I guess I knew bits and pieces of Drew Brees story but reading his book I learned so much more about his life, challenges and the incredible story of the Saints march to the Super Bowl victory.   Brees is definitely one of the good guys in the sports world.   He has overcome the hurdles in his life including his parent’s divorce when he was a young boy, potential end of the career injuries, and his mothers suicide.  He has done it through faith in a God who is able to work all things out for His glory and our good.

Being from Louisiana (but a huge Cowboys fan) I rooted the Saints to win it all.   Having read this book I am even happier that they did.   Brees and his wife, chose to go to New Orleans because they felt they could make a difference there.   Their foundation has put $5 million into the rebuilding of the city.   I was inspired when I read about their commitment to helping children with cancer as well as the many other worthwhile causes in which they participate.

Anyone can enjoy this book.  However,  it is especially a good read for any football fan.  I highly recommend it.  

This is a simple, easy to read book.  No surprises here.  Resilient leaders act decisively and with integrity.  They also lead with optimistic vision.  I had difficulty with some of the people the author saw as resilient leaders.  On the other hand, reading about people like Civil War hero, Joshua Chamberlain was inspiring.

This book is a good book as far as leadership books go but not a must read.  I got some good illustrations and quotes by reading but not much new in terms of information.

We have all often heard it said that someone picked up a book and could not put it down, but I wonder how often that really, literally happens.   It happened for me last Thursday evening.   I went to Barnes and Noble to browse for a book and picked up Life In Spite of Me by Kristen Anderson.  I did not put it down.  I read the entire book (200 pages) while sitting in Barnes and Noble.  I bought the book and now my daughter has it with her on a trip she is on to your Europe.

Kristen Anderson was a 15 year old in a family that was much healthier in many ways than the average family.   She began to slip into a state of confusion and depression when she lost four close friends and her grandmother in a short time period.   She began to drink and lost interest in school.  Kristen was raped by a close friend.  She decided to take her life by lying down in front of an approaching train.  Miraculously she survived but lost her legs.

I was absolutely riveted to each page as I read about Kristen’s struggles after her failed suicide attempt.  In the midst of her recovery, a friend shared the gospel with her.  Even though Kristen had gone to church she really never understood what it meant to be a Christ follower.   All of that changed.   Even after beginning her spiritual journey the road to recovery was filled with pot holes including struggling with drugs and bouts with depression.

Today, Kristen has graduated from Wheaton College and has a ministry to people who want to take their lives.   She was interviewed by Oprah.   You can watch the interview at the link below.   As you watch, you will hear the audience gasp when she says that immediately following her suicide attempt she kept hearing the song amazing grace in her mind.   Right before Kristen comes out on the show, Oprah spots gospel singer Bebe Winans in the audience and has him come up and sing.   He sings Amazing Grace.

Watch the video.  Read the book.  Be inspired.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iRDt96Lu3Y