A few years ago, I was super amped to go to a Chris Tomlin concert with my family. After an energetic rendition of “God’s Great Dance Floor,” there was a short talk by Louie Giglio. I didn’t know who he was at that time, but I remember he spoke about the stars and galaxies and how whales communicate with each other. Really interesting stuff.
Honestly, though, much of it went over my head. It was a lot to digest in one sitting (especially for a distracted mama), even though Giglio spoke simply and without hype.
But, recently, I was excited to find out that Giglio had packaged that that same message in his bestselling children’s devotional, Indescribable. I bought the book for myself my kids who are eight and ten years old. The premise of the devotional is that God “orchestrates time, creates light and speaks things into existence – from the largest stars to the smallest starfish.”
I love the idea that God and Science are not at odds with each other. Sometimes, as people of faith, we’re hesitant about Science, as if it can somehow overthrow the notion of a powerful Creator. We’d rather sidestep it and talk to our kids all over again about David and Goliath or Noah’s ark. But Giglio dives straight in. He reveals that all of creation, seen and unseen, is a testament to God’s power – and also His grace.
Instead of reviewing the devotional myself, I figured I’d ask the intended audience about it.
I sat down my 10-year-old and my almost 9-year-old for a “little” interview about Indescribable.
Me: Let’s start. How often do you read the devotional?
Kid 1: Every morning.
Me: Are you sure?
Kid 1: Well, every morning when you tell me to.
Kid 2: Mostly.
So, guys, what’s this book about?
The narrator talks about sciency stuff mixed with God stuff.
Like what?
Like about orangutans and jelly fish and yaks and weird stinky plants.
Cool. But what’s the point of him talking about that?
He says God created this stuff.
You already knew that, so have you learnt something new from the book?
I learn that yaks can swim in the freezing water in the dead of winter. And if yaks can do that then God created us with our unique talent, too.
Awesome. What is your unique talent?
Drawing, reading, eating and playing video games.
Hmm . . . not sure about those last two talents . . .
Okay, I’m thankful for my talent in drawing.
(Turning to Kid 2), What did you learn?
I learned that God knows about every hair on our head and He will never leave us alone.
So, if you’re alone at home, what would you do?
I’ll pray. Actually, I may cry but I’ll also pray. Because I know God is watching over us.
Nice. If you could use one word to describe this book, what would it be?
I would say, “interesting.”
(I turn back to Kid 1). And you? What word would you use to describe the book?
Indescribable. (*Insert cheeky grin)
Funny. Another word.
Okay, cool. It’s a cool book.
So, that, dear reader, is the review in a nutshell. Bottom line: When a tween finds a book about God “cool,” it’s undoubtedly worth the investment. Science doesn't debunk God. It further glorifies Him. Get your geek on!
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
