By Carl Stagner

What if? The simple, yet intriguing question serves as the title of Ann Smith’s new release from Warner Press, the prolific publisher of Church of God books, curriculum, bulletins, and much more. At almost one hundred years young, Smith is as sharp as ever—wielding a wealth of wisdom and insight accumulated over a lifetime—and sharing it now in the form of thought-provoking, self-reflective inquiries sure to stimulate the mind and heart. Complete with tasteful Japanese-style illustrations and gold-foil accents, the book is regarded already for its design, too. In view of the book’s instant acclaim, the former Church of God missionary, Convention speaker, longtime leader in the Movement, and mentor to so many, delights to offer a glimpse of what led to this moment.

In an interview with Warner Press, Ann Espey Smith admitted there wasn’t a motivation to write a book, but instead ask questions. Like personal journaling, throughout her life Ann has jotted down questions that would pop into her mind—questions that she found useful to her own spiritual formation. “Without honest questions,” after all, what if “I deprive myself of the richness of life?” she observes. Sometimes the questions about everyday life and faith would find their way onto scrap pieces of paper, while other times they’d make their mark on napkins. “It was [really] a desire to live with questions and let them impact my life,” she said. Ann goes on to recount how individuals would occasionally ask her if she’d compile the questions, but the timing was never quite right. Thank God, the time has come, and each of us has the opportunity to enjoy that prized one-on-one conversation with Ann Smith through the pages of What If?

Some Ann’s favorite questions included in the book are What if false assumptions create many of my problems? and What if everything that comes into my life (…the good, the bad…the blah) is the raw material for growth? On the subject of living with expectancy, an oft-recommended perspective from Ann, the specific question posed in the book is What if my expectations allow for only one acceptable outcome? Sometimes it’s a host of questions, not a tome of answers, which inspires unaltered self-perception, a renewed view of the world around us, meaningful conversation with others, and authentic spiritual growth and discipleship. A book like What If? offers, then, a range of possible uses, even beyond personal application. Sunday schools and small groups, for instance, will find the questions invaluable to engaging discussion, and pastors may find the unique angles handy as sermon starters and prompts.

Among the book’s numerous endorsements, songwriter and author Gloria Gaither says, “This treasure chest of thought-stirring questions posed by Ann Smith, one of the wisest and deepest women I have ever known, stirs around in the dormant corners of our souls, quietly demanding that we come to grips with the vital issues of life.” Bishop Timothy Clarke of First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio, observes that “This question What if? is one we all ask, and wrestle with, and yet seldom do we arrive at the answer. In this book, writer, missionary, and Christian leader, Ann Smith, not only asks the question, but does so with skill, sensitivity, and deep spiritual awareness.” Dr. Lori Maldonado of Teach One to Lead One further notes that “This book by Ann Smith will challenge you to explore new perspectives and unlock your hidden potential. Dive into its pages and let your curiosity lead you to profound insights and transformative growth.”

Warner Press published the following biographical statement about Ann Smith, summarizing a rich life and living legacy which most of us would aspire toward: Ann Espey Smith is a person who believes life is 100 percent about relationships: our relationship to God, to self, to others, to things, to the universe. As a follower of Jesus, Ann is convinced that life is about finding ways to creatively and effectively live out each of these relationships. Sometimes she does this well; sometimes, not so well, but her deepest desire is to leave a legacy of hope. Ann has been a church leader for decades, serving as a missionary to Japan with her late husband, Nathan, for twenty-five years, speaking at conferences, and inspiring and mentoring people of all ages. Her spiritual wisdom and passion for God are admired by countless people across the world.

Through November 22 you can use code SAVEWHATIF30 at checkout to get 30 percent off the book. Learn more about the What If?, secure a free sample, and order your copy today at https://www.warnerpress.org/what-if.