Big Lessons from a Little Donkey on Faith, Friendship, and Finding Your Path

Rachel Anne Ridge is the author of Flash, another inspirational book about a donkey. I highly enjoyed this book and was happy to see her write another book. It did take me a long time to get to reading it.

Since Flash, the first donkey showed up on their farm until Henry came to join them, a lot of things had happened, hard things that caused Rachel to question a lot of things. It would seem like she started from scratch to rebuild her faith and figure out what she believed. While I don't think she ever doubted God and His existence, things had happened that shook her foundation. My biggest negative about this book is that it seems that the foundational element of Creation was also shaken in this book and I cannot agree with her current perspective, especially not related to some of the resources she cited in the back of the book.

That being said, there were some good things in her book. She started each chapter out with a liturgical prayer and there is something beautiful about a carefully crafted prayer that can speak deep to the soul.
There were also a few quotes that stuck out to me in this book that I will share.

"Green pastures are wonderful, but they may tempt me to feel full, lethargic, and lazy." I think there are times for feasting and growing in Christ, but there are also times for getting out of our comfort zone and making a difference for Jesus.

"Perhaps Jesus knew that if He had given us words like 'Lead us in Your will' we'd find ways of imagining our own desires as His will..."

I received this book from Tyndale and NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.

I liked this book so much that I actually drew a sketch of Henry in my art journal (picture of the page included in my Amazon review.) Such an adorable creature! Caring for him and Flash (the main reason Henry was adopted in the first place) made the author reflect on how we are as children of God.
Though slow in some places, this was an enjoyable and enlightening read, and has certainly changed my view about donkeys!
Thank you Netgalley and Tyndale House for the preview copy!

This is such a sweet, inspirational little book. I loved the stories about Flash and Henry, and their owners’ adventures with them. The author did a good job of comparing her experiences with teaching Henry to trust her with own spiritual journey to define what she believed about God. The prayers that she uses with each chapter fit each chapter very nicely. I love Rachel Ridge’s writing style that makes you feel as if you were sitting with her on the porch and watching the antics of Flash and Henry. I haven’t read her first book about Flash, but I’m going to make sure I read that one, too.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Reading this book was like sitting down with a good friend and hearing about their struggles, and joining them in the ups and downs of refinding their faith. I laughed out loud at parts, and unexpectedly cried at others. The author phrases scenes so vividly that it feels like you are there. Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book electronically from NetGalley and the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.