Title: Identity Crisis: Who Am I, Really?

Author: M.J. Kelley II

Genre: Spiritual

 

He had spent his early years in an abusive household, suffering the malicious insults and worse from parents who were slaves to their addictions. When he was moved to various houses in the Foster Care system, he was viewed as a burden. Resilience in the face of adversity helped M.J. Kelley II survive a troubled childhood, and he grew up to have an accomplished career in law enforcement. Despite his career achievements, there was a nagging voice inside him casting doubt on any and all success, which left him unfulfilled. He believed his identity was solely related to his accomplishments, but this would change as his relationship with God evolved. As he allowed the word of God into his heart, his journey would be altered forever.

M.J. Kelley II has penned a moving and thoughtful book for those fraught with an existential crisis. Kelley provides a rational, mixed with spiritual approach in providing advice to fellow wayward souls, and his compassion is noticeable throughout every chapter in the book. In addition to providing relevant quotes from scripture, his excellent work cites research of both secular and non-secular scholars to impress his point. Kelley is an empathetic narrator who provides a kind voice for those struggling with one of the most fundamental questions in life.

In examining the vexing questions about identity, the proliferation of social media in the digital world has shaped how people believe their identity should align more with an idealized version of themselves. As Kelley skillfully explains, this has led to people abandoning the genuine version of themselves for the artificial. Social media has become an external barrier to people developing their own identity, as the reliance on “likes,” “re-tweets,” and positive comments leads a person to sacrifice their individuality for the sake of someone else’s appreciation.

One of the primary points strenuously and effectively emphasized in the book is the significance of God’s voice and the necessity of allowing it to be heard above the din of all else. Kelley’s relationship with God solidified over time, but one of the key factors in allowing God into his life was learning how to tune out external noise and accept being a Child of God. The need to understand that we were all created in God’s image (Imago Dei) and how external influences shouldn’t determine our vision of ourselves is paramount, according to Kelley, who also teaches that once people allow the sonorous voice of God in, they can begin to communicate with him through prayer.

The spiritual quest toward self-discovery is both thought-provoking and impactful, as related by Kelley. The steps involved with introspection are clearly laid out, but the book’s impact would be strengthened with some additional personal anecdotes about the author’s own soul-searching.

Identity Crisis: Who Am I, Really? is a solid and insightful book, offering a life preserver to the men and women struggling in the ocean of self-doubt. M.J. Kelley’s words provide wisdom and hope, and his book is a spiritual compass that will provide direction for many grateful readers.

 

 

This Editorial Review was written by the Book Review Directory staff. To receive a similarly honest, professional review for one of your own books, click here.