By Sheila Barlow with David Waite
Hodder & Stoughton. 214 pages. £5.99
ISBN 0 340 69456 4
The 'nightmares' refer to the ordeals suffered by Sheila Barlow and her family. Living in Kuwait, they found themselves caught up in the Gulf War, ultimately becoming hostages in Saddam Hussein's 'human shield'.
Later, Sheila also experienced serious post-traumatic stress disorder. This biographical account is peppered with details of her spiritual journey. Christianity played a minor role in her childhood and early married life but, towards the end of the book, she became a committed Christian. The family's experiences are dramatic and often moving, and it is an exciting read.
Unfortunately, parts of the book lack theological clarity. Two examples will illustrate this. On arrival in Kuwait, the family undergoes mandatory blood tests. Sheila faints because of the heat, causing them to be treated quickly. She comments: 'The Bible states that all things work together for good, and we were to discover the truth of that verse . . . all the paperwork and blood tests (were) completed in . . . ten minutes!' (p.23). The implication is that God works things for our convenience rather than to make us like Christ, which is the thrust of Romans 8. But it is an understandable mistake. Another example of confusing theology is when Sheila, suffering mental illness, hears voices. The 'Jesus voice', as she calls it, tells her she is a witch and that she and her husband will kill each other (p.172). Sensational events require careful narration and explanation - if not, they can be seriously misleading.
The last chapter, in contrast, points clearly and powerfully to God's trustworthiness. Sheila testifies to God's constant presence with us and the way he uses testing times to bless and strengthen us.
