This may possibly be the funniest book I've ever read. But, it was also one of the most convicting. Christian funny-man Phil Callaway takes a one-year vow to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Sound easy?
The book is set up almost like a diary or journal. Paragraphs are group under headings numbering off how far into the truth-vow the writing took place. So, he starts with Day 1 and goes from there. It was a brutally, BRUTALLY honest book - especially the way Phil Callaway wrote about himself. We see him losing money on an internet investment, fighting bitterness against a former friend who is out to slander his reputation, confronting bad habits (both his own and those of others), and many other scenarios that are all-too realistic.
I found it startling and sad that my first reaction to learning of Phil's truth vow was: "I would never do that...." I want to smile and cry at the same time. "Boy, you couldn't get me to tell the whole truth for a year. What would people think?" But, through reading about this hilarious journey, I found that the truth is a precious gift that is often ignored and under-appreciated. It is also a very powerful thing. After all, God is a God of truth - He is not capable of telling a lie. So when we tell the truth (in love) we have the power of God Himself in our speech.
I loved this book - and I plan on reading it again. It was a great encouragement to me. I also appreciated that Phil Callaway shared the pain of his mother's death (which happened during the truth vow). His mother had dementia, and his writing about his visits with her brought tears to my eyes more than once.
Phil says in the epilogue that he prays more honestly now. He claims it has changed his life. I might just take the vow after all...
If you would like to read a chapter or order the book, or if you would like to learn more about Phil Callaway, please visit his website here. I received a free copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my "honest" review.
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