WHITE FLAG MOMENTS
Review by Jo Rae Johnson
Defeat, lose, quit—these are the words that come to mind when we think of surrender. Total surrender is not easily accomplished, nor is it a natural response to becoming a follower of Christ. It is, however, possible. Jesus modeled submission perfectly for us in the garden the night before his crucifixion. We are called to follow His lead.
Surrender All begins with Joni Lamb in a garden of sorts, a neighbor’s yard. Joni, age six, pushes her friend off a swing and soon discovers that confession is indeed good for the soul. As Joni’s story moves us through her dating years, she shares her first major white flag moment. Her choice to surrender to God’s will, and not her own, led her to new horizons and this white flag became a white wedding dress.
I enjoyed reading how Joni and her husband began Daystar, their Christian television ministry. God’s hand was evident and their growth and success has been miraculous. I was encouraged by Joni’s statement, “You may feel like you’re spinning your wheels, but let me assure you that God will use every one of your life experiences in preparation for what he has for you.”
Woven throughout the book are stories of fellow Christians who overcame serious obstacles. These stories bridged the gap between Joni’s Christian upbringing and those who didn’t grow up in a Christian environment. Through their struggles to overcome addictions, sexual promiscuity, and criminal activity, their ultimate surrender to Jesus Christ provides hope for everyone, no matter their past or upbringing.
While reading this book I realized I needed to redefine my idea of surrender. Waving the white flag is an internationally recognized protective sign. Persons carrying a white flag are not to be fired upon by the enemy. In effect, their surrender saves their life.
Coming to Christ and surrendering all to Him works the same way. Our relationship with Him gives us His protection and saves our life eternally. Sounds like a win to me.