Author A. Ray Lee has written a poignant memoir, “Pages From a Forgotten Notebook: My Journey in Faith,” chronicling his life from a small farm in rural Alabama to seminary to the pulpits of several churches over a period of 60 years.
As I read through the pages of Lee’s book, Luke 22:31 came to mind. To paraphrase, it was as if the Lord was saying, “Ray, Ray! Satan is looking to shake your faith, setting you up for a fall.” But in the face of trials, Lee also received encouragement. As readers progress through each chapter, which could be likened to journal entries, they will see how Lee grew from each experience and how he continued to spread the gospel in spite of, and perhaps even as a result of, his trials. Many tests of faith are shared in his book. For Lee, just as for us, “Jesus Christ began a good work in us, and He is faithful to complete it” (Phil. 1:6).
‘Overcomer’
In his final chapter, “Nearing the End of My Journey,” Lee writes, “Aspects of my journey were painful, faith called into question, painful rejection, courage challenged, self-worth questioned, clouds of doubt obscuring the future.” He goes on to say, “An understanding began to emerge of what I had learned …” He describes himself as not only a survivor but an “overcomer” with an experiential and sustaining faith. The Lord renewed his strength, over and over.
“Pages From a Forgotten Notebook: My Journey in Faith” is an uplifting and inspiring read.
