Nothing is Impossible with God

by John Michael Talbot

John Michael Talbot has been inspiring audiences around the world for decades with his music and message. At a time when so many people are discouraged, he delivers a message filled with encouragement and hope. This book will inspire you to live as a Catholic Christian with faith, hope and joy! We will always have human problems of Church, civil government, the workplace, family relationships, and even ourselves. But Jesus says to us, "I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." (John 16:33)

Nothing is Impossible with God is a journey through the life and teachings of one of the most incredible Catholic voices of our age.

Genres: Spirituality

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Talbot was born into a Methodist family with a musical background in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and started learning to play the guitar at an early age. At age 15 he dropped out of school and was performing as a guitarist for Mason Proffit, a country folk-rock band formed with his older brother Terry.

Talbot embarked on a spiritual journey that led him through Native American religion and Buddhism to Christianity. At this point he and his brother, Terry, joined the Jesus Movement, recording the album Reborn which was re-released by Sparrow Records (originally released as "The Talbot Bros." on the Warner Brothers label).

Two solo albums followed for Talbot: John Michael Talbot (1976) and The New Earth (1977). Both of these were produced by Billy Ray Hearn. Reading the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, he was inspired to begin studying at a Franciscan center in Indianapolis. He became a Roman Catholic and joined the Secular Franciscan Order in 1978. He started a house of prayer, The Little Portion.

Talbot moved The Little Portion to Eureka Springs, Arkansas on land he had purchased during his Mason Proffit days. He formed his own community, the Brothers and Sisters of Charity, at Little Portion Hermitage as an "integrated monastic community" with celibate brothers and sisters, singles, and families. By 1989, Talbot had married Viola Pratka (with the permission of the Catholic Church). Pratka was a former Incarnate Word Sister who had come to the community in 1986.

Talbot's title is General Minister and Spiritual Father. For many years, he has promoted the work of Mercy Corps.

The hermitage suffered a fire in April 2008 in which the library and many common areas were destroyed.

Reviews

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

He had some good things to say, but they got lost in both the over explanation and in a trail of dialogue that goes off topic and makes the book hard to follow or find the point at times.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked the last part of the book when Talbot was explaining how the Catholic Mass was so intertwined with the experience of humanity. It was really eye-opening and enabled me to participate in the Mass more fully. I will say there was a lot of Greek or Hebrew word origin breakdowns, which I absolutely love, but it might be a little overwhelming for some. Would recommend, especially the last part of the book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great breakdown of the words in the Jesus Prayer - 'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner' Also provided nice insights to the mass. A good read overall for Catholics or those who wish to know a bit more about Christianity/Catholicism.

[Fabian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very knowledgeable book on how to understand the liturgy of the Catholic Church

[Don Henrikson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book based on a recommendation from family. While I appreciate John Michael Talbot’s music, his passion, and his winsome spirit, I am not Roman Catholic. So, since much of his passion is built on that which I find to be false, I cannot recommend the book. Even so, I do believe I came away from the book with a better grasp of modern American Catholicism. For that I am grateful.

The book could have used better editing: the Hebrew word layout is a mess, likely dues to a font or word processing problem. The Greek is better, but with a few problems, as well.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talbot has a different way of looking at the Mass, explaining how much we need to participate fully in it. He discusses the various parts of the Mass and how they lead us ever deeper into appreciating the gift that it is.
While other books I've read have tried to do the same thing, Talbot has a way of opening the mysteries to the core of worship.