There are some books you read for information and others for inspiration, but rarely does a book come along that provides both and really makes you wish that you lived in a different time and place. This book, The Search For God and Guinness, by Stephen Mansfield is one of them.
I am a book reviewer for Thomas Nelson and when this book was made available I jumped at the chance to read it because not only did the title grab my attention but I was curious about the relationship of the two subjects.
I was surprised to see how this book made me re-think how I put things in categories of sacred and secular though. What Stephen Mansfield is doing in this book is helping people see that all of life is spiritual and when a person decides to use their gifts to help others and provide for others, hope wins!
When I read this book I was overwhelmed to learn about the life of Arthur Guinness and all that he did not only for his employees but for the larger world. Stephen Mansfield’s other books, The Faith of George W. Bush and The Faith of Barack Obama seemed to be more stiff than this one was for me. I really enjoyed learning not only the history of the company, but how Arthur Guinness took so much of his time and resources to help the poor and marginilized in this world. This book really held my attention as I put myself in the story and time and place of a factory worker.
My favorite line from the book is, “...it must also be true that a company should be measured by the culture it creates. Culture. It means "what is encouraged to grow," the "behavior and ways of thinking that are inspired." (page 121-122)
The culture that has been created by Guinness is that of opportunity and generosity.
May we be people that seek to use the opportunities that God gives us to be generous with those around us!
I highly recommend this book. Not only will you learn about this company and what they have done, you will be inspired to get off the couch and help others!
Matt
