Book Review ~ Growing Up Amish by Ira Wagler & a GIVEAWAY!

I used  Grammarly to grammar check this post,

because sometimes mums just need a little extra help!

 

 

It's been awhile since I've done a book review.  Sadly, it has been awhile since I've finished a book.  I currently have 10 other books on my nightstand, most of which I've started.  I ordered this book from Amazon a month or so ago.  I can not remember where I saw it recommended, but I'm fascinated with the Amish.  I lived about 2 hours south of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania my entire life until we moved to Australia.  It was common to see a horse and buggy, even where I lived.

 

I'm not sure what intrigues me to the Amish life.  Maybe the simplicity of their living.  Maybe the legalism, which is something I could relate to.  Either way, I enjoy watching documentaries and reading books about the Amish.

 

Growing Up Amish gave me more insight into the religious format of the Amish, their day to day life, and the basics of growing up in an Old Order Amish home.

 

Ira Wagler gives a very descriptive account of his life.  His simple early years, the teenage struggles, the times he left home to get a taste of the world, and the times he returned to the safety and stability of the Amish community. 

 

Ira left his family and the Amish community several times.  Each time he returned he was welcomed back with open arms.  I was interested in learning how willing the Amish are to forgive a person for leaving the community and returning.  I've grown up in a Christian home, and it saddens me how often believers are, in a sense, shunned when they return from their backslidden ways. We ought to welcome them with open arms and shower them with the love of Christ.  If it wasn't for God's grace where would we be? 

 

Ira struggled with the fear of hell which is the reason he returned to the Amish community after leaving.  He struggled to live between both worlds.

 

Then when he was 25 or 26 he did something he never thought to do before...he prayed.  He asked God for a  desire to do what's right.  That was what all the Amish were telling him to do, decide to do what's right, and do it.

 

God answered his prayer in a more powerful way than he could have anticipated.  God brought a man into his life who shared with him the love of Christ.  Later Ira received Christ as his own personal Savior and left the Amish community for good. 

 

I have not read much into his life after the book ends, but the book says he became a Mennonite and now resides in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  He also has a website (click here) if you are interested.

 

Like I mentioned I haven't read many books recently.  This was one of those books you just can't put down.  I had been reading a chapter or so every night, but I read the last half in two days.

 

Giveaway...

 

I really enjoyed the book and I would like to pass it on to someone else.  If you are interested simply leave a comment and I will pick a winner next Monday and mail it out to you.  If you prefer to just buy a copy, I'd love for you to use my Amazon link at the top.