Mountain in My Rearview Mirror

by: Bill Butterworth

Published by: Tyndale House Publishers

Reviewed by Carrie Padgett

Bill Butterworth has climbed his share of mountains, both literal and figurative. He went through a divorce and since he made his living speaking on marriage and family issues, his career was impacted. So he knows what he’s talking about when it comes to surviving tough times and climbing mountains of obstacles.

In his easy-to-read-and-relate-to book, Butterworth shares an anecdote from his life, and then follows it with his teaching points and how to apply it in your life. He’s transparent and funny and invites you to join him on the journey.

The personal stories are full of humor but Butterworth’s talent is in being able to relate them to applicable Bible verses and Scriptural principles. A vignette about a basketball game is a lesson on how to have victory over defeat, peace over discord, and hope over despair. Peer pressure and choices made, and the exhilaration of running through a defensive football line are all mined for lessons Butterworth applies to overcoming obstacles.

Stories stay with us in a way that straight exposition doesn’t and Butterworth puts his tales to good use. The book begins with a real climb up Camelback Mountain in Arizona and ends with an exhortation to continue to experience the “thrill of victory,” instead of the alternative: “the agony of defeat.”

Many of the anecdotes are sure to provoke memories of similar stories from your past. My husband and his brothers often had experiences like the GTO story. An announcement of “FREEZE OUT!” will still be made on occasion. Now they’ll know they’re not the only ones to do silly things on winter nights.

Mountain In My Rearview Mirror will make a good gift for anyone going through a tough time, though men will find the stories especially appealing. Bill Butterworth writes so men can relate, but he invites women along for the journey as well.

Armchair Interviews says: An inspirational book to be enjoyed by both men and women.

Author’s Web site: http://www.BillButterworth.com