Book Review: Surrender All by Joni Lamb

Surrender All was a book I had the opportunity to read and review recently. I knew virtually nothing about the author, other than the fact that she was a TV talk show host for a Christian broadcast network. I let the book sit on the shelf for a while because I’ve been pressed for time. However on a recent trip I was able to read the book in just two sittings. I was interested in her as a person as soon as I started reading because she is from my hometown of Greenville, SC. Maybe if she is ever in her home state we can have lunch.

The book details many aspects of life. Surrender must take place in our homes, when we succeed and fail and ultimately all the glory goes to God. The message of this book is spot on in these areas.

Before I give a wholehearted stamp of approval to this book, I get the feeling that the Lambs are full gospel. There are frequent stories where she tells us that Jesus came to her in a vision or that the Lord literally spoke to her or someone else. My usual readers probably know that this is not something I would personally agree with.

One of the things I truly appreciated about this book is that the focus is always on what God did, not what Joni and her husband have accomplished in their own strength. It seems as though their heart for ministry is genuine, and I find the spirit of the book refreshing.

My favorite story in the book is when Joni tells us how the Lord orchestrated events in her life so that she and her husband Marcus would be husband and wife. She had to deal with heartbreak and then was able to find the love of her life. In keeping with the theme of the book Joni had to surrender her life to the Lord in order for Him to direct her steps.

Overall I found this book well written and the stories accurately illustrated the points she is trying to make. I found that the book encouraged me to give everything to the Lord.