Title: Eddies of His Breath: Contemplations of the Word
Author: Eric Ribbens
Publisher: Archway Publishing
ISBN: 978-1480874008
Pages: 222
Genre: Religion
Reviewed by: Ephantus M.
Hollywood Book Reviews
Eddies of His Breath: Contemplations of the Word by author Eric Ribbens, is a deeply stirring Christian book featuring hearty conversations by specific Bible characters such as Miriam, Adam, Leah, and Gehazi, among numerous others. Their expressions drive towards revealing their deeply inspiring deductions and indubitable sentiments which a reader may not easily acquire from an ordinary sitting with the scriptures.
Ribbens has thoughtfully reconstructed carefully selected biblical stories as closely as they might have been to enable readers to feel and apprehend the Word more smoothly. He expertly takes readers on a journey to the first humans’ house featured in Genesis, where each of them separately narrates moving events such as the ones which led to an unending regret and the loss of their two sons in one day. A few pages later, Ribbens uncovers the sad aftermath of a faithful patriarch who loses his beloved wife. This is narrated by his new wife who knows too well that she can never be loved in the same way as the former. Further down the chapters, a predicament is told about a woman who is coerced into swindling her sister off her fiancée. Her emotionally stirring tone is pronounced as she describes a sore aftermath where her deliberate efforts to win her husband’s love continually goes unnoticed. Many other Biblical stories follow these striking pieces with each one of them having a unique and distinct impact on a reader.
Ribbens does a great job painting an almost realistic picture of a little known human side of Biblical characters. His efforts unveil highly probable justifications for some of their eye-turning actions and decisions that Christian circles globally may have judged too harshly or misunderstood over the years. Spirited conversations that cut across the board, from the Old to the New Testament, take readers to a well-imagined world of life beyond what is written in the Bible, where striking faith-inspiring lessons are realized, such as God’s involvement in our daily lives in ways we least expect.
As a reader, I was greatly impressed by the colorful illustrations, drama, and open display of emotions, such as by the young child who sat on Jesus’ lap in the book of Luke, as well as Apostle Peter’s immovable attitude when Pharisees sought to accuse his fellow preacher, Paul, of disregarding the Mosaic Laws. Every chapter culminated with a series of questions that challenged my mindset as well as my outlook on behavioral change, particularly when pressed with various trials and temptations.
Eddies of His Breath: Contemplations of the Word is an accessible and readable volume with many penetrating thoughts. I place it as a worthy and essential masterpiece for scriptural interpretation.