In this slim book, Doris Cole uses the metaphor of The Wizard of Oz along with her own experiences to encourage readers to persevere in their Christian faith and overcome inevitable hardships.
Cole notes that just as Dorothy survived a storm and embarked on a journey to the Emerald City, we all struggle in our personal journeys toward God and heaven. “Know this,” Cole states, “you are either in a storm, coming out of a storm, or on your way into one.” It’s important to “Trust God, Trust God, Trust God—He will see you through.”
She also examines the roles of the Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, and Wizard as they symbolically relate to our lives. For example, she notes that the Tin Man “desires a heart,” then poses this question: “Do you know of someone who has a hardened heart? Is this you in some area?”
Cole interweaves her own life story into the narrative. A baby boomer born in Brooklyn, New York, to hardworking parents, she reminisces about her parents’ strong work ethic and love of music (she incorporates meaningful song lyrics into her message), but she isn’t afraid to face darker truths of her life, such as admitting to snorting cocaine in her younger years. She fully embraces who she is today: “SAVED, SMART, SASSY, SOPHISTICATED, and still SEXY (holla at your girl).”
Readers will feel at ease with Cole’s authority and non-judgmental attitude as she encourages them to look deep inside of themselves. Personal reflection questions (“Where is your journey taking you?”; “When will you know you are there?”) provide guidance through the task at hand.
Cole’s book is thin, her grammar far from perfect and there are more than a handful of typographical errors. Still, her joyful, spunky personality shines through as she speaks candidly about who she is and where she has come from.
Overall, Christian audiences should enjoy this creative look at how to live a triumphant life.
Also available as an ebook.
