It’s Never Too Late: Make the Next Act of Your Life the Best Act of Your Life
By Kathie Lee Gifford
I was an avid viewer of the TODAY show for years. It was the first thing I tuned into in the mornings and even pre-programmed my television [to my local NBC-affiliate] the night before so the TODAY show would literally be the first thing to appear on my TV screen in the morning. Back in the day, I enjoyed watching it while getting ready for work and eating my breakfast. Years later, it became my morning companion as I fueled with caffeine and began my daily transformation from mombie to mommy.
As much time as I spent watching TODAY, I rarely made it to the fourth hour that was hosted for over a decade by Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. Truthfully, the few segments I had seen appeared to be like gossip sessions or mindless banter between two friends enjoying wine. For me, it was a bit awkward and uncomfortable and made me feel as if I were eavesdropping on a private conversation.
Even though I didn’t follow the fourth hour of TODAY, I knew who Kathie Lee Gifford was but did not know much about her. Like, at all. That changed a few months ago in January when I heard her being interviewed by Megyn Kelly on The Megyn Kelly Show podcast (ref: episode 49). I was immediately captivated by her grace, kindness and unapologetic love for Jesus. It was on that podcast that I heard her share a bit of her testimony along with the light-hearted humor she is known for as well as a plug for her upcoming book.
After all of the heavy, culturally driven and biblically rooted books I’ve read so far in 2021, it was truly a GIFFT to have the opportunity to read and review Kathie Lee Gifford’s newest book, It’s Never Too Late: Make the Next Act of Your Life the Best Act of Your Life.
Just like the podcast episode I heard her on, Kathie Lee had me enthralled as soon as I started reading, It’s Never Too Late. Though, I should disclose that I am an idealist, a hopeless romantic and am deeply intrigued by life stories, especially life stories of celebrities and world changers. My interest in this book came as no surprise to me. What I didn’t expect, however, was enjoying it so much that I had a hard time putting it down.
It’s Never Too Late is a book full of encouragement and inspiration that weaves Kathie Lee’s personal life stories together with beautiful reminders that God is with you, for you, and is dreaming alongside of you as He guides you towards the plans and purposes He has prepared for you.
This isn’t the first book Kathie Lee has written, so note: It’s Never Too Late is NOT an autobiography. In fact, she’s written numerous books including a children’s book I love and own called, Hello, Little Dreamer.* I’d say It’s Never Too Late is the adult-version of Hello, Little Dreamer, a book geared towards God’s promises, goodness, and complete faithfulness.
The 35 chapters in It’s Never Too Late are short and sweet, each supplying the reader with personal anecdotes from Kathie Lee’s extraordinary life while also offering the reader hope and brilliance for the season ahead. Additionally, the chapters address themes of perseverance, honesty, trust, forgiveness, transparency, friendship, purpose, celebration and more. An extra delight is each chapter begins with profound lyrics written by Kathie Lee [for the entertainment industry]. I hate to admit this, but I had no idea Kathie Lee was musically talented prior to reading this book! My goodness, this woman is creatively remarkable! A true artist, her words speak like poetry to the soul. Soothing at times, raw and real at others. And still, always refreshing, and full of truth.
Oh yeah, that’s another little tidbit unknown to me prior to 2021 – Kathie Lee Gifford is unapologetic about her faith and love for Jesus. As I mentioned previously, she had discussed her faith on the The Megyn Kelly Show podcast, but she swims in spiritual deepness in It’s Never Too Late. It’s admirable, really, that she felt called to showbiz and then faithfully accepted God’s many assignments to serve His Kingdom and glorify His name. While I detected some tones of pride and self-righteousness, she did openly and vulnerably admit her flaws and humanity and always pointed everything right back to Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior. For someone who was unfamiliar (prior to this year) about her commitment to Christ, I found this very uplifting.**
Friends, It’s Never Too Late is an easy, breezy book best enjoyed with a glass of wine (preferably, Kathie Lee’s GIFFT wine) and the sun shining on your face. Because that is exactly what this book is – a ray of sunshine during a time that is otherwise very dark and gloomy. This book will make you laugh, cry and smile, perhaps all at the same time, but more likely this book is the spiritual time-out your weary soul needs after over a year of surviving the Covid-19 pandemic.
*You guys, this book is so beautiful! It’s one of those books that never ceases to bring me to tears…and it’s a children’s book!!! Just shows that we are all truly children of God.
**I don’t know many specifics about her faith, theological beliefs, religious practice, or testimony, other than what she has disclosed publicly.
***I received this book from FrontGate Media in exchange for promotion and my honest review
