Redemption's Echo: Living in the Reflection of God's Grace

by Travis Vangsnes

“We spend a great deal of time and energy chasing safety and comfort. If you caught a glimpse of a madman dashing past you going the ‘wrong way’ it was probably Travis. He has run headlong into the murky cloud of pain and despair and has sent this book as a correspondence to us from the gloom to inform us of an amazing discovery- Jesus is already there! This begs the question- who, in fact, was running the ‘wrong way’? This book is an engaging and easy read that does not shy away from the hard, messy questions that we all have if we are honest enough to ask them.” --Everett Conaway

Through personal stories and reflections, Redemption's Echo reminds us that God is always masterfully at work using and repurposing our lives, our mess ups, and even the “ordinary” events in the everyday to create jaw dropping moments of beauty, hope, and redemption in and around us. In God’s script, the “weakest” among us can teach us about great strength, little kids can teach us what big faith looks like, and the suffering we face can help re-energize our faith. 

Throughout the book, Travis reinforces the truth of how the gospel frees us from the futility of religious self effort and performance. He also reminds us how regularly reflecting on our own rescue by Jesus is a game changer that should fuel our motivation to love and serve those around us with deeper grace and stronger compassion. 

With profound thoughts on joy in suffering from the author’s brain-injured brother (who cannot speak!) and stories of God showing up dramatically in unexpected places like farming and foster care, Redemption’s Echo will change how you view your own life’s events and everyday stories in light of God’s greater purposes. 

134 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2019

Reviews

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a unique perspective as I read this book. The whole time I was reading, I was sitting under one of the paintings that Jeremy made. This painting in particular titled "Live Life To The Fullest" holds special meaning to me because I was the one who actually got to help Jeremy paint it. It was a beautiful dance of picking out the colors together and then me holding the canvas as we watched Jeremy's leg go to work. The end result was something beautiful and colorful that brings so much joy every time I see it. But what this picture doesn't show, is the real life struggle and the mental struggle Jeremy must deal with ever day. Sitting with him and communicating with him, you see beyond the canvas. You see Redemption's echo being lived out in front of you moment by moment.

While Jeremy paints with his foot, Travis paints with words and they are both screaming the same thing - Jesus has won, and the echo of his victory can be heard through our broken, pain filled, and joyous lives. I am touched by the words of this book and to be reminded once again of the true gospel of Jesus. A gospel that frees us from religion and self gratification. A gospel that echos over and over and over that Jesus is the one who has already won and is calling us to live in community with him.

I highly recommend this book, and If you do not know Jeremy's story, then go first to the back of the book and read up on Jeremy first. Then with that as a background, read these beautiful words.