Faith, Hope and Mischief: Tiny Acts of Rebellion by an Everyday Activist

by Andrew Graystone

Andrew Graystone is an everyday activist who believes in the power of tiny acts to change the world. He is the person whose image went viral when, after the mass shooting in the Christchurch mosque, he stood outside the mosque in his Manchester neighbourhood with a cardboard sign saying ’I’ll watch while you pray’.Faith, Hope and Mischief tells funny, prophetic and powerful stories of tiny acts of rebellion Andrew has carried out, alongside arresting reflections on what it means to live in faith and hope. His stories delight and challenge in equal measure, showing how the kingdom of God turns up in all kinds of ways and how small things make a big difference. His stories encourage readers to take risks, make holy mischief, poke fun at the over-mighty, and believe that despite evidence to the contrary, the world’s story is going to end well.This is a manual of everyday activism, a wellspring of wit and wisdom for days when hope is hard to come by, and an inspiration for anyone who feels powerless to make a difference.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2020

Reviews

[Rachel Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all need more Andrew Graystones in the world. A wise and witty prophet of our time.

[Norah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stimulating ideas for how to live a truly Christian life!

[Calum Mackenzie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well…what can I say. There’s a lot of good described here…a lot of which goes beyond what I’ve done as a believer. Did it make me laugh or smile? Not really. An occasional smirk but not the entertaining read I’d hoped for.

I agreed with a couple of points. Strongly disagreed with a lot . Had particular issue with some statements that actively contradict the Bible. Found it strange when describing Christian beliefs that he said ‘Christians believe’ not ‘I believe’ and he referred to God as ‘she’ which is modern silliness.

He uses the phrase ‘every day activist’ repeatedly while ignoring the Bible telling people to share the gospel. It didn’t sit well with me and neither does one ‘fun story’ where he attempts to paint out the word ‘not’ in the following statement on a sign in a multicultural area he lived in:

‘it does not make you a racist if you believe in a cap on immigration’

In terms of what he’s sniggeringly inferring…really?!!

To summarise, if you believe the Bible’s the infallible word of God, that we’re commissioned to love others AND share the gospel and that there ARE forces of evil and good battling in the world (something he doesn’t believe in so another disagreement with the Bible) then avoid…don’t recommend…very underwhelming, unfunny and contradicts the word of God.

[Karin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book achieves the tricky balance of saying something important while being easy to digest and fun which, funnily enough is pretty close to the author’s view of activism.

[Bethan Galliers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very relatable. Even more enjoyable as I hosted an evening for Andrew to read sine if the stories from the book to myself and my friends

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in an afternoon. A lovely, lighthearted yet inspiring book

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a radically refreshing cluster of stories. Thank you Andrew. A book for sharing.

[Bryony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most uplifting book you will read this year.

[Ben Jeapes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining collection of anecdotes, not the least bit mawkish or do-gooder, which illustrate how even the least of us can make a difference in some way and make the world that tiny bit better.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute legend - so glad I read this

[Isobel Ashmead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the stories that demonstrate the power of faith

[Norah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest look at life from a Christian point of view. Interesting ideas on how to live a truly Christian life.