Hinds' Feet on High Places Reviews

• Excellent allegory of the believer's walk with God!

  
  By on 1998-05-20
  Hind's Feet On High Places is a wonderful, beautiful allegory of God's love for each one of us. Although we face many trials along the Christian life, Jesus is always there and will always hear and help us when we cry to Him. He is especially close to the broken-hearted. We can always come to our Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ, without any fear. Much-Afraid sought the Chief Shepherd early in the morning and late in the evening when her work was done. I believed she sang to Him all through the day too. This too, is our priviledge as children of God. I thank God for such an anointed writer as Hannah Hurnard. This is by far the most beautiful book that I've read. I will read and re-read this book for years to come. I have given it as a gift to friends. To all who long to live a life filled with nothing else but love for God, this is the book to read. And to all who feel that God has abandoned them and that there is no hope of reconciliation, this is the book that God will use to restore you. God bless you as you read it.
  
  

• Perspective for the Journey

  
  By AX3T81AX775G3 on 2003-04-16
  This book is like Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress only in that they are both allegories that give a wonderful overview and perspective of the Christian life. But Hinds Feet in High Places has much more heart, and I found it to stir the heart and soul in deep ways. It is the story of Much-Afraid leaving the Valley of Fear that she has always known, and embarking on a journey to become a new creation. The thing about this book is that it talks about the deepest longings and fears of our hearts in following God--following Him when we can't see ahead of us, when we feel like we're going in circles, when we feel like He is not taking us where we want to go, and how following Him can mean laying down the deepest desires of our hearts just because God asks us to, and we know Him to be good and loving. I enjoyed this book immensely, and found it both challenging and filled with grace; which is a rare find in Christian books which often offer only one or the other. All in all this is a love story between Much Afraid and her God; a God who calls her to a path that is filled with sorrow and suffering that take her to a deeper place of dependence on him, and also a God who is there the instant she calls for Him. This is a book that I will probably read every couple of years, as I am at different places in my own journey, and will always see something new that I didn't see before. It is well worth investing in.
  
  

• Other than the Bible, my all time favorite Christian book...

  
  By A36JVV9PEII8A5 on 2000-08-28
  I first read this book in college and have introduced it to many, read the children's edition (BEAUTIFUL illustrations - a good devotional book) to my children and since read the complete version to them.

  I cannot think of a more powerful allegory illustrating the Christian life. Though most people are familiar with Pilgrim's Progress, in my opinion, this book if even better.

  The story is about a girl named "Much-Afraid" who lives in the "Valley of Humiliation". She has a crooked mouth and crooked feet. Though she belongs to the "Fearings" family, she loves the Shepherd with all of her heart and desires to be in His service. She longs to have "hind's feet" and "leap upon the high places" with Him. (see the Psalms for the quote) He tells her that she may have her request, but first He must place the seed of love in her heart - it looks like a thorn.

  Her family has planned for her to marry her cousin, "Craven Fear", but "Much-Afraid" doesn't want to and her only way out is to go with the Shepherd.

  To reach the High Places, the Shepherd gives "Much-Afraid" two unique companions to help her along the way. They are companions of every Christian who walks the pathway to follow Christ. You must read the book to find out who they are, but be ready for a surprise!

  I love this book because it doesn't gloss over what our lives as Christians are like, the challenges we face, and a Biblical account of how we are to proceed - that following Christ means dying to self to live for Him. This is one of the most beautifully written accounts I have ever read.

  Get a copy and read it. It will become one of your most treasured possessions. Then read the sequel, "Mountain of Spices" where "Much-Afraid", who has been given a new name, returns to the valley to show the love of the Shepherd to her family and friends.

  TERIFFIC BOOKS!
  
  

• The Truth About the Christian Life

  
  By A1NWF5CT0IYIPM on 2000-03-29
  "This is the story of how Much-Afraid escaped from her fearing relatives and went with the Shephard to the High Places where 'love casteth out fear.'" This is probably by far the best book I have ever read. It has helped me so much in hard times and grief and has helped me so much in obtaining the peace that is only available through Jesus Christ. In the the book the main character Much-Afraid is given a chance to got to the High Places, a place where all of the people in the Valley of Humiliation (where she lives) long to be. However, before she goes there she must travel through places such as the Desert, the Shores of Loneliness, the Valley of Loss, and the Great Precipice Injury. On her journey she is accompanied by her two companions Sorrow and Suffering and is always being attacked by her relatives named Pride, Bitterness, and worst of all Craven Fear. In each part of her journey learnig a key lesson. All people who read this I implore you to read this book. It was probably the most influential book I have ever read and could very well lead you to the happiness that I am now enduring in my journey... the happiness that can only be achieved in our Lord and Savior-Jesus Christ.
  
  

• This book saved my brother's life - literally and many others, too!

  
  By A12R4SJY0QQ6W on 2006-05-25
  Many years ago, my Brother, Jeff, lived a very unfulfilling, sinful life. (When I say sinful, I DO mean full of the worst kinds of sin imaginable). A co-worker sensed his total dissatisfaction with life, so she brought this book to work and placed it in his locker. Jeff did not think much of it, but he grudgingly took it home and read it in one sitting! He got down on his knees the second he finished reading "Hinds Feet on High Places" and prayed: "Lord, I don't care what price I have to pay. I am like the character "Much-Afraid" and I want to walk the High Places with you. Please forgive my sins, enter my heart and make me a new creation". Nothing happened immediately, but Jeff felt the weight of the world lift from his shoulders. One week later, he was driving home from practicing the organ at the church where he played each Sunday. After setting the organ stops, he grabbed his coat, got in his car, buckled his seatbelt and slowly merged onto a four-lane highway with a 45mph speed limit. After just a few minutes, Jeff's life went black. A drunk driver was being chased by the police for speeding , clocked at 82mph in this 45mph zone. The drunk driver never even realized my brother was in the far right lane. He easily could have passed him as there were no other cars on the road at the time. But instead, he plowed directly into the rear of Jeff's car sending it in a spin, end over end 6 times until it rested in a telephone pole. The paramedics were there within 2 minutes. But Jeff was not breathing, his heart had stopped, he was hanging upside down still fastened in his seatbelt with a spinal cord injury trying to take his life. Needless to say, miraculously Jeff survived against all odds and went on the eventually finish his degree in Ministry. He rode in his wheelchair-lift van and spoke against drunk driving at high schools; he went from church to church to preach that contentment comes only from being satisfied with what one has in Christ Jesus; Jeff rode thousands of miles, preaching the goodness of God and how he would NEVER change a thing about his life, because he now was free and able to walk on thine high places with his Savior. Jeff, today, seventeen years later, three years after going to Heaven, still preaches the Gospel with a smile on his face. I am certain he is no longer encumbered by a wheelchair. But it wouldn't matter to Jeff if he was or wasn't. As long as Jeff is still walking, hand-in-hand on thine high places with Jesus, his Savior..................I can't think of a higher recommendation for a book than this. One could easily and sincerely say this can be a life-changing book. If you are looking for TRUTH but don't want it in a Church-like presentation, this book is for you!
  
  
• Family Classic
  By A25AMBAAZLNTQT on 2006-01-06
  Hannah Hurnard's "Hinds' Feet on High Places" is a family classic. We read it after dinner for months, two pages per night, with our pre-teen children always pleading "read another page!" Hurnard writes with elegance and interest, telling a parable or allegory of Christ shepherding a terrified child on the journey of faith. Her encounter with her two guides, "Suffering and Trials" and Christ's explanation of their purpose in her life, teaching a life lesson every person, regardless of age, must learn.
  
  Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Sacred Friendships: Listening to the Voices of Women Soul Care-Givers and Spiritual Directors."
  
  
  
• Beautiful and Encouraging
  By on 2001-05-18
  This book gives a glimpse into how we live our daily lives. Just like Much-Afraid we travel through the Valley of Loss and walk along the Sea of Loneliness. We always must trust God no matter where He asks us to go, no matter what He asks He do. Like Much-Afraid we will encounter Pride, Anger, and Jealousy and we will call on the Shepherd and He will help us. The seed of true love was planted in Much-Afraid's heart and when she reached the High Places she finally learned what it felt like to be truly loved. The love we experience in this world is nothing compared to the love Jesus has for us. He wants to love and help you but you must ask for Him to. The journey to the High Places is a hard one Much-Afraid learns but the destination is well worth the journey. Learning to give our entire life to Jesus is hard but the reward of knowing Him is more amazing than anything we could ever want or desire. My favorite part of this book was when the Lord asked Much-Afraid what she would do if He lied to her and her reply was "My Lord-if you can decieve me, you may. It can make no difference. I must love you as long as I continue to exist. I cannot live without loving you." I know personally I could not live without God in my life and taking care of me and I hope everyone that reads this review feels the same way.
  
  
• Christian Buddhism!
  By A1B9Q6MF4CXRHF on 2005-06-28
  I was very saddened to hear how popular New Age Theology from Hannah Hurnard is being promoted within the church. She teaches an open rejection of the Gospel, Necromancy, Universalism, Pantheism, Reincarnation, etc.... Her final book The Inner Man is possibly a bit hard to find, but is the fullest accounting of her nonChristian heresy. Christians should not read or support New Age theology nomatter how good it may sound! Sometimes the more wormy the theology the more "godly" we think it is. It's sad because Scripture is all about the victory we have in Jesus. As a student of Philosophy, World Religions and Theology, I have been studying the Buddhistic influence within Christian mysticism today, and Hannah appears to be one of the front people in its promotion. Please avoid this book and find true sanctification through faith and worship of Jesus Christ, not Buddhism. A skunkweed by any other name, still stinks.
  
  
  
• Fiction for the non-fiction reader
  By A1NVD0TKNS1GT5 on 2000-10-11
  I normally do not read fictions, but this alegory had a powerful relation to my walk with God. It was truly a thought provoking book about my own life, and its message I will not soon forget. I originally bought the book as a "Jars of Clay" fan. Their album and song "Much Affraid" was written about the main character in this book. I think we all feel that way, at times, and it really brough a great light to the song. If you haven't heard the song I recomend you check it out. I highly recomend this book for the believe, and even those who don't normally read fiction like me.
  
  
• Excellent book.
  By ASEZGDSME85B6 on 1999-12-28
  Hinds feet on high places, Ive read it about 6-8 times.. so far.. i love it. Read it carefully and prayerfully. you will grow and realize something of the Love of God you have never had before. Much afraids pain and suffering is just shrowded victory hidden by her own weaknesses. God brings forth victory and what much afraid really could be in her life.. Grace and Glory. and more than anything else. Faith that overcomes. and Loves that conquers all.
  
  
• Hinds' Feet In High Places
  By A1GLP6KUC126IL on 2000-12-25
  This book is an increditable tool used to confront the seasons of our life that are filled with noisy chatter and terrifying silence. The character, Much Afraid, finds herself on a journey to build inner strength and courage. She is shocked that the Good Shepherd has offered her a personal invitation to follow Him. Her life moves from being saddled with the Family of the Fears who live in the Valley of Humiliation to arriving in High Places and being totally changed.

  I am an instructor at a technical college in Tacoma, Washington. The age range of my students runs between 16-70 years old. They are in a transitional time of their lives. They are dislocated workers who have been downsized from a job after 10-20 years, Mothers whose last child turned 18 years old, a single parent trying to get off welfare, teen Moms trying to find their way. Some are multiple degreed come from professional backgrounds. Some are blue collar workers, uneducated, street smart and much more. They enter my classroom for 80 hours of intensive job readiness training. (soft skills, i.e. effective communication, problem solving, critical thinking, conflict resolution, interview and resume writing, etc.)

  I tell them the story of "Much Afraid" who lives in the Valley of Humiliation with her aunt, Mrs. Disimal who has three children, Spiteful, Gloomy and the bully, Craven Fear. They are the Family of the Fearings.

  In my classroom, the Good Shepherd is named "Opportunity." This keeps everyone open to hear the message meant for them. Some see God, some hear relief that this is an opportunity to understand what going on in their lives.

  Throughout the book, Much Afraid meets up with the Family of the Fearings whose sole job becomes getting her back to the Valley of Humiliation. These encounters provide opportunities for her heart to changed on this journey because she learns to face them without the grip fear. Her attitude and belief system towards life's crisis and joys experiences a metamorphosis. Self love and love for others germinates in her heart. She no longer is Much Afraid of anything.

  This book has made my life so much easier. Fear of the unknown has no power over me because I know everything has its purpose in my life.

  Last year over 400 people heard me tell the story about Hinds' Feet in High Places. I've been telling it for over ten years to anyone who would listen. As a result I see people's lives calm down and take a different road everyday
  
  

• Awesome!
  By A1BX39XHXG6SQH on 2000-01-20
  I read this book at a high school growth camp and it's a wonderful book. It helped my best friend and I grow so much in our faith. I think everyone who wants to read a good book should choose this one!
  
  
• Encouraging
  By A1OTD39BZIUCZX on 2001-12-21
  I first read this book when I was going through a difficult time. The book helped get my perspective right. It helped me look beyond the problems and focus on the reward that is sure to come when you have made your walk with God without turning back.
  
  
• Problem with this book's message
  By A18KR8G5ODC27B on 2004-11-24
  I really am questioning the focus on physical beauty in this book. Everyone unkind is ugly and everyone strives to be kind/beautiful. I am hoping that this means inner beauty, but that is not pointed out anywhere. We are always told that what matters is inside ourselves, but I certainly couldn't tell from this book!
  
  Can anyone respond to this? I have wondered about it for a long, long time. People seem to think this book is so wonderful, but I really would like input from others. Thanks!
  
  
• The most rewarding book I have ever read.
  By on 1999-08-20
  Anyone who has ever questioned God or wondered why evil exists or why people suffer, must read Hurnard. Having rejected Christianity as a teenager because she felt unloved herself, she was dramatically converted at 19 and was overwhelmed by the intense love of God and His desire for her to love others. Love is the imperative of this allegory, but not a foolish, blind, or too-sweet love; instead, it is a powerful force that heals deformities, overcomes mountains, and compels the human soul to heights never before possible. The Shepherd is not a benign Savior, but a strong and holy Savior who demands sacrifice and gives ultimate joy and peace in return. His unconditional love desires and achieves the best for the beloved. Throughout this allegory, Hurnard dramatically portrays for the reader a life of fulfillment beyond typical spiritual mediocrity - a life that she is insists is attainable. Anyone willing to pursue a deeper relationship with God will find in Hurnard and excellent mentor.
  
  
• Aside from the Bible, the best book I've ever read !!!!!
  By A29Z3R1QK0HT8H on 1999-09-01
  I have read "Hinds Feet on the High Places" at least ten times. This story of "Much-Afraid" learning to follow "the Shepard" is touching because each part of the journey represents places we've all been in our relationship with God. It reminds us of the tender love of Jesus, the Shepard who gave so much for his flock, as undeserving as we are. For those who know him, you'll come away with a new perspective on living life for Him. Those who don't know Him will see how He deals with each of us as we are. In short, a must read !!!!
  
  
• Hind's Feet for High Places
  By A1NFEUMMYRH5V4 on 1999-12-22
  The story of the character "Much Afraid" was Awesome! It was very encouraging and uplifting with each struggle she overcame. The ending was phenomenal. All I can say is "Grace and Glory" be to God. I plan to buy a copy for all of my friends and family. An excellent gift for a friend.
  
  
• Why it ought be read
  By A25MMA0OMGB9OX on 2001-12-13
  Hind's Feet... is a life changing book. If you are a Christian and the Fruit of the Spirit evade you, day by day, year by year, read this book. It probably won't answer your situation specifically, but your ears will be opened wider to hear the specifics from God. If you are not a Christian, this book tells the raw and beautiful truth about how and why there are still Christians in this world, even though the vast majority of them are bored, unhappy, or hypocritical, by all appearances. This book is about real, vibrant, difficult, exaltant Christianity. Read it with a soft heart and you will be blessed.
  
  
• The First Book I Ever Read From Cover to Cover
  By A6FWU8XAKASLO on 2000-03-14
  I LOVED this book it helped me see The Savior Who loves me. Every time I go through a rough time I remember this book because sometimes we have to go through things we may not want to. But the Lord uses situations that we don't like to make our fleshy ways more like Him. Praise God for the obedient writer!
  
  
• This book will change how you see God.
  By on 1999-08-29
  This book opens your mind and your heart to intimacy with your creator. You become the main character, little Much Afraid. You see yourself in her fears and her victories. You begin to see Jesus as the groom and you as the bride in a love story much like the Song of Solomon. I read this book in June of 97. It was the catalyst that began a big change in my life. Now instead of seeking a quiet place to talk to God, I talk to Him nonstop in all I do. We ARE one, He and I. I love Him so and I know with no doubt He loves me.
  
  
• All I can say is AWESOME!
  By on 1999-08-28
  If you want a mountaintop experience each and every day, without hardly trying, I recommend you get this book, read it through (make notes), pray for the Lord's enlightenment, and if you really apply the things therein, you will go to the high places and never come down! Oh yes, there will be trials and bad times, but like the hind, you will be able to traverse the terrain just like it was flat ground. A friend recommended it to me once when I was going through some really trying times, and I can't tell you how much and how dramatically it has changed my Christian walk.
  
  
• Eat This, It*s Good For You
  By A30W9QCRB3KHN5 on 1999-05-30
  This is a spiritual and uplifting book. It is also an overly sweet and slightly preachy book. I admit from the (paperback) cover I was hoping for the tale of a doe deer, *at play in the Fields of the Lord*. Instead, it is a well-meant, if vaguely generic, journey of a timid girl*s journey to Christ. Everyone bears a descriptive Pilgrims-Progress name such as the girl Much-Afraid, the odious Lord Craven, the quiet mountain guides Sorrow & Suffering, the spirited Mrs.Valiant, etc. The girl must face many challenges, of course, must have her faith tested, of course, must fall away from the path, of course. All this is encouraging for both the novice and the longterm Christian; yet it will not be to all tastes. I have seen a similar treatment in CS Lewis* The Pilgrim*s Regress, but with stronger results. This book is encouraging, yet I find it on the level of a meal made up of mainly broccoli, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and tofu: It is good, it is filling, but is that all there is? A good book, but left to those who enjoy that sort of meal.
  
  
• Wonderful
  By on 2001-04-13
  This is my all time favorite book. I read it whenever I'm going through a difficult season and need some comfort, an escape, and a reminder that life is a series of lessons. Hannah Hurnard has an impeccable allegory in this story, which is apparently closely related to her life. I also recommend her autobiography "Hearing Heart" which parallels her personal character with the character of Much Afraid in this book.
  
  
• Amazing book!
  By on 2002-03-05
  This book is so inspiritional for anyone who has ever been afraid of anything or needed to overcome an obstacle. This book has brought me closer to God and helped me to overcome many of my own fears.
  
  
• Beautiful & Encouraging
  By A37EUM9T3S80D4 on 2003-02-25
  I first read this beautifully written book several years ago, when I was going through a not-so-happy time in my life. It is a beautiful and encouraging story, especially for Christians, but also for anyone who has suffered in life (my sister read this book & loved it, and she is not a religious person at all). The allegory is wonderful... Much Afraid's crippled feet represent an inability to walk successfully alone and reach higher places. Her twisted mouth represents the speaking of shameful, wrong, or cowardly things that don't befit a servant of the Lord... or perhaps an inability to speak her true heart. Her companions are called Sorrow & Suffering... but when they are revealed in true form, you will cry with understanding! All in all, you'll certainly adore this book if you read it, especially if you are troubled or just discovering God. I know I did.
  
  
• HINDS FEET ON HIGH PLACES
  By on 2003-07-28
  GREAT BOOK..IT SHOWS YOU THE LOVE OF GOD AND THE LEVELS THAT HE WANTS US TO REACH.....
  
  
• A Wonderful Tale of the Spiritual Journey!
  By A1QCJ4BPYRMTNT on 2000-03-22
  I really loved this book. It was so wonderfully right-brained, which is hard for me to do. And it affirmed my experiences while giving me hope for those yet to come. I especially enjoyed creating a quiet time alone to read it and enjoy the time exploring it with my Lord, the Good Shepherd.
  
  
• Best example of Christian growth I have ever read.
  By on 1999-06-03
  This account of crippled feet and ugliness which are transformed by grace (the walk with the Shepherd) is absolutely wonderful. Could not put the book down. Have read it at least five times. Recommend it in my jail ministry and other talks and give as gifts. Recommend it highly to anyone seeking a closer walk with God.
  
  
• simply.. A MUST read
  By on 1997-07-12
  Once I started reading this book, I was immediately propelled into a different "world". It addresses the issue of "obstacles" encountered while trying to attain your goals. The use of generic names such as, Much Afraid creates a "person" we can all identify with. The reading is smooth and never boring. It is one of those books that you will want to give loved ones, friends or even enemies.. I purchased Mountain of Spices as well and it was just as invigorating, as it "took up" where Hind's Feet left off !!
  
  
• a good book
  By A1HDSMJ6CGFJDY on 2001-09-07
  Overall when I finished reading I was pleased with it, but I noticed when reading that at times there were sentences that just didn't make sense, and I suggest looking up the verse in Habbakuk and form a definition in your mind of what "hinds feet" are before you read the book. The story is encouraging and reminices one of Pilgrim's Progress. It moves very quickly and one rarely is bogged down. One identifies with Much-Afraid from their own life.
  
  

• Mountains of Spices
• Hinds' Feet On High Places: The Original And Complete Allegory With A Devotional For Women
• The Shack
• Come Away My Beloved - Classic Edition
• The Pilgrim's Progress (Dover Thrift Editions)