Reviewed by Tom Lennie You don't need to listen long to the music of Casting Crowns to realise that their lyrics stem from a place of relevant, passionate spirituality. Mark Hall, the lead singer and main songwriter of this American multi-platinum band, has a particular calling to reach out to youth, and still serves as youth pastor to several hundred teenagers in his home church in McDonough, Georgia. 'Lifestories' is written especially with teens and 20s in mind, and in the book Hall shares the real life stories behind 20 or so of his compositions. Like his songs, these accounts are incisive and inspiring. One of the most stirring chapters was "From Daytona To Venezuela", which tells of the events leading Hall to compose the group's best-known song, "If We Are The Body". This account, like most others, begins with a suitable Scripture passage and concludes with a pertinent God-thought and some heart-stirring questions for the reader to ponder. It's an easy-to-read book, and the author comes over with humility, humour and integrity. 'Lifestories' would be ideal as a youth Bible study course, and while it's almost essential reading for all devoted CC fans, you don't have to be familiar with the band's music to be blessed by Mark's numerous spiritual insights.
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