Bestselling author Pete Wilson is the senior pastor of a church in Tennessee that he and his wife founded in 2003. The church has grown over the past nine years and now reaches more than 5,000 people each weekend. Apparently, Wilson is presenting a message that people want to hear --- and need to hear. He has also written several books, including PLAN B and EMPTY PROMISES, that are used as the basis for many small group studies.

As a substance abuse counselor, I always believed that the most valuable tool I could give my clients was hope. Without hope, there can be no change. Without hope, one may not even want to try to get well. What would be the point if there was no hope of success? Although I didn't have this book, I had the Biblical principles behind it, and they are the basis for the hope that Wilson has written about.

"If you're looking for a way to reach out to someone or if you have some unresolved personal issues that are keeping you from enjoying a full, healthy life, LET HOPE IN may hold the solutions for which you've been searching."

Often self-help books can be disappointing, whether secular or Christian. The secular titles often recycle well-worn psycho-babble, while many Christian ones tend to lean toward “take two scriptures and call me in the morning." LET HOPE IN falls into neither category. While Wilson uses many Biblical references to illustrate his points, he does not revert to “pastor-speak.” No lofty phrases or legalese here. His writing style is practical, relevant and logical. His perspective is solidly based on his beliefs and experiences. These have given him a passion for people that is apparent in his writing.

The four choices that the author presents are bound to stimulate interest in anyone who is struggling with the need for change but has not been able to find a way to accomplish it --- whether it is an addiction that has taken control, resentments that poison your soul, or fears that immobilize learning how hope can free you is truly-life changing. Some of the sub-headings include “Leaving Shame Behind,” “Embracing the Past,” “Trusting vs. Pleasing” and “Loving Deeply.”

As Wilson progresses through the chapters, he demonstrates that he has developed his message through real-life experiences. He knows that becoming a Believer does not guarantee a problem-free life of joy and peace. In fact, he lists the things that people of faith think they must do. “Read your bible. Wear your mask. Put your best foot forward. Look happy. But whatever you do: Don't be a whiner. Don't ask questions. Don't be a pain. Don't be a burden.” This illustrates why many people who have embraced a faith in God continue to struggle with unrealistic expectations, fear, disappointment, regrets and a lack of hope.

If you're looking for a way to reach out to someone or if you have some unresolved personal issues that are keeping you from enjoying a full, healthy life, LET HOPE IN may hold the solutions for which you've been searching.