I discovered Carlos and Heather Whittaker online a few years ago, and – as most people who get even a glimpse of their lives – was drawn to them. When Carlos and I connected online (initially, I think, via one of Jon Acuff’s projects) I became a bigger fan. Of he and Heather as people, sure. But more so as an inspiration and picture of the kind of life I want to live.
I’m pretty sure Carlos and I may disagree on a few things, as true friends can. But what we agree on though, and where his passion lies, is Jesus – and in loving people.
Carlos leads a transparent life in which he struggles with anxiety and mental illness, with “Christian fame” and finding a purpose, with making some stellar and some less-than-stellar parenting choices.
He also leads a life that shows people the love of God. Some of my favorite stories of his are in his new book, Moment Maker, and they are as inspiring and humbling to read again as if it were the first time hearing them. Some of them, like the time Heather pulled over to mow an elderly stranger’s grass on a hot Nashville day, didn’t make the cut. Instead, chapters are filled with new stories of hope and of lessons learned.
On one hand, this review may have begun to sound like the book is one man “tooting his own horn”, for lack of a less awful idiom.
Let me assure you, it isn’t. In each and every story – the moments that were good and wise and the ones that “needed rescued”, as Los addresses – he points to Jesus. To the Bible. To human inadequacies and to a perfect God.
It’s a really great read. Carlos is witty and entertaining, his family is more endearing with every chapter, and it will challenge the reader to live with an intentionality I long for for all of us. To live a life that makes a difference for eternity.
He goes on to talk about how we can recognize and make moments worth making, and it’s a perfect wrap-up to the memoir-esque part of the story. I’d recommend it to any of you!
Disclosure: I was selected to be part of the Moment Maker launch team and received a digital copy of the book at no cost. I was not asked to write a review and the opinions above are 100% my own, as always. You can purchase Moment Maker – in physical or digital form – at Amazon and other booksellers.
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