The Inside Out

I just finished reading this enormously inspiring book that challenged me to really push further and “Do Something Bigger than Myself.” And it was written by a teenager. Not just any teenager, but one that is making a huge impact on the lives of AIDS orphans in Africa. This book showed me that anyone can make a difference, anyone. Austin knew he was teenager and had to find a new and unique way to get involved and did he ever. For more on his ministry go to hoopsofhope.org. I loved the stories he told of the children and how they effected him, here at home and also when he  went there to meet them. Each of these children stop being a number and become so real when you see them through Austin’s eyes. My particular favorite was when he described how the kids in Africa always wanted to see themselves on the digital camera after they took a picture. I never realized that they had never seen themselves before! Austin says,

 ”Can you imagine that? Not even knowing what you look like? It seems almost impossible but it’s true…That’s funny isn’t it? Because here in America we have the exact opposite problem. We are so used to seeing who we are on the outside that we never find out who we are on the inside.”

Lots of pieces of our lives come to life through Austin’s eyes.

This is an awesome read for adults and teens alike because it challenges us to never give up and helps us realize that God is in the business of making the impossible not just possible but phenomenal. Thanks for the inspiration Austin!

This review was posted for Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program http://brb.thomasnelson.com/.