Review: City On Our Knees by Toby Mac
Published 2010 by Bethany Press
Based upon his song of the same title, TobyMac penned a book of extraordinary inspiration. Like the song, which has a great message of togetherness wrapped in fantastic vocals with a trendy sound, the book City On Our Knees possesses great insight, God-inspired writing with a steady voice encased in a bright, intense graphic cover.
Instead of carefully fleshed-out explanations based upon a stringent outline, TobyMac chooses to allow others’ true stories to elucidate.The organization of the book adheres to the lyrics of the namesake song, with each division beginning with a writing from TobyMac’s blog and concluding in a “Remix”—a summation of the section and a prayer. Within each division, the stories of different people, both modern-day saints and those of times past, illustrate the meaning of the song’s lyrics. Most stories are written by TobyMac in his style, while some are in the person’s own voice.
From young Alexandra Scott, whose lemonade stands raise money and hope to many suffering from childhood cancer, to William Wilberforce,the 18th century politician who worked tirelessly to end the English slave trade, the stories of those that are quite famous and those that not as well known unfold to give inspiration and provide example. Children and adults, teens and elderly, man and woman, people from every walk of life are included to show that anyone is capable of bringing about great change when they seek God’s presence and purpose.
The book is an easy read, entertaining, and thought-provoking throughout, and it is clear that TobyMac sought wisdom and inspiration from the Word when writing and compiling, as there is much Scripture to support each section. Young adults and not-so-young ones alike will enjoy and learn from the experience. It is well worth reading and makes an excellent small-group study. The website www.tobymac.comcontains not only information about his music and touring, but also has his blog, Twitter feed, and extra widgets to share on social networks and websites.One of these widgets is a “City On Our Knees” map of the US, which gives users the ability to add their city and watch it light up on the map.
For more information about TobyMac and all of his endeavors, friends, and activism, visit the following websites:
More links to the various organizations, groups, and individuals mentioned in the book are provided within the text or index.
Melissa McGinnis is the Children's Ministry Director for LHF. This writing was self-generated and is solely the opinion of Mrs. McGinnis. No compensation of any kind was given by TobyMac, Bethany Press, or any company or representative thereof.
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