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Veneer: Living Deeply in a Surface Society

By Timothy D. Willard, Jason Locy

If you’re over the “celebrity me” culture or ready to shed your own façade, then Veneer: Living Deeply in a Surface Society is a liberating must-read.

In a world of consumerism, image management and profile posts that offer shallow glimpses of our authentic selves, authors Timothy D. Willard and Jason Locy artfully define the veneers that are keeping us from true abundant living.

Convicting and truth-telling, the authors poignantly convey that, just as veneer is used to minimize stress lines and blemishes in woodworking, we also cover or disguise the scars, insecurities and deficiencies in our own lives. However, God takes pleasure in refining our imperfections. Could it be that our true beauty is revealed when we are openly “in-process” and without veneer? The answer is yes.

Willard and Locy emphasize that God’s plan and perspective for humanity are contrary to the world’s view. Confronting our masks, celebrity worship and cultural trends head-on, the authors remind readers that there is a more qualitative way of life. This life is discovered through deep relationships, face-to-face conversations, honesty, openness and vulnerability—even when it’s uncomfortable.

This refreshingly bold and culturally relevant commentary offers not only a diagnosis for our current “app-culture,” but also provides a call to action: Defy the trends, and go deep with God and others.

Veneer is a perfect read for pastors, student ministry leaders and parents, as well as an ideal gift for students; children could also benefit. Having children of my own, I truly believe it’s never too early to start a conversation about “living deep.”

Reviewed by: Angie Richey, M.Ed., M.A., M.F.T.I., assistant director of Emmaus Road Counseling Center and director of college relations at Life Pacific College