Like a friend offering a reassuring hand, Terry Anderson welcomes the reader of Knowing God Personally on an important journey. He communicates his message with loving welcoming language, which allows the reader to put a toe on the path, take an initial step rather than bolting away in guilt.

Anderson has a gift for structuring meaningful analogies. His transitions from one section to the next are smooth, juxtapositioning topics and themes that allows the reader to grasp the meaning of his message. He weaves these themes and analogies through the text like a tightly woven tapestry, such as the metaphor of journey. His use of both Old Testament and New Testament scripture exemplifies that the Bible is, itself a continuous path.

Anderson understands language, he is very precise with the usage of words, so his meanings are clear. For example, he effectively makes the distinction between self-identity, self indulgence, selfishness and selflessness. Bombarded with words, twisted and spun out of control in this information age of global communication, Anderson is careful to say what he means, and communicates distinctly with precise word choice and clear definitions.

He shows us the danger of words if not properly understood. For example, the notion of tradition if not respected in its proper context, could actually be synonymous with idolatry. He illustrates how the notion of obedience has been twisted from showing reverence to God to the misapprehension of being told what to do or being subservient to another human being. This false interpretation unleashes the emotion of fear, blocking us from the truth of the word's meaning. A similar anomaly exists with the notion of humility, or of being humble. Often, the worldly interpretation connotates kowtowing, being pushed down (humiliated), but Anderson defines true humility as reverence, to God; it is not demeaning, but virtuous.

Pride is too often translated as self-sufficiency, self-esteem, independent, by clearing our language of the clutter it now contains, Anderson bring down the road barriers that impede our progress along the spiritual path. He does this consistently throughout the text, making the distinction between happiness and joy, fear and obedience, emotional love and spiritual love.

By remaining honest and willing to expose his own stumbles and struggles, we trust what Anderson is saying as sincere. He breaks down cliches, replacing them with identifiable meaning. For example, he effectively explains the concept of man being made in God's image. This phrase tells us what man is capable of as a being, not that man is an equal to God which can never be. Good at differentiating wanting something or having the intention to love or be a good Christian, Anderson exemplifies how acting in a loving way and participating in Christian acts and deeds is the true path to God; words and intentions are no more than dead-end.

Teaching, never condemning, re-empathizing without being redundant, Anderson fully recognizes man's struggle. He is honest in telling us that what is required is difficult, is a struggle and often is a battle. Our minds battle within us constantly; the emotions of fear, anger, judgment, criticism, self indulgence are always in confrontation with our hopes, desires and need for love. The struggle is real, but hope is strong. Forgiveness and love is possible in everyone committed to discipline and faith. The challenges laid down in Anderson's writing is often daunting, but the rewards are great. What man must do is not sugar coated in feel good accolade. Sin, repentance, struggle, courage, suffering and forgiveness are all examined, made relevant to our lives. Suffering is analogous to the symptoms of a diseased spirit. God, the healer, the father can mend the disheartened and acceptance of God's unconditional love. Anderson does not depict a world that is doomed, but a family that can be healed.

Everyday we are bombarded by white noise, constant sound that makes us deaf to the true meaning of words. Our minds are cluttered with twisted images and meanings. Terry A. Anderson has found the time, the quiet space to stop, to hear, to listen and to reflect. Through his wonderfully clear, honest, instructive language he is willing to share with us what he has learned about the Act of Forgiveness, Unconditional Love, and the peace and joy of a personal relationship with God.