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Hope Lies Ahead: Encouragement for Parents of Prodigals from a Family That's Been There
People who love prodigals often struggle in silence. This book lets you know that you are not alone and that there is hope. Pastor and author James Banks and his son Geoff Banks each write from their perspective, sharing their story of redemption and offering you hope while you are in the struggle. No matter what your prodigal is going through—addiction, turning from faith, worldly pursuits—you'll find encouragement to pray deeply, love generously, and cling to God for comfort, healing, and restoration during the difficult journey.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2020
11 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
James Banks
119 books9 followersDr. James Banks is the author of Prayers for Prodigals, Prayers for Your Children, Praying the Prayers of the Bible, Praying Together, and Praying with Jesus. Through books, blog posts, and magazine articles, he regularly encourages people to pray. Dr. Banks has been a pastor and church planter for more than twenty-five years and lives in Durham, North Carolina with his wife, Cari.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 9, 2020
Hope Lies Ahead is the story of Geoff, who became addicted to drugs as a teenager, and his parents, who never gave up and constantly prayed for their son. It’s also the story of how God is always waiting for us to come home, just as the father waited for the prodigal son in the Bible.
The book chapters alternate between Geoff and his Dad James as they relay the story of a young man deeply addicted to opiates and then heroin, and parents who were desperate to help him. But ultimately it is the story of a loving God who is waiting with acceptance, healing, and a plan for your life.
If you’ve ever been a prodigal, the family member of a prodigal, or if you’ve ever struggled with sin or hopelessness, this book can help you. It is an inspirational story of how God is there for us in the darkest of times.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
The book chapters alternate between Geoff and his Dad James as they relay the story of a young man deeply addicted to opiates and then heroin, and parents who were desperate to help him. But ultimately it is the story of a loving God who is waiting with acceptance, healing, and a plan for your life.
If you’ve ever been a prodigal, the family member of a prodigal, or if you’ve ever struggled with sin or hopelessness, this book can help you. It is an inspirational story of how God is there for us in the darkest of times.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley. My review is voluntary.
April 6, 2020
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Ecclesiastes 7:8”
This was a moving account of a prodigal from the Father and sons perspective and I couldn’t wait to read this. It was very good and I read it in one day!
I’m grateful that the authors took the risk and wrote about it. It’s a testimony that needs to be told. I needed to hear it because sometimes I’m “clinging to God in the darkness”.
I long to talk and cry and share my story with people. Even if it’s messy.
I highly recommend this book for those of us that continue to pray for our prodigals. I’m glad I’m not alone in this.
This was a NETGALLEY gift from the publisher and all opinions are my own. Thank you for reading my review.
“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride. Ecclesiastes 7:8”
This was a moving account of a prodigal from the Father and sons perspective and I couldn’t wait to read this. It was very good and I read it in one day!
I’m grateful that the authors took the risk and wrote about it. It’s a testimony that needs to be told. I needed to hear it because sometimes I’m “clinging to God in the darkness”.
I long to talk and cry and share my story with people. Even if it’s messy.
I highly recommend this book for those of us that continue to pray for our prodigals. I’m glad I’m not alone in this.
This was a NETGALLEY gift from the publisher and all opinions are my own. Thank you for reading my review.
May 8, 2020
This book brings about some of my greatest fears as a mother. We have some children that we’ve adopted which leads to several special situations. For us, that means knowing that there are some things that are out of our control. Our children struggle with RAD. It affects so much and makes me fear for what will happen somedays. But then I remind myself that God is in control, not me.
Hope Lies Ahead tells us a true story of one family with a son who becomes a prodigal. But praise God he comes back! I found this story inspirational and full of good advice for parents. Because I truly think we will have some prodigal moments with some of our children this is a book that I will keep on our shelf to pull off as I need it.
I recommend this book. Truly, all parents should have a copy. It really helps with what to pray for our children even as they are young. I think it also offers some great advice for parenting whether you’re dealing with a prodigal or not.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Hope Lies Ahead tells us a true story of one family with a son who becomes a prodigal. But praise God he comes back! I found this story inspirational and full of good advice for parents. Because I truly think we will have some prodigal moments with some of our children this is a book that I will keep on our shelf to pull off as I need it.
I recommend this book. Truly, all parents should have a copy. It really helps with what to pray for our children even as they are young. I think it also offers some great advice for parenting whether you’re dealing with a prodigal or not.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
May 20, 2020
I loved this book! I couldn't put it down and while reading through it I found myself ordering copies for friends I knew needed to read it as well. The story of this father and son is heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time. This isn't just a book for parents or parents of prodigals. Everyone should be read this book, I found myself relating to both father and son in different moments.
If you are looking for a story of hope and redemption. If you are worried and praying for your child. If you are feeling far from God. This is the book you want to order right now. I will refer to this book often. I recommend this vulnerable and honest book about addiction and recovery for every church, therapist and treatment center. Put this in your library and refer every family to it!
An early copy of this book was made available to me by the publisher through netgalley. This is my honest review.
If you are looking for a story of hope and redemption. If you are worried and praying for your child. If you are feeling far from God. This is the book you want to order right now. I will refer to this book often. I recommend this vulnerable and honest book about addiction and recovery for every church, therapist and treatment center. Put this in your library and refer every family to it!
An early copy of this book was made available to me by the publisher through netgalley. This is my honest review.
May 10, 2020
( received complimentary copy in exchange for review ) While not a parent myself, I read this as a prodigal. Having walked away from God a time .. or two .. or three .. if I'm honest. Found myself within the book in many parts, and, personally being not entirely ready to deal with myself, I found myself reading thru this faster than I would have like. However, it it not that I didn't enjoy or benefit from this read. Quite the opposite, I have added this to my re-read list, and will be treating it as a book study very soon. I do recommend this book as a valuable source of hope.
April 24, 2020
This has been a very emotional book to read. I appreciate how transparent the authors’ have been in sharing their story. Most of us are familiar with the story of the prodigal son. The story hit home for me in several ways as the authors’ began to share their journey. Growing up in a house where my dad was a preacher we were always judged by others in the church. We seemed to be held more accountable than others and were always watched by members of the church. My father was all about appearances and any secrets going on in our family were never revealed. I pray that this book will touch many lives and set them free.
I loved how this family was open and received great counsel from their church. They had prayer warriors surrounding them which helped them during their difficult journey with their son. Geoff began to spiral out as he found himself deeper into drugs. He addiction was so severe that at times his parents were at a loss of what to do. The pain that Geoff went through was so heartbreaking and I could feel his hopelessness. It is easier for people to have sympathy when someone has cancer or other recognized medical condition. When someone deals with addiction, they shun them and toss them aside.
The rollercoaster ride the family went through was difficult and eye opening at the same time. Geoff wanted to be accepted but felt the only way he could accomplish that was to get high and hang around people like himself. As parents we want to protect our children, but sometimes we have to give it to God. It was nice to read how God was changing not only Geoff but his parents as well. In a crisis we need to stand together as a family. As the addiction became worse, so did the communication between husband and wife. At sone point I’m sure they wanted to give up, but instead they dug in deeper and surrendered everything to God. A situation may look hopeless, but God is in the hope business. He wants to strengthen our faith, hope and endurance.
The book is one I think everyone should read. It shares the struggles of an addict and his road back to God and his family. It is an honest look at how devastating addiction can be and the consequences it has on not only the addict but the family as well. Forgiveness and grace is the key to helping those who feel rejected and a failure. Geoff needed his family to not give up on him. What he realized was that he was not alone in his journey. God was guiding him and watching over him. His parents in their darkest moments knew they had to forgive their son and welcome him home with unconditional love.
I encourage readers to share this book with others and ask a God how you can help those who feel lost and about to give up. Addiction is an illness and without help it can destroy lives. I want to thank the authors’ for sharing their story and allowing God to use their story to impact others. Through our test comes our testimony.
“Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us,” Luke 11:4.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I loved how this family was open and received great counsel from their church. They had prayer warriors surrounding them which helped them during their difficult journey with their son. Geoff began to spiral out as he found himself deeper into drugs. He addiction was so severe that at times his parents were at a loss of what to do. The pain that Geoff went through was so heartbreaking and I could feel his hopelessness. It is easier for people to have sympathy when someone has cancer or other recognized medical condition. When someone deals with addiction, they shun them and toss them aside.
The rollercoaster ride the family went through was difficult and eye opening at the same time. Geoff wanted to be accepted but felt the only way he could accomplish that was to get high and hang around people like himself. As parents we want to protect our children, but sometimes we have to give it to God. It was nice to read how God was changing not only Geoff but his parents as well. In a crisis we need to stand together as a family. As the addiction became worse, so did the communication between husband and wife. At sone point I’m sure they wanted to give up, but instead they dug in deeper and surrendered everything to God. A situation may look hopeless, but God is in the hope business. He wants to strengthen our faith, hope and endurance.
The book is one I think everyone should read. It shares the struggles of an addict and his road back to God and his family. It is an honest look at how devastating addiction can be and the consequences it has on not only the addict but the family as well. Forgiveness and grace is the key to helping those who feel rejected and a failure. Geoff needed his family to not give up on him. What he realized was that he was not alone in his journey. God was guiding him and watching over him. His parents in their darkest moments knew they had to forgive their son and welcome him home with unconditional love.
I encourage readers to share this book with others and ask a God how you can help those who feel lost and about to give up. Addiction is an illness and without help it can destroy lives. I want to thank the authors’ for sharing their story and allowing God to use their story to impact others. Through our test comes our testimony.
“Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us,” Luke 11:4.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
April 22, 2020
In "Hope Lies Ahead," pastor and author James Banks and his son Geoff Banks share their story of redemption. Each man writes from his perspective with the intent of offering hope to parents and their prodigals. No matter what a prodigal goes through - addiction, turning from faith, worldly pursuits - parents can find encouragement to pray deeply, love generously, and cling to God for comfort, healing, and restoration during the difficult journey.
I can attest that I found hope and comfort in this book. Some encouragement:
"Don't be an older brother." Read the story gently and with grace.
Hindsight is 20-20. It's easy to question parenting decisions or look for someone to blame. Jesus discussed the past as "a reference to something that God can redeem. Hope lies ahead."
Refuse to judge a prodigal. "There are a myriad of false satisfactions int he world." "In reality, we all have the same need for love, and we all spend time trying to fill it with deficient things."
"That's my boy/girl" - Identify with the child who has strayed or erred during his/her times of weakness, not just when they are performing well. Love, compassion and mercy allow us to point the way out of the pit and affirm our loved one. It's also what Jesus would do, demonstrates His love and character, and shows us and others what it means to follow Jesus.
Spend time with prodigal. Play, cook, watch TV, engage. Stop preaching and correcting all the time. Preserve the relationship!
"One of the upsides of the challenges we were facing with Geoff was that they forced us to try to live increasingly in the moment with God."
"Prayer and helplessness are inseparable. Only those who are truly helpless can truly pray." Ole Hallesby
"[S]ee our son through a larger lens than his addiction. His addiction didn't define him - he was so much more than that."
"'Wait,' I told her. I had begun to learn that reacting in the moment rarely got us where we needed to be. 'Let's pray and see if there's another way out of this.'"
The alternating perspectives can be confusing at times. Be prepared for backtracking since one author tells his side of the incident and then the other author tells the same story but from his perspective.
Anyone who is praying for a prodigal - or wants to understand prodigals and their families - will benefit from reading this book.
I can attest that I found hope and comfort in this book. Some encouragement:
"Don't be an older brother." Read the story gently and with grace.
Hindsight is 20-20. It's easy to question parenting decisions or look for someone to blame. Jesus discussed the past as "a reference to something that God can redeem. Hope lies ahead."
Refuse to judge a prodigal. "There are a myriad of false satisfactions int he world." "In reality, we all have the same need for love, and we all spend time trying to fill it with deficient things."
"That's my boy/girl" - Identify with the child who has strayed or erred during his/her times of weakness, not just when they are performing well. Love, compassion and mercy allow us to point the way out of the pit and affirm our loved one. It's also what Jesus would do, demonstrates His love and character, and shows us and others what it means to follow Jesus.
Spend time with prodigal. Play, cook, watch TV, engage. Stop preaching and correcting all the time. Preserve the relationship!
"One of the upsides of the challenges we were facing with Geoff was that they forced us to try to live increasingly in the moment with God."
"Prayer and helplessness are inseparable. Only those who are truly helpless can truly pray." Ole Hallesby
"[S]ee our son through a larger lens than his addiction. His addiction didn't define him - he was so much more than that."
"'Wait,' I told her. I had begun to learn that reacting in the moment rarely got us where we needed to be. 'Let's pray and see if there's another way out of this.'"
The alternating perspectives can be confusing at times. Be prepared for backtracking since one author tells his side of the incident and then the other author tells the same story but from his perspective.
Anyone who is praying for a prodigal - or wants to understand prodigals and their families - will benefit from reading this book.
November 6, 2020
Hope Lies Ahead is a wonderful book for any parent to read. There are so many reminders for parents about praying for our kids and how to love our kids no matter what. There are so many quotes from the book that I absolutely love. As a mom of 5 kids, I totally enjoyed this book. I even read his book "Prayers for Prodigals" too. "Hope Lies ahead because God doesn't look backwards." "The Good Shepherds' goodness and love follows us all the days of our life and can take what the enemy has twisted and bend back to a blessing." "There is beauty in the ups and downs!" "The enemy is probing for our weakness."
This book is told by a father and son and each of their perspectives are told. It is about so much more than addiction! One of the quotes from the book that is so true is that "sometimes praying doesn't change our situations but changes our perspective". I so often think that as parents we pray for the problem to disappear when God can use any of our problems and as stated in the book "God wastes nothing". James does an excellent job telling their story and the ups and downs. I think as a parent it is easy to let anger, pride, and possible embarrassment creep into our parenting that we don't always respond the way we should. James states how he and his wife began to see God work on their heart throughout the process. God doesn't change throughout the process but our heart posture, identity in Christ, and life can change when we wait with God and not for God. Geoffrey tells an excellent, honest story to. One of the things he talks about is that he wished his parents weren't so concerned about getting him to God that they forgot about their relationship.
This book made me stop and think. God loves us so much and desires for us to be in relationship with Him. So many of our struggles are controlled by our mind and the access we give the enemy. I recommended that everyone should read this wonderful book. I love the story about when they run into a judge that had Geoffrey in court and his response was "he'll have a story to tell one day, he's just working on his testimony." We all are working on our testimony and will have a story to share one day. What will yours look like?
Thank you NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book is told by a father and son and each of their perspectives are told. It is about so much more than addiction! One of the quotes from the book that is so true is that "sometimes praying doesn't change our situations but changes our perspective". I so often think that as parents we pray for the problem to disappear when God can use any of our problems and as stated in the book "God wastes nothing". James does an excellent job telling their story and the ups and downs. I think as a parent it is easy to let anger, pride, and possible embarrassment creep into our parenting that we don't always respond the way we should. James states how he and his wife began to see God work on their heart throughout the process. God doesn't change throughout the process but our heart posture, identity in Christ, and life can change when we wait with God and not for God. Geoffrey tells an excellent, honest story to. One of the things he talks about is that he wished his parents weren't so concerned about getting him to God that they forgot about their relationship.
This book made me stop and think. God loves us so much and desires for us to be in relationship with Him. So many of our struggles are controlled by our mind and the access we give the enemy. I recommended that everyone should read this wonderful book. I love the story about when they run into a judge that had Geoffrey in court and his response was "he'll have a story to tell one day, he's just working on his testimony." We all are working on our testimony and will have a story to share one day. What will yours look like?
Thank you NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
June 8, 2020
Hope Lies Ahead: Encouragement for Parents of Prodigals from a Family That's Been There is the follow up to James Banks’ Prayers for Prodigals. In Hope Lies Ahead, Mr. Banks writes about his journey as a parent with his prodigal son, Geoff. Geoff also contributes to the book as he writes about his side of events as well as his thoughts and feelings as he descended into drug use, his struggle to recovery and the transformation his life has taken now. Each chapter is a conversation with James providing the parental perspective and Geoff providing the prodigal perspective. Their goal for the book is to show all their faults, struggles and successes to encourage parents and prodigals who deal with the same faults, struggles and look forward to their own successes. It is also their goal to encourage churches to open their doors and arms, to become a place that people can truly be honest about their struggles, without judgement, for prayers, love, and support.
From the very beginning, Hope Lies Ahead is brutally honest. Misters Banks open their hearts and laying everything on the table to show what they went through and how they battled to achieve the recovery that live today. Not just Geoff’s recovery from drug abuse but their own relationship as father and son recovered to be in a better place than it had ever before. Geoff at one point said, “My father was so concerned with getting me to God that he forgot to maintain our relationship.” Hope Lies Ahead is a great heartfelt look into one family’s battle with addiction. One side are the parents, desperate to help their child and on the other side is the child whose addiction takes him to the very depths. Only through prayer, faith, and determination is that child alive and well today. I highly recommend Hope Lies Ahead!
Hope Lies Ahead:
Encouragement for Parents of Prodigals from a Family That's Been There
is available in paperback and eBook
From the very beginning, Hope Lies Ahead is brutally honest. Misters Banks open their hearts and laying everything on the table to show what they went through and how they battled to achieve the recovery that live today. Not just Geoff’s recovery from drug abuse but their own relationship as father and son recovered to be in a better place than it had ever before. Geoff at one point said, “My father was so concerned with getting me to God that he forgot to maintain our relationship.” Hope Lies Ahead is a great heartfelt look into one family’s battle with addiction. One side are the parents, desperate to help their child and on the other side is the child whose addiction takes him to the very depths. Only through prayer, faith, and determination is that child alive and well today. I highly recommend Hope Lies Ahead!
Hope Lies Ahead:
Encouragement for Parents of Prodigals from a Family That's Been There
is available in paperback and eBook
April 20, 2020
This is a must for anyone with a family member or friend in crisis, or who's been a prodigal. The book is written in alternating chapters by Father and Son who are now on the other side of some serious struggles. The best wisdom for anyone comes from someone who has been there, done that, and survived. I'm thankful these two are willing to share honestly and openly about their process and their mindset not just looking back, but as they were going through terrible experiences.
I feel like I have a significant insight into how to pray for and help, people who are struggling, and a better idea of "what not to do". I"ve never been where the son in this story was. And although I"m not a parent, many times I have found myself looking at others more from the father's perspective - unable to comprehend how a friend or family member could possibly get themselves in the situation they have. The chapters from Geoff's perspective opened my eyes to a lot of things about how what we may consider obvious advice and appropriate counsel are actually received by someone at rock bottom. Geoff is very honest about how he wishes people would have treated him and how he perceived even things like efforts to pray for him, efforts he knew were being made in love but couldn't accept.
I recommend this book for anyone with a friend or family member struggling with a self-destructive cycle. Whether it's drugs and alcohol, mental health issues, or just turning their back on God. There's insight here for a multitude of situations.
I feel like I have a significant insight into how to pray for and help, people who are struggling, and a better idea of "what not to do". I"ve never been where the son in this story was. And although I"m not a parent, many times I have found myself looking at others more from the father's perspective - unable to comprehend how a friend or family member could possibly get themselves in the situation they have. The chapters from Geoff's perspective opened my eyes to a lot of things about how what we may consider obvious advice and appropriate counsel are actually received by someone at rock bottom. Geoff is very honest about how he wishes people would have treated him and how he perceived even things like efforts to pray for him, efforts he knew were being made in love but couldn't accept.
I recommend this book for anyone with a friend or family member struggling with a self-destructive cycle. Whether it's drugs and alcohol, mental health issues, or just turning their back on God. There's insight here for a multitude of situations.
May 8, 2020
I am going to start this review with saying I think everyone should read this book. I say that because this is a honest true account of a heroin addict and his family.
This isn't a textbook approached with steps to help, but just a telling between father and son.
I believe we all know someone that struggles with addiction, and this book would be a great help just letting them know they aren't alone.
If I could I would buy every family I know a copy of this book, not that I think it has all the answers and no I do not think it is the cure for all people, Only God and Jesus is that, but I believed it is a source of hope and just knowing that when you are going through something hard that there are others that have been through it can really make the difference between despair and faith and hope.
This book helps others understand the struggle and helps us not just to judge those who are struggling.
I loved this and have it underlined in the book "So we came to understand that God wanted us to also pray our questions and weaknesses-to bring it all to Him. Real prayer isn't about having to get the words right or having your act together so you're somehow "good enough" to approach God. It's about a relationship with Someone who already loves us more than life and bends with compassion to meet us in our mess."
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
This isn't a textbook approached with steps to help, but just a telling between father and son.
I believe we all know someone that struggles with addiction, and this book would be a great help just letting them know they aren't alone.
If I could I would buy every family I know a copy of this book, not that I think it has all the answers and no I do not think it is the cure for all people, Only God and Jesus is that, but I believed it is a source of hope and just knowing that when you are going through something hard that there are others that have been through it can really make the difference between despair and faith and hope.
This book helps others understand the struggle and helps us not just to judge those who are struggling.
I loved this and have it underlined in the book "So we came to understand that God wanted us to also pray our questions and weaknesses-to bring it all to Him. Real prayer isn't about having to get the words right or having your act together so you're somehow "good enough" to approach God. It's about a relationship with Someone who already loves us more than life and bends with compassion to meet us in our mess."
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
June 6, 2020
Hope Lies Ahead is a deeply emotional book about redemption, healing and recovery from substance abuse written by father and son James and Geoff Banks. Each write their personal viewpoint on how they were affected by Geoff's struggle with substance abuse. This was a particularly moving book because James Banks is also a minister who had been compelled to push his son toward God for so many years and had to learn like so many of us to wait on God's timing. It took years of time, patience and most of all the love of his parents to bring Geoff back to his "senses" just as the son in the biblical story of the Prodigal Son.
James Banks shares helpful scriptures and many of the prayers he and his wife Cari had prayed for Geoff over several years. Geoff is candid about what he had gone through and what he realized he had put his family and friends through. They are relentlessly honest and open about the various incidences Geoff went through how his parents responded to him each time. There was no holding back from either of them.
It is a difficult task to put one's struggles on paper and then share it with the world. Their ultimate goal is to help other families who have a child struggling with substance abuse. The shared writing of this book brought a stronger sense of healing to the Banks family. I find that this book would also be helpful for spouses as well who are coping with similar circumstances. It's a worthy read for any family member, spouse, or friend concerned about a loved who is wrestling with the demons of substance abuse.
James Banks shares helpful scriptures and many of the prayers he and his wife Cari had prayed for Geoff over several years. Geoff is candid about what he had gone through and what he realized he had put his family and friends through. They are relentlessly honest and open about the various incidences Geoff went through how his parents responded to him each time. There was no holding back from either of them.
It is a difficult task to put one's struggles on paper and then share it with the world. Their ultimate goal is to help other families who have a child struggling with substance abuse. The shared writing of this book brought a stronger sense of healing to the Banks family. I find that this book would also be helpful for spouses as well who are coping with similar circumstances. It's a worthy read for any family member, spouse, or friend concerned about a loved who is wrestling with the demons of substance abuse.
April 29, 2020
What an amazing book and what an amazing testimony.
I almost didn’t sign-up to review this book because I didn’t think I would get anything out of it because I’m not dealing with a prodigal child. I am so glad I changed my mind.
The father-son story can speak to anyone’s heart, no matter where you are at. If you have children this will be a wake up call that even good kids can get sucked into bad situations. My own son is in 8th grade, which is the grade Geoff fell into drugs. I just can’t even imagine my son doing those things, he seems so young, but obviously it happens. And as a teacher I wonder how many of my students are dealing with this.
As someone who has walked out of my own “addiction” this book reminded me of all God has rescued me from. My addiction wasn’t drugs, it was pride and lust but I see some similarities. Our brains become wired to our addictions, for me it was a way to think and feel.
I also appreciated Geoff’s honesty that he has had to fight the temptation even after being free for many years. I think many people will relate to this, I know I did.
I recommend this book for anyone, because it might be you, it might your child or another family member who this relates to and you will be encouraged to read this testimony.
A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team.
I almost didn’t sign-up to review this book because I didn’t think I would get anything out of it because I’m not dealing with a prodigal child. I am so glad I changed my mind.
The father-son story can speak to anyone’s heart, no matter where you are at. If you have children this will be a wake up call that even good kids can get sucked into bad situations. My own son is in 8th grade, which is the grade Geoff fell into drugs. I just can’t even imagine my son doing those things, he seems so young, but obviously it happens. And as a teacher I wonder how many of my students are dealing with this.
As someone who has walked out of my own “addiction” this book reminded me of all God has rescued me from. My addiction wasn’t drugs, it was pride and lust but I see some similarities. Our brains become wired to our addictions, for me it was a way to think and feel.
I also appreciated Geoff’s honesty that he has had to fight the temptation even after being free for many years. I think many people will relate to this, I know I did.
I recommend this book for anyone, because it might be you, it might your child or another family member who this relates to and you will be encouraged to read this testimony.
A copy of this book was given to me through the Celebrate Lit Team.
May 25, 2020
Told from the alternating viewpoints of the father James and the son Geoff, this is a book of encouragement for Christian parents who have a prodigal member of their family. A prodigal is one who walks away from the truth and seeks their place in the world of drugs or other addictions. I really enjoyed the alternating viewpoints since it let me see clearly how the parent and the child were feeling and how the struggle to create a new relationship was real for both of them. This was a very quick read that encouraged me to continue to pray for my family members who have chosen a different path than I would want for them. This is a book that truly offers hope and inspiration to all who have broken relationships and are attempting to restore them.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guide Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guide Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
May 3, 2020
Wow- what a honest, real book this is. While there are Christian books on the market regarding prodigal son stories, the ones I have seen are either only from the parent's perspective or the prodigal's perspective, but never together in one book. I absolutely loved how they jumped back and forth between both stories from both sides, because it just really spoke to my heart and really made it an understandable and full experience along with the authors. This book really isn't a self help or how to guide, but an honest story of mistakes and triumphs from both sides of the story, and reminds us of the God who never gives up on us and never stops loving us. I recommend this book for either a prodigal looking for help, or a parent struggling with their prodigal child, or even pastors and lay leaders as a resource to minister to those going through this. It really is inspirational, deeply painful, and overall points us back to our one, true God.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own.
May 4, 2020
This book is a sequel to the book Prayers for Prodigals.
The prodigal in this story is a son who is a drug addict. The book is written by the father and son together which tells you that the prayers offered in the first book were helpful in this situation.
There were two statements in particular that I found very thought provoking:
"God still had ways of showing himself faithful. He was teaching us that the purpose of prayer isn't first about asking and receiving, it's about keeping company with Him. God himself is the best answer to prayer."
"Comfort comes as we wait WITH Jesuse. If we wait FOR Him, our eyes are continually on our circumstances, and we find little strength there. But if we wait WITH Him in our longing for our loved ones to turn to Him, and turn our worries into prayer, He will show us that He is more than enough."
While I can't recommend this book to everyone, it may very well be of comfort to someone who is in a similar situation. But I would advise getting Prayers for Prodigals to read along with it.
The prodigal in this story is a son who is a drug addict. The book is written by the father and son together which tells you that the prayers offered in the first book were helpful in this situation.
There were two statements in particular that I found very thought provoking:
"God still had ways of showing himself faithful. He was teaching us that the purpose of prayer isn't first about asking and receiving, it's about keeping company with Him. God himself is the best answer to prayer."
"Comfort comes as we wait WITH Jesuse. If we wait FOR Him, our eyes are continually on our circumstances, and we find little strength there. But if we wait WITH Him in our longing for our loved ones to turn to Him, and turn our worries into prayer, He will show us that He is more than enough."
While I can't recommend this book to everyone, it may very well be of comfort to someone who is in a similar situation. But I would advise getting Prayers for Prodigals to read along with it.
May 28, 2020
I cannot begin to tell how much this book meant to me during this long agonizing wait for my "prodigal" to come home. She still hasn't "come home", but just like the title of this book says, "Hope Lies Ahead". This book is a must read for any parent whose child has gone his own way, breaking the parent's heart. This book is a testimony to what God can do to totally change a life. In this book, the author tells the journey he and his family went through before their son came back to his senses and trusted Jesus. Parents dealing with children with substance abuse problems will find this book extremely helpful. Each chapter tells the events from both the father's and son's point of view. It was invaluable to read the son's journey through his eyes. It helped me realize how my "prodigal" thinks. This book was a source of therapy for me. Any parent who has been through a similar situation feels like he or she is all alone. Pastor James Banks and his son, Geoffrey helped me realize that there are those out there who have been through similar situations.
March 17, 2020
James Banks and his son, Geoffrey share a memoir of Geoffrey's descent into drug abuse from both the parents' viewpoint and the son's. I loved the look at what each was feeling during different points of time.. It was very enlightening to see both of their thoughts and actions at various points during the journey. It was especially encouraging to me to see the power of prayer by parents for their son and also how they continued to have a relationship with him, even during the lowest points of Geoffrey's life
This book is extremely well written and engaging. This book was just what this mother of a prodigal needed! I encourage this book to be read by not only parents who have prodigal children or with substance abuse, but also by pastors, Christian counselors or others who are concerned about how to help parents and their adult children.
This book is extremely well written and engaging. This book was just what this mother of a prodigal needed! I encourage this book to be read by not only parents who have prodigal children or with substance abuse, but also by pastors, Christian counselors or others who are concerned about how to help parents and their adult children.
May 6, 2020
Sometimes, you don’t know you need a book. It can be difficult to read about stories that are similar to your own. But the stories are so prevalent and so well-written, you find you can’t turn them away.
James and Geoff’s story is one of those that I didn’t know I needed until I’d already picked up the book. Their storytelling is of their own journey through Geoff’s heroin addiction and the hope and prayer spent on bringing a prodigal home.
I won’t say it was an easy book to read. Reading about addiction should never be easy. I will say it opened my eyes to the answers on a few questions I have asked myself over the years. I applaud these men for having the courage to put their story out into the world.
It’s been a great help to me, and it’s one I will come back to when I feel discouraged.
James and Geoff’s story is one of those that I didn’t know I needed until I’d already picked up the book. Their storytelling is of their own journey through Geoff’s heroin addiction and the hope and prayer spent on bringing a prodigal home.
I won’t say it was an easy book to read. Reading about addiction should never be easy. I will say it opened my eyes to the answers on a few questions I have asked myself over the years. I applaud these men for having the courage to put their story out into the world.
It’s been a great help to me, and it’s one I will come back to when I feel discouraged.
May 11, 2020
The Prodigal Son is one of my favorite parables in the Bible. It illustrates how much God truly loves us and wants us to have a deep and meaningful relationship with God. Because I am the younger sister and have the experience of watching my older sister make some poor choices while I was a teenager, I took the safer path of being a “good” girl.
I remember watching how my mother, especially, reacted to my sister’s choices. So this real-life story of Dr. James Banks and his son Geoffrey caught my attention. Perhaps because we call North Carolina home and so do these authors, I also had an appreciation for this family.
Told from both Dr. Banks and Geoffrey’s sides this book kept my attention. I love how it illustrates how a prodigal child can overcome things such as addiction. It also illustrates how we have to be willing to keep praying for those we believe may be lost since God always knows where His children are. So check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
I remember watching how my mother, especially, reacted to my sister’s choices. So this real-life story of Dr. James Banks and his son Geoffrey caught my attention. Perhaps because we call North Carolina home and so do these authors, I also had an appreciation for this family.
Told from both Dr. Banks and Geoffrey’s sides this book kept my attention. I love how it illustrates how a prodigal child can overcome things such as addiction. It also illustrates how we have to be willing to keep praying for those we believe may be lost since God always knows where His children are. So check out this book for yourself.
I received a copy of this book for my fair and honest review.
March 15, 2020
Nice book for parents or any family dealing with addictions . It gives the perspective from the parent and the teenager who is of course now an adult. They both tell of their struggles/point of view in dealing with the son's addiction. They describe how with continued prayer God helped them through to have a good relationship and how he now has control and freedom from his addictions. It is great that he is able to help others.
I received this book as a complimentary copy and under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I received this book as a complimentary copy and under no obligation to provide a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 9, 2020
This was excellent however it only deals with drug addiction and really not a lot of other issues parents face. I liked both of the viewpoints, it is helpful to have the prodigal's viewpoint. And who knew, he actually became a pastor. This will scare you but it also wakes you up to what your adult and teens face as possible drug addicts or alcoholics, although they don't talk about that as much.
April 18, 2020
Hope lies ahead is an excellent book that deals with a hard topic. Its a wonderful well written story. I truly enjoyed reading both points of view from father and son.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are of my own. Thank you NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for letting me read this story.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are of my own. Thank you NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for letting me read this story.
January 11, 2022
This is an interesting and emotional read. I love the way the chapters are split with the viewpoint of dad, James, and then the son, Geoff. They each share about life as the parent of an addict or the person who is the addict. And each point of view is important to know. While I can imagine life as a part of a child who suffers with an addiction (by the grace of God I haven’t had to experience that), I had no idea the physical, psychological, and mental challenges a person with addictions faces. If you are a parent of a prodigal, a person who is a prodigal, deal with prodigals, or know someone who does, this is a must read for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Our Daily Bread Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
July 16, 2025
Best book I’ve read this year. It was really hard for me to read this, I felt a lot of the pain and the struggles. Thinking on some personal family matters, it truely was grieving me to read the experiences from the parent’s side and son’s side. God is truely a God of love, understanding and redemption.
March 18, 2025
This reemphasizes the importance of praying for our children. I love the back and forth perspective of father and son through dark roads and times. This comes from a humble perspective of thankfulness - even for God's timing which seemed agonizingly slow.
March 5, 2020
This book was very easy to read taking me less than 24 hours which included time to look up the scripture references, cry, pray and keep going. The format was very enlightening to get dad’s perspective and then to get the son’s side of the story. Reading the emotions, struggles, prayers and praise from both sides makes a powerful statement of a real problem facing families in this day and time. I’m so thankful that you both had the opportunity to tell your story.
What an amazing help this book was for me! I read this book for personal gain instead of to give feedback but it touched me so much that I had to thank you. I am a mom of a prodigal daughter and I have gone through much of the ups and downs of praying for her for 16 years with no results that I know of. This book has been encouraging for me and helped me to regain my strength to pray. My prodigal is not substance related but the struggle has been much the same as you have described.
Thank you to Our Daily Bread for allowing me to read this advanced copy for my honest feedback.
What an amazing help this book was for me! I read this book for personal gain instead of to give feedback but it touched me so much that I had to thank you. I am a mom of a prodigal daughter and I have gone through much of the ups and downs of praying for her for 16 years with no results that I know of. This book has been encouraging for me and helped me to regain my strength to pray. My prodigal is not substance related but the struggle has been much the same as you have described.
Thank you to Our Daily Bread for allowing me to read this advanced copy for my honest feedback.
March 15, 2020
Very good book, as a parent of child who was abused drugs ! This is the only way you'll survive, Could only wish there was a way to guide kids against the first use!
March 6, 2020
Hope Lies Ahead by James Banks and Geoffrey Banks is a story about substance abuse in a family . The narrative goes back and forth between the father and the addicted son. I thought that this novel was very realistic . It was interesting and informative when explaining what substance abuse does to the addict and the entire family. The father is a pastor and there is a definite theme of Jesus and overall Christianity in the novel. Substance abuse can happen to any family and this novel illustrates this . I enjoyed reading this novel and I am sure that you will not be disappointed. I received this novel from the publisher and netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 13, 2020
I loved this book. Father and son take turns telling their story of the battle they went through fighting addiction. I found myself heartbroken for the family, the son, the parents, the broken relationships- often to the point of tears. I also was taken to the mountaintop of praising God for His faithfulness, grace, mercy and love- again to the point of tears. Beautifully shared, this is not a book full of religious jargon but rather a frank retelling of heartache, perseverance, and the mystery of God’s work in their lives. Whether or not you have a prodigal child or know someone who deals with addiction, this is a must read. #amazon #ourdailybreadpublishing #netgalley #hopeliesahead
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