Masquerading as Angels

by Lance Richardson

What would happen if two families were to go on a vacation for two weeks, doing nothing but service for others all along the way? Discover with them that the real miracle of service is not simply what it does for others, but the change of heart in those serving.

Genres: Nonfiction

161 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Alex Black]

Reminded me to be more service oriented and also reminded me that simple things also are service.

[Marlene]

This book is a life-changing book. I loved it. It tells about 2 families who center their 2-week vacation on giving service. Not only do they learn how to serve well, but their families are changed forever because of this exercise. The authors give several ways to serve are easily "do-able", and they promise a richer, fuller life if we will help each other through this life. Service is contageous! mm

[Lora]

A most fascinating book on the simplicity and necessity of provding service to others. Very thought-provoking. Inspired me. "Why, really, do we look upon...people as "strange" or "unapproachable?" Why do we assume that we cannot find common ground or that they won't be interested in some of the same things we are: in human warmth and companionship, in love and kindness, in having a little intrest shown in them? I learned that regardless of what kind of message a person gives through their appearance, we ALL want to be accepted and cared for...All it took was showing a little interest." I see this to be true over and over again. "What I have come to understand is that service-given and sowing seeds of good-is the key ingredient in the Balm of Gilead...You can be weighted down with problems, see no solution in sight-then you go out and give your strenth to someone else and you suddenly find yoursel filled with peace and light. Your own problems shrink, some disappear. And God's love flows through your heart. I know of no form of sorrow that connot be eventually cured through giving, loving and serving. If it is pain from sin-well, all I know is that God seems to forgive quickly those whose repentance is filled with doing good for others...There are so many that sorrow from the loss of someone they love deeply...Tell people that there is hope. Tell them to have courage to go out and share their love with others; to bless someone else's life with the power of that love they once received. Not only will it bring them peace, but they will feel their lost ones near and the bond with them will deepen." (pg. 151). Great advice!

[Alauna]

This book had a great message, but was a bit disorganized. It was about a service vacation and was written by two authors. Each author wrote every other chapter. Sometimes it was hard to adjust to the different writing style from chapter to chapter. Their writing styles were quite different from each other in my opinion. It made it so the book didn't flow as smoothly as I would've liked, but it still had some amazing stories within it, and I would recommend it to everyone.

[Anna]

I've been thinking how crucial the mentality of "service" is to our well-being as individuals and a society, and the 5 stars is due to the authors' ingenuity, motivation and mindset to take their families on this joint "service vacation."

Organization, publication errors or typos aside, the message of this wonderful, true story is what makes my rating of this book soar. I recommend it to the human family at large. This book can do nothing but good for you!

[Tiffany Skinner]

I didn't enjoy this book as much as The Message, mostly because a lot of the stories and experiences in this book were briefly summarized in the Message, so I felt like I was reading the same book twice. That said, it was still very inspiring. I really need to take my focus off myself and focus on serving others more.

[Ruth]

This book really made me think how just simple acts of kindness can change so many lives. I would really like to do a service trip, but it has given me a renewed desire to be more Christ like. Take the time to read this book.

[Kerri]

An inspiring idea to emulate (two week, 2 thousand mile, service-oriented family vacation) but not written by writers, if you know what I mean. Still, quick read and solidifies my goal to incorporate service more with my kids and our "liesure" time!

[Rae]

An uplifting true story of two families who went on a "service trip" across five states. They looked for opportunities to give all kinds of service to others. No one can read this and not want to do more for those around them!

4 stars for the idea. 2 stars for the writing. Equals 3 stars.

[Heather]

A great message. Service is the way to make a difference each day. I appreciated the stories and ideas. I rated it 3 stars instead of 4 simply because of the repetition and quality of writing. Inspiring story.

[Laurie Robins]

This book inspired me. I don't know if I'd ever do what they did but it made me think I need to give more of myself and help others selflessly. A great idea and something we all need to incorporate more into our lives - serving others.

[Momma Fish]

This was a good little book.
Everyone should masquerade as Angels and "do simple acts" for others, everyday!

[Kaleen]

Everytime I read this book, I want to do more service. I have come to see the value of service. This book has had an impact on my thinking as well as the thinking of others that have read it.

[Jennifer Apffel]

The message of this book is critical for the healing of homes, communities and our society. I wish everyone would read this book. Gonna read this to my kids...

[Amy]

A good lesson for all families.

[April Riggs]

Great ideas for service. Makes you want to do more of it.

[Liza]

My daughter-in-law introduced this book to me. We are going to use the ideas in it for our next Sister's Retreat. Well worth reading and remembering.

[Michael]

Proof that "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

[Steelblue2]

Great stories. Felt a bit slow in reading because of the duplication of the message. The world is a better place because of these families and those who act on the inspiration from the stories.

[Kim Durrant]

I read this after reading The Message, and thought YES. Words to live by. Need to read this again with my boys & implement service & love of others more thoroughly in our lives.

[Ryan Seamons]

Required reading for any parent. Great ideas and stories around creating a service culture in your family. Loved it.