The purpose of In His Image is to connect us to God by connecting us to one another. This book prompts its readers to step back and take a critical eye to self. Through real experiences, scripture and bible stories, In His Image presents an underlying question throughout the book: "Are we living double-standard lives?" It seems many personal decisions are made and religious practices performed simply out of commitment to tradition, even when the underlying reasoning no longer supports them. It is time to re-think these decisions and practices in light of who God is and what God says. This book, additionally, addresses issues of accountability. As the title suggests, the book begins with the premise that we are made in the image of God. In His Image goes further to describe how we are made in the image of God in every respect. Our compliance with God's will means foregoing our will, regardless of the characterization of our will. If our will is not God's will, it does not matter if we call it a habit, a tradition or a religious practice. In His Image complements other resources available on the market and also serves as a supplement to those resources. In His Image supplements every book on the market promoting a better way of living. As believers are making efforts to achieve personal goals in growth and accountability in so many areas of their lives, In His Image will assist them with the next step in spiritual development. This book proposes a greater understanding of the spiritual foundation needed to change lives. It invites readers to ask those questions of self that, maybe, they have not dared to ask and, more importantly, to answer them honestly. In His Image, further, provides direction for those who want to grow spiritually and produce more fruitful lives. To reap this kind of fruit, we must understand the need to make different choices if we are to find God, really find God. Spiritual awakening is at the core of this book and offers to help anyone open a door to searching for answers to a better, more fulfilled life. The premise and focus of In His Image seeks to affect levels of consciousness. It is a raised level of consciousness that is necessary to make real and lasting changes to our enlightenment and existence. In His Image is for those who are hungry for this level of growth and personal challenge to excel spiritually. In His Image reminds us we are here for a purpose - an ultimate calling for God's purpose - and encourages those who are believers in God's Word to embark upon an unconventional journey to make a detour back to God and live a life fully in His image.
About the Author: Born and raised in Macon, Georgia, Carol L. Stokes grew up in the South. As most are, particularly, for Southerners, Carol was raised in the church. She attended Sunday School on Sunday mornings, regular worship service which followed and participated in vacation bible school during the summers. By her teenage years, she was completely indoctrinated into the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Throughout her adult life, Carol was fortunate enough to be exposed to various religious beliefs. She's had the privilege to visit a number of churches across the lines of denomination and even nondenominational churches. In fact, Carol was educated in Catholic schools from kindergarten through high school. She, consequently, is quite knowledgeable about Catholicism. In His Image, however, does not single out any particular denomination. In His Image was inspired by Carol's experiences with various religions, churches and people of varied religious beliefs. As Carol began a path of discovery for herself, the questions she posed often met disappointing responses. The good news is that these responses left Carol with a void and fueled a burning desire to get understanding for herself. Most of the questions Carol had pertained to her intrigue by people's conduct and religious practices which seemed to contradict the Word of God these people were faithfully worshiping. Carol's search for what made sense was the start of a journey. Either we live according to the covenant handed down by God or we live according to our own rules. There is no gray area with God. Carol's years of prayer for wisdom, discernment and an ever-growing relationship with God was paying off. She believes it is due to her deepest petition to live completely in God's image and make an impact for Him that her prayers were answered. She got understanding and set out to share what she gathered from years of study and meditation. While Carol's professional background is journalism and law, In His Image is based upon Carol's observation and study of life experiences and analyses of these experiences in light of the Bible. Carol feels really blessed to have much revealed to her and be able to share the journey with others.