Book review: Through Colored Glasses

David Bowman May 20, 2018

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Seven years ago, I struggled with a life-changing decision. I found myself stuck on two issues beyond my ability to resolve. If either of those issues went sideways, the change I considered would lead to significant complications. 

My inability to see beyond those issues felt like wearing sunglasses in a darkened room. 

Fortunately, Tom Harper and I had a conversation and an email exchange providing clarity to make a decision which has turned out to be one of the best for my life.

Tom’s new book, Through Colored Glasses: How Great Leaders Reveal Reality - A Biblical Leadership Fable may well do the same for you.

This slim volume, which launched the DeepWater Books imprint, provides a leadership fable full of characters each of us have seen in real-life individuals. It tells the story of a scenario all of us can relate to. 

The story moves quickly and briefly to a fitting conclusion. We gain insights into ourselves and our self-leadership skills. We feel the weight of uncomfortable moments and hard decisions. 

The Afterword is golden. Alone, it could serve as an excellent exposition of truth few would bother to read. The story makes the lessons come alive in a manner which is all the more valuable. 

For example, we experience peace in our lives when we embrace the truth. A close walk with God empowers us to see ourselves and our world in a very different light. Outward cues reveal the state of a person’s thoughts. Too much talk can quickly lead to foolish behavior. Humbling ourselves and giving ourselves the gift of self-control leads to honor. 

One of the bottom-line lessons of the book is this thought: “We don’t have to fall victim to people’s invisible motives,” (p. 95). Jesus not only saw everything clearly, but he also helped others do the same (Mark 8:25). He will do this for us as well.

This is the kind of book you can give a friend who generally does not like to read that much. He or she can complete this book in an hour or two. The story will linger for years. The lessons will last a lifetime. 

Read this book with a group or a team. Enjoy discussing it and associating the characters with people you have known. Help one another learn to see reality from God’s perspective.

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David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More »

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