Courage & Inspiration From The Ice [ Book Review ]
I am embarrassed to say that I received The Edge
by Sigmund Brouwer over 20 years ago, and I never
read it. To make it worse, it was a gift. Life
sure has a way of distracting us from reading
the books we say we will “one day” read. This
was not even an extensive read by any stretch.
A paltry 127 small pages. Now, as an adult, I
am reading what was meant for my former self
as a teenager. This will no longer have the same
impact it should have had on me 20+ years ago.
I was able to read this in a mere two hours.
The style is more like a devotional. There are
13 brief chapters that showcase NHL players that
share how their faith in Christ impacted not
only their careers, but their personal lives.
These are not players with superstar resumes.
Don’t get me wrong, they all had great careers.
A couple of them were even inducted into the
Hockey Hall of Fame. But I think it is more
their journey and the pinnacle moments
of their careers that shine the most.
Unfortunately, their encounters with Jesus
are often vague and limited in detail. But a
common thread that each player associated their
decision was a lack of
There was “emptiness”, as if something was
missing. Despite the bright lights, money, and
attention, they all expressed one way or another
that “there had to be more to life than this.”
I can see why I should have read this book when
I first received it. I would have enjoyed it
as a teen. That is the point. It was meant for
teens. But now as an adult, there is very little
to digest. But the one thing I did appreciate was
learning about these players sharing that “edge”
they had with their faith. It made me wonder
how many more players or athletes have that same
edge too, but are silent about it. Despite that
appreciation, this does not stimulate the seeker
or skeptic. It did not stimulate me either. But
I certainly felt fulfilled finally reading a book
way too long overdue. They often say “better
late than never”. I say “we either make time
or we don’t”. We need to ask ourselves what books
are we holding onto that have not been read? Will
we make time to read them? There is no promise
the books we finally read will provide value,
but there can be the promise of fulfilment and
closure knowing that you found out. And just maybe
that one book on your shelf could change your
life, because you decided to make the time for it.
