Refine: The Book Review

Introduction 

Who is Gloria Murphy Carroll? 

Today I have the privilege of reviewing Refine by Gloria Murphy Carroll. I consider this an honor because Mrs.Carroll is the Godmother of my late foster sister Daisy Boyd.

In my life, she is and continues to be a huge blessing. She encourages me to keep growing in my relationship with the Lord and glorify him through writing. Without her influence, I would have quit creating poetry some time ago. 

Beyond being influential to me, Mrs.Carroll uses her passion for Christ through the gift of evangelism to draw others closer to him. 

So, who is Gloria Murphy Carroll?  Mrs.Carroll is a Washington, DC native who is a product of DC area public schools.  

She is a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, godmother, spiritual mentor, evangelist, author, poet, and so much more. 

She is also a member of Mt.Sinai Baptist and has trained in biblical studies and seminars for over thirty years. Her biblical knowledge has enabled her to write several works including ones published in the Library of Congress. 

Reviewing Refine: Summary

Concise Explanations with Biblical Support  

While Mrs. Carroll has written several great works, let’s focus on reviewing Refine. 

Refine is a great book for skeptics, new converts and college students. The reason being Mrs. Murphy’s ability to present sound biblical truths in a simple way. 

As a seminary graduate, I believe this is important because some people may feel intimidated by fancy theological concepts. Similarly, others may dread the idea of having to learn Greek and Hebrew to understand foundational Christian teachings.

Refine eases this burden, by framing essential teachings in the form of a question, then providing a page long explanation. 

With eighty pages total, readers can finish this work in one sitting or in about three weeks.

During this time, readers get to address common questions such as does God exist (Gloria Murphy Carroll, Refine, 2023 page 9). Explanations for such questions do not rely heavily on the author’s personal opinion or arguments made by various scholars. 

Instead, evidence for each inquiry comes directly from scripture. This means the author refers to scriptures like the Creation Account to prove God reigns over the earth.

Along with revealing God’s sovereignty over the earth, Refine also addresses practical matters like how do I worship (Refine, 45). This inclination shows Refine is for Christians who know church culture but haven’t had an authentic encounter with God. 

Embodying Refine’s Meaning

Interestingly, an authentic encounter with God can be a pathway for refining. This is because being in the presence of a holy God causes everything unholy to flee. 

Just ask Paul who by God’s refining transforms from a murderer to an ambassador in the Christian faith.      

Along with a glorious transformation, refining can also take place through pain and destruction. Mrs. Carroll proves this when using Zechariah 13:9 as the basis for this book. 

Zechariah 13:9 promises the Lord will answer the prayers of those who acknowledge him as God. The verse also says he will claim them as his people.

However, the fulfilling of this promise will not occur without them experiencing a refinement from idols and false prophets (Zechariah 13:2-3, New Living Translation). Sadly, this refinement requires two-thirds of the people to die for straying away from the Lord through idol worship.

Some scholars believe the COVID 19 pandemic was a similar refinement as this disease and death plagued the world. Mrs.Carroll uses this reality as an opportunity to call non-believers and backsliders to repentance (Refine, xv-xvi). 

Her actions resemble Isaiah which says cry aloud spare not lift up thy voice like a trumpet and show my people their transgressions. But reviewing Refine helps me realize her cry isn’t simply against the sins we commit.

Mrs.Carroll’s challenge is for people to dig deep into their heart and allow God to deal with the root of their pain. Only then can we be free from the chains of bondage .

One Recommendation

A Continual Refining for the Believer? 

Honestly, there is nothing I can add to a book that correctly uses scripture to draw people closer to God. With that being said, I would love to see a part two specifically for Christians.

This is because refinement does not cease in the life of a Christian until they transition to eternity. This is why scripture encourages believes to work out one’s salvation and add to their faith 

I believe this version could address refinement after matters like

• Marriage
• Childbirth
• Career Success 
• Employment changes
• Divorce
• Loss of a child or parent 
• Church trauma and drama

A book of this nature is necessary because these are common phases of life God uses to mature and refine believers in various ways.

Does reviewing Refine compel you to read this book? If you do get a chance to read Refine, I would love to  hear your thoughts. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!