Review of The Secret Power of Kindness

Post by **Bertha Jackson** » 28 Aug 2023, 13:58

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Secret Power of Kindness" by Greg Atkinson.]

5 out of 5 stars

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The Secret Power of Kindness: 10 Keys to Unlocking Your Capacity to Change the World by Greg Atkinson is a Christian book that calls for Christians to do more to decrease divisiveness in our world. Today, we see more school bullying, shootings, racism, gender inequality, political divides, and other social injustices. The coronavirus pandemic caused many people to live in isolation, fear, and anxiety. In this book, Greg Atkinson demonstrates from a Christian perspective what makes forgiveness, generosity, composure, acceptance, rest, wisdom, empathy, patience, love, and unity the ten keys of kindness that can create a better world for all of us. Read on to learn the answers to the following questions and many more. How can I be kind to Christians who judge everything I do? Can I be kind to my neighbor, whom I detest because they have a different lifestyle and beliefs from mine? How can I forgive and be kind to that person who hurt me or a member of my family?

Greg Atkinson adequately explains the ten keys of kindness with actual life stories and quotes from the Bible, analogies, books, magazines, and Twitter posts. My favorite quote in this book is from Mother Teresa: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." I appreciate Greg Atkinson's honesty in addressing concerns of hypocrisy and abuse from people who claim to be Christians. One example is that no Christian should be racist because, in the Bible, it is written "that all men and women are created equal, and all bear the image of God." Interestingly, more people became mentally ill after the coronavirus pandemic. The comparison of the societal conflicts we are experiencing today to those before the Civil War was eye-opening. I enjoyed learning how the "power of eights" can help someone get more rest because a grumpy person can't be kind. The footnotes throughout the book provide more information and support the author's beliefs.

Parts of this book made me uncomfortable because I have always considered myself a kind Christian, but as Greg Atkinson pointed out, there are things I can do better regarding kindness. I noted one instance of repetitiveness when the story about the Good Samaritan was told twice: once to demonstrate loving your neighbor and then to demonstrate empathy. However, this was appropriate because of the two different topics.

I disliked nothing about this book except that it triggered my guilty conscience. I only encountered one minor error in this 161-page book, which tells me it was professionally edited. Due to this and all the positive aspects I mentioned, I have no reason not to give this book a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. No part of this book deserves to have any stars deducted.

If you want to learn how to make our world a better place to live with kindness, I recommend this book. However, this Christian book focuses on Christian beliefs and values, which makes it more suitable for Christians. This recommendation does not mean that non-religious individuals would not benefit from or not have an interest in learning about the ten keys of kindness and other material in this book, but they need to be aware of the religious content.

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The Secret Power of Kindness
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Yanni Fitsum · Post by **Yanni Fitsum** » 06 Sep 2023, 14:55

Thank you so much for recommending "The Secret of Kindness" by Greg Atkinson. I really enjoyed reading it! The book beautifully explores the power of kindness and highlights its significance in our daily lives. Atkinson's insights and personal anecdotes provide valuable lessons on the impact a simple act of kindness can have on individuals and society as a whole. I particularly appreciated how he emphasized that kindness is not just about grand gestures, but also about cultivating a genuine and compassionate mindset in our interactions with others. Overall, "The Secret of Kindness" left a lasting impression on me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration and guidance in leading a more considerate and empathetic life.

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 06 Sep 2023, 18:25

The subject of more cruel things happening in the recent past has been brought up in several of the conversations I've had recently. I wonder, though, if more things are occurring or if we are just seeing more of it because of the ease of technology. Thanks for the review.

Hamza Hanif 1 · Post by **Hamza Hanif 1** » 08 Sep 2023, 01:52

Reply to Bertha Jackson's Review of "The Secret Power of Kindness" by Greg Atkinson:

Thank you, Bertha Jackson, for your insightful review of "The Secret Power of Kindness" by Greg Atkinson. Your thorough analysis of the book's content and its impact on your perspective is greatly appreciated.

It's evident from your review that Greg Atkinson's book delivers a powerful message about the importance of kindness, not only within the Christian community but also in addressing the broader societal issues we face today. In a world that seems increasingly divided and burdened by various challenges, the ten keys of kindness that Atkinson presents in his book hold significant promise for creating a more harmonious and compassionate world.

Your mention of Atkinson's use of real-life stories, quotes, and references to various sources, including the Bible, underscores the depth of research and thought that has gone into crafting this book. The quote from Mother Teresa is particularly touching and serves as a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

Your candid acknowledgment of moments when the book made you uncomfortable highlights the book's effectiveness in prompting self-reflection and personal growth. This willingness to confront areas where we can improve our kindness is an essential step toward creating a more compassionate world.

It's also reassuring to know that the book appears to be professionally edited, with only minor errors, which is crucial for a seamless reading experience.

Your recommendation for Christians and the note about the book's focus on Christian beliefs and values are valuable insights for potential readers. It's commendable that you mention that non-religious individuals could still find value in the book, provided they are aware of its religious content.

In summary, your thoughtful and balanced review makes it clear that "The Secret Power of Kindness" is a book that not only addresses important issues but also challenges readers to become better versions of themselves through kindness. Your perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars reflects your appreciation for the book's content and its potential to inspire positive change. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I'm sure your review will help others decide to explore this impactful book.

RutvikPatel · Post by **RutvikPatel** » 17 Sep 2023, 06:37

"The Secret Power of Kindness" by Greg Atkinson is a Christian book emphasizing kindness to combat societal issues. It discusses forgiveness, empathy, love, and more with biblical references and real-life examples. Atkinson's sincerity in addressing Christian concerns and the book's insightful content make it valuable, though it may primarily appeal to a Christian audience.