Crazy Faith: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives

by Susan K. Williams Smith, Iva E. Carruthers (Foreword)

"It hasn't been extraordinary people who have changed the world; rather, it's been people who have been willing to act and live on faith," observes pastor and author Susan Smith. Drawing on biblical, historical, and contemporary stories of what she calls "crazy faith," this inspirational volume challenges readers to dare to step out and make a difference in the world. Faith is "vision fueled by action," Smith declares. Follow in the footsteps of those who have earned a place in the Hall of Faith, including Moses, Harriet Tubman, David, Nelson Mandela, Sarah and Abraham, Mother Teresa, Noah, and Mary McLeod Bethune.

126 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2009

Reviews

[Diane Holm]

Faith is an astounding thing, especially when you test it…

Crazy Faith emphasizes the amazing accomplishments of several biblical persons and latter-day counterparts. It is well thought out and the conclusions drawn by Susan Smith are thought provoking, giving the reader another paradigm to consider.

Through intriguing imagery, familiar bible renditions of struggle, faith, and courage come alive. Individuals who pressed forward in the face of doubters and unbelievers were able to achieve the humanly impossible. Keeping an open mind will give the reader a chance to appreciate the authors’ interpretations.

The stories of crazy faith taken from more modern experiences are informative and truly inspiring. Each is presented with vivid details that will leave the reader in awe. The accomplishments are remarkable. The journey of faith begins with just one small step, followed by dedication, perseverance, and the hand of heavenly intervention. Many attitudes, visions, and lives were altered for the better because one person had enough crazy faith to stand up in the face of impossible odds. Even the hardest heart will be touched.

I found Crazy Faith to be a wonderful source of inspiration intermixed with honest preaching from a single perspective. Never the less, it felt like the same points were emphasized again and again. Different areas of focus were presented, but still the same point over and over again.

[Janice]

inspirational

[Matthew Wright]

This is generally one of my favorite types of books to read so I was looking forward to it, but it honestly didn't impress me. It bothered me how much she was adding to the Biblical stories and relating it as if it was fact. Then the other stories, I often felt she didn't really give enough for the story to be impactful. I also found it interesting that she included people who didn't follow God and still called it Crazy Faith. Sometimes I wondered what she was advocating having faith in. But there were still some interesting stories of people I didn't know much about.

[Sue Hittle]

Amazing stories. Easy to read. Thought provoking.
Glad I read it! It may not be truly factual but faith has to start somewhere. This book offers the reader an opportunity to reflect and see how their faith can grow!

[African Americans on the Move Book Club]

Questions about real faith has always been an interesting topic for believers throughout the ages. Crazy Faith by Susan K. Williams Smith delves in the topic of miraculous type of faith. She weaves together incredible stories of people from the Bible as well those from history and contemporary events. What makes this such a great read is that it weaves biblical figures such as Jesus, Moses and David with stories about Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Harriet Tubman. This book does not feel preachy, although the author is a pastor. It speaks about the different levels of faith and it takes to have "crazy faith". If anyone finds themselves in a situation that seems against all odds or someone has an impossible dream or goal that speaks to their, this book will reveal wonderful examples of how these individuals beat what seemed to be unbeatable or unattainable. This is also an easy read; each chapter easily connects right to the next and there is a summation tying the Bible figure with the contemporary counterpart. Any book that leaves you with as many questions as answers about your own plight within context of the subject matter is definitely good. Crazy Faith does not disappoint.

Richard Agnew
AAMBC Book Reviewer

[Judy]

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Crazy Faith is beyond that - it's know that the impossible will happen. Rev. Dr. Susan K. Smith has written an awesome book that will make you realize that we all have extraordinary lives in some way.

[Erin]

This is a great book! It's about people never losing faith in tough situations... When the unthinkable happens these individuals never lost faith... Moses, Harriet Tubman... Just to name a few that this book talk about...

[Susan]

I wrote this one, and I want all of my friends to please read it and offer a review! Thank you!

[Cynthia]

Fantastic and inspiring!

[Gwendolen]

This book is very inspiring.