern
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This publisher’s
website states its goal as publishing “well-crafted books
that recognize the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit and
help readers live more empowered and effective lives for Jesus
Christ.” It’s important to understand the author’s
perspective (i.e., focused on faith rather than science) because
this has a direct influence on how she views the source of dreams,
ability to interpret them, and their call to action.
McGill agrees with most secular dream interpreters that “dreams
are for your good” and “are personal,” but
stands firm in her conviction that “God created the portal
of dreams,” and “he speaks to you through dreams.”
She writes that prayer is often the appropriate response to
a dream (such as a warning dream about a tsunami) and examines
another dream interpreter’s recommendation that someone
“listen to her own thoughts” for interpretation,
rather than looking to God for answers. “The end result
of his interpretation was that a clear, God-given dream was
twisted around by psychobabble.”
Readers willing to approach dream interpretation from this perspective
will learn about four main types of dreams as described by the
author: warning dreams, direction dreams, self-revealing dreams,
and spiritual realm dreams. She devotes chapters to subjects
including developing a framework for interpretation, common
dream themes, and how to reawaken your dreams. There’s
also a chapter reinterpreting dreams of celebrities (taken from
dream websites), which proves more entertaining than useful.
Many readers will appreciate the chapter focusing on common
dream themes as these dreams have surely plagued us all. McGill
examines dreams about teeth falling out, flying or swimming
underwater, falling, being chased, naked in public, in the bathroom,
losing your purse or wallet, vehicles, running in slow motion,
unable to speak or scream, earthquakes or tidal waves, taking
a test/going back to school, and snakes/reptiles/alligators.
Each common dream theme is presented with her interpretation
of the meaning, questions to ask, and suggested actions to take
based on the dream.
Back matter includes a brief listing of dream symbols and dream
journal sample pages. While not groundbreaking material, this
book’s easy readability and emphasis on faith, gifts,
and empowerment serves its niche audience well.
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Reviewer
Leslie Halpern is the author of Passionate About Their Work:
151 Celebrities, Artists, and Experts on Creativity,
Rub, Scrub, Clean the Tub: Funny Children's Poems About Self-Image,
and Shakes, Cakes, Frosted Flakes: Funny Children's Poems
About Table Manners. |
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