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All the Good in Sports by Mike Sandrolini (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
Twenty sports personalities candidly share how their relationship with Christ has helped them cope with difficulties—both professional and personal.
Blind Hope by Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
When Sacher adopted an almost-blind dog, she wanted to show the world how kind she was—but her relationship with the defiant dog unmasked Sacher’s spiritual poverty. Meeder’s retelling offers hope and healing for hurting hearts.
Bridge Called Hope: Stories of Triumph From the Ranch of Rescued Dreams by Kim Meeder (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
As director of Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, Meeder shares stories that unveil the heart of strength and the character of genuine courage to show that even the deepest hurts can be met with God’s love.
Choosing to See: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Mary Beth Chapman (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
Chapman shares her struggle with the tragic loss of her daughter Maria Sue, and her journey to healing through faith and hope.
Finding Home: An Imperfect Path to Faith and Family by Jim Daly
Daly recounts his harrowing childhood—and of a God whose relentless love can redeem the broken lives of children of abandonment, abuse, and alcoholism.
Gianna: Aborted … and Lived to Tell About It by Jessica Shaver Renshaw
Gianna Jessen survived a saline abortion and overcame obstacles to become a strong pro-life advocate. She chronicles her search for and reconciliation with her biological mother.
The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom, with John and Elizabeth Sherrill
Tracing her life in Holland during World War II and her family’s arrest for helping Jews escape the Nazi persecution, ten Boom recounts her story of living in a concentration camp and the lessons she learned about love and forgiveness.
I Grew Up Little: Finding Hope in a Big God by Patsy Clairmont
Clairmont was a high school drop-out, a teenage runaway, a bride at 17, and a mother at 20. She suffered from agoraphobia and depression, and she began to lose hope—until she learned the true depth of God’s redeeming love.
Into the Deep by Robert Rogers with Stan Finger
Driving home from a wedding, the Rogers family was caught in a flash flood—and Robert’s wife and four children drowned. Into the Deep offers an account of maintaining faith in God despite tragedy.
Laughing in the Dark by Chonda Pierce (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
“This docu-comedy follows Chonda as she takes the audience on an emotional roller-coaster ride descending to the depths of dark despair and rising to the heights of victory propelled by laughter, perseverance and faith.”
Let Justice Roll Down by John Perkins
The son of sharecroppers in 1930s Mississippi, Perkins grew up under the weight of poverty and racism. He came to Christ in California and returned home to share the Gospel and help others find equality, justice, and economic independence.
Life, in Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Kristen Anderson (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
Recounting her survival of a suicide attempt, Anderson shares how her faith in God helped her overcome severe depression and shame, as well as the challenges of permanent physical disability.
Life Is Not a Dress Rehearsal by Sheri Rose Shepherd
Shepherd shares about growing up in a broken home and of suffering from depression and addiction to food and drugs. With humor and hope, she recounts how God took her from misery to victory.
The Man in the Middle by Timothy S. Goeglein (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
Goeglein spent nearly eight years in the George W. Bush White House. In this insider’s account, he reflects on how the 43rd president handled his time in office—and the grace President Bush extended when Goeglein’s plagiarism came to light.
Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope by the Van Ryns and Ceraks
When five Taylor University students and staff were killed in a tragic accident, one survivor was identified as Laura Van Ryn, and another young woman, Whitney Cerak, was buried—but the discovery that the girls had been mistaken for each other changed their families forever. Here the two families share a tale of vulnerability, loss, hope, faith, and love in the midst of unimaginable circumstances.
My Hair and God’s Mercies … New Every Morning: A Story of a Life Changed by Grace by Yvette Maher
Through a devastating childhood, great personal loss, unmet expectations, and painful disappointments, Maher learned the secret of forgiving herself and others—and she found the lasting, ever-present love of Christ.
Once an Arafat Man by Tass Saada (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
Saada describes his life of hatred as a Palestinian refugee in Saudi Arabia and his service as a sniper and chauffeur for Yasser Arafat. But his conversion to Christianity led to love overcoming hatred.
Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices & Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy
Written at the top of Dungy’s NFL success, Quiet Strength offers his thoughts about the value of seeing family as more important than fame and building up a storehouse of eternal wealth that will never fade away.
The Secret Life of a Fool by Andrew Palau (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
“One Man’s Raw Journey From Shame to Grace”
Shattered: Struck Down, But Not Destroyed by Frank Pastore
Pastore was enjoying life as a major league pitcher until a line drive shattered his elbow. Here he shares truths about life, baseball, and relating to a sovereign God.
Street God by Dimas Salaberrios (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
“The explosive true story of a former drug boss on the run from the hood—and the courageous mission that drove him back.”
Through My Eyes (Young Reader’s Edition) by Tim Tebow
From the circumstances of his birth in the Philippines to his homeschool roots and record-setting career with the Florida Gators, Tebow tells how faith, family values, and determination propelled him to achieve his dreams.
Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader’s Journey Across the Life Line by Abby Johnson
After Johnson, director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in Texas, participated in her first abortion procedure, she quit her job and walked across the road to join the Coalition for Life. Her spiritual transformation instills hope and compassion into the political controversy surrounding the issue of abortion.
Unscripted by Ernie Johnson Jr. (not currently available through Focus on the Family)
“The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary”
Abuse: One Survivor’s Story (Michael Reagan)
As a child, Reagan’s illegitimacy and adoption led him to hate God and himself—and being sexually molested by a camp counselor only increased his despair. But his healing came when he surrendered everything to God. And with the support of his wife, Reagan began to forgive those who had hurt him and understand the depth of Christ’s redeeming love.
Art Linkletter: My Life and Times (Art Linkletter)
Linkletter talks about his career, his family, and his faith as he shares humorous stories laced with nuggets of inspirational wisdom garnered from his life.
As the Towers Were Falling (Stanley Praimnath)
Praimnath recounts how he survived the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center Twin Towers on 9/11.
Basking in God’s Mercies (Yvette Maher)
Maher recounts her journey through a painful childhood, an abortion, and her father being convicted of murder. God’s grace allowed Maher to forgive her father and help her daughter choose life in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy.
Bringing Hope and Healing Through Rescued Horses (Kim Meeder)
Meeder shares stories from Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch, a ministry that pairs at-risk children with rescued horses. She shares how God took a tragic childhood event in her life and redeemed it through this outreach.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Legacy of Courage and Integrity (Eric Metaxas)
From his book Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, Metaxas offers fascinating details about Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s life—recounting his love for Christ and his efforts to support the Nazi resistance movement during World War II.
Discovering God Is Enough (Chonda Pierce)
Pierce openly discusses some of her most painful life experiences, including an abusive upbringing, her husband’s struggle with alcoholism, and his death in 2014. She describes how God’s grace has sustained her.
Dorie: The Girl Nobody Loved (Dorie Van Stone)
Van Stone shares her testimony of being a neglected and abused orphan—an outwardly mean child overlooked by adoptive families. But she clung to the promise of God’s love and eventually served with her husband as missionaries in New Guinea.
Drew Brees: Growing Stronger Through Adversity (Drew Brees)
New Orleans Saints quarterback and Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees talks about finding faith, strength, and hope in the face of hardship.
Encouraging Women With Past Wounds (Liz Curtis Higgs)
Higgs shares her testimony of pursuing a “bad girl” lifestyle until God captured her heart. She encourages women who feel their dark past disqualifies them from God’s family—and speaks to parents who may have a self-destructive prodigal.
Finding God in the Midst of Pain (Kay Arthur)
Arthur shares her journey through a broken marriage, her first husband’s suicide, several affairs—and how she finally cried out to God. Regardless of the painful pasts we may carry, we can accept God’s forgiveness and forgive ourselves.
Finding God on the Streets (Pastor Dimas Salaberrios)
Salaberrios tells of coming to Christ after spiraling out of control as a young drug dealer in New York City, consumed by addiction, violence, and crime.
Finding Hope After My Darkest Day (Kristen Anderson)
Anderson shares her testimony of surviving a suicide attempt, although she lost her legs in the process. She recounts coming to faith in Christ, and she talks about what parents can do to reach out to depressed teens.
Finding Hope After Your Dream Dies (Phil Vischer)
VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer discusses the painful lessons he learned from giving up his dreams, and the hope he found when God gave him a new vision for the future.
Finding Hope for My Heart (June Hunt)
Hunt shares of growing up with an extremely critical, controlling, and deceptive father. But her mother modeled biblical forgiveness toward her husband, and Hunt came to understand the truth of freedom in Christ, as well.
Finding Hope Through Family Tragedy (Keith Becker)
Keith’s family was on a first-name basis with deputies who broke up his parents’ fights. He embraced a party lifestyle in high school and encouraged his younger brother, Todd, to do the same. But then Todd died in a drunk-driving accident. Keith shares the account of their tragedy and of God’s grace: Keith’s parents were saved, and he founded a ministry to help teens.
Forgiving My Father (David Meece)
Meece tells the story of his painful past and his struggles to forgive his father and find God’s healing.
God Uses Cracked Pots (Patsy Clairmont)
Clairmont humorously shares life examples to underscore biblical principles: 1) determine to do what you say and believe what God says; 2) seek counsel from godly women; 3) settle your past; 4) speak the truth; and 5) saturate yourself in the Word.
God’s Direction in My Life (Bob Vernon)
From which college to attend, to a failed effort to become an Air Force pilot, to an eventual career with the Los Angeles Police Department, Vernon describes how God was involved in the details of his life and career.
God’s Healing Presence in My Life (Joni Eareckson Tada)
When Tada broke her neck at age 17, she was confused, angry, and bitter toward God until Christian friends helped her accept her condition. She began to take small steps toward thankfulness as she learned to live with her disability—and here she shares stories about some of the people she’s met while ministering to others.
Going Back to the Basics (Brian Holman)
Holman, a former MLB pitcher, shares of the devastating losses and medical challenges his family faced. He found strength by going back to the basics of the Bible and trusting in God’s promises.
Goodbye to a Legend: Coach John Wooden (John Wooden, Tim Tassopoulos)
In this prerecorded message, the legendary coach shares invaluable lessons about building character and success.
Grace and Redemption: My Life in Washington (Tim Goeglein)
Goeglin talks about balancing career and family and about the importance of engaging those who hold differing views. He also shares candidly about his pride and downfall when he plagiarized other sources for a newspaper column he wrote—and about the grace and forgiveness he experienced in the aftermath.
Growing Deeper in Faith Day by Day (Ernie Johnson Jr.)
Johnson shares about finding Christ at age 41 and navigating the challenges of putting his newfound faith on public display. He also talks about trusting God with his career and leaning on Him through cancer.
Healing Childhood Traumas (Stephanie Fast)
Fast describes the horrors of her life as a mixed-blood orphan in Korea after the Korean War—and about her rescue by a World Vision worker who nourished her back to health and placed her in their orphanage. She shares about her adoption by missionaries; her salvation at age 15; and her emotional and spiritual healing process, including her struggle with anger and hatred, both toward herself and toward Korean people.
How Big Is God? (Judy Reamer)
Reamer was happy to hear about someone’s spiritual journey and relationship with God, but coming from a Jewish background, any mention of Christ was nonsense—and blasphemy—to her ears. Her search for meaning and fulfillment didn’t end until she was willing to consider the New Testament’s claims.
I Will Never … (Jane Bateman)
Bateman shares her journey to faith, the difficulty of raising a disabled son who died as a young man, and the ultimate glory she gives to the God who promises never to leave us—especially in our seasons of deepest despair.
Impacting the Culture by Walking With Jesus (Lisa Harper)
Harper discusses some of the difficult life challenges she’s experienced and how she’s learned to depend on God, accept His love, and live out her faith.
Insightful Wisdom for Living Well (Dr. Kevin Leman)
Leman describes his personal faith journey and offers guiding principles that can lead to a life of integrity and meaning.
A Jewish Believer’s Story (Dr. Lon Solomon)
Solomon tells about his Jewish heritage, his Jewish upbringing, his years of rebellion in college—and the turning point. He began to search for meaning. Nothing dealt with his pain until a street evangelist presented the Gospel to him and gave him a Bible. Jesus’ words in Matthew spoke to Solomon, and he prayed a prayer of salvation and was later baptized. He describes his family’s negative reaction to his conversion and also of his father’s later acceptance of Christ a week before he died. Solomon talks about the connection between Judaism and Christianity and notes that assurance, contentment, and peace are only found through a personal relationship with Christ, the Messiah.
A Legacy of Justice and Freedom (Dr. John Perkins)
At 82, Perkins has a vivid memory of the early years in a segregated Southern Mississippi that was cruel toward African Americans. He encourages listeners to pray for those who persecute them and remember that every life is worthy of respect.
Letting God Redeem Your Broken Life (Elisa Morgan)
Morgan shares her testimony of growing up in a dysfunctional family. Despite trying to raise her adopted children with godly principles, their poor life choices led to another broken family today. But God can redeem all things.
Living a Life of Faith in Hollywood (Mark Burnett, Roma Downey)
Burnett and Downey share about their faith journeys as Christians in Hollywood and talk about the development of their television miniseries The Bible.
Living Joyously (Reverend David Ring)
Ring was born with cerebral palsy, suffered pain and ridicule as a child, and lost both parents to cancer by the time he was 14. Feeling hopeless and unloved, Ring wanted to die, too—until he experienced the saving love of Jesus. He encourages others with the hope and truth that we can overcome life’s adversities with Christ.
Living With ADD (Ben Glenn)
As a child, Glenn felt rejection due to his dyslexia and ADD. But then he learned about God’s love and acceptance. Here, he offers the reminder that God has a wonderful plan for each of our lives.
Lorenzo Romar: On the Winning Team (Coach Lorenzo Romar)
Romar talks about his pro basketball career and his salvation experience, as well as his ministry with Athletes in Action.
Loving the Prodigal Home (Andrew Palau)
Andrew, the son of evangelist Luis Palau, shares openly about how he wasted his youth on alcohol abuse and a disdain for Christianity. He also recounts what his parents did that led to his salvation when he was 27.
A Man Called Norman (Mike Adkins)
Norman was a social misfit and a recluse. Virtually everybody in his small town made fun of him except his neighbor Mike. Here, Mike shares the humorous and poignant story of his efforts to befriend Norman and share the Gospel with him. Consider how you might share the love of Christ with those who seem unlovable.
More Than Meets the Eye (Joan Brock)
Within three weeks’ time, Brock inexplicably went blind—and soon after, her husband died of cancer. She shares her journey through these struggles and how she has been comforted by the support of family, friends, and God.
My Dramatic Conversion from Islam (Tass Saada)
Saada was a Palestinian sniper in Yasser Arafat’s army, and all he wanted to do was to kill Jews and Christians. He shares about the havoc he wreaked in the lives of others in the Middle East before coming to America—where a faithful friend and the prayers of strangers led him to Christ.
My Journey to Faith and Family (Jim Daly)
Daly recounts his troubled childhood—sharing how those turbulent years helped shape him into the man he is today and prepared him to reach out to families around the world.
One Pitch From Humility (Frank Pastore)
Pastore thought he had it all: fame, fortune, and a professional baseball contract. But a line drive shattered his elbow, pushing him into the arms of Christ. He shares his story of salvation and how he finally discovered that true fulfillment would never come from worldly success.
Overcoming Adversity Through Faith and Sports (Tamika Catchings-Smith)
Pro basketball star Catchings-Smith explains how faith and perseverance helped her overcome challenges and achieve her dreams.
Overcoming My Wounded Heart (Dr. Emerson Eggerichs)
Eggerichs grew up in a home shaken by adultery, violence, and abandonment. He shares how finding a relationship with Jesus Christ brought healing. Consider that hard times are essential to becoming a “wounded healer.”
Overcoming the Heartaches of Life (Sheri Rose Shepherd)
Coming from a divorced home and having been verbally wounded as an overweight teen, Shepherd became bulimic and attempted suicide. She tells how she accepted Christ and how God healed her emotional wounds.
The Power of Faith to Change Your Life (Dr. Luis Palau)
Palau tells of God’s transforming work in his life and the lives of his parents, who both passed away during his childhood. He shares about the changed lives he’s seen throughout 50 years of ministry and invites others to receive Christ as Savior.
Reclaiming Your Identity in the Father’s Love (Dennis Jernigan)
Jernigan shares how music and a praying grandmother helped him through a decade of bullying because of sexual struggles. He shares how he left sexual sin behind and embraced Christ—and he encourages others to reclaim their identity, too.
Replacing Panic With God’s Peace (Patsy Clairmont)
Clairmont suffered repeated panic attacks as a young bride, which eventually led to being housebound. But then she found fellowship and hope in Christ—and she encourages other women with the lessons she’s learned.
Rescued Horses: Renewed Hope for Kids (Troy and Kim Meeder)
The Meeders started a ranch for horses rescued from abuse. But when they began inviting troubled children to help care for the horses, they realized that mutual healing was taking place—and that God was restoring broken lives.
Running to Win: The Mark Anderson Story (Mark Anderson)
A champion track-and-field athlete, Anderson sought Olympic gold—while fueling himself with drugs and alcohol. He eventually realized that he could not outrun God and that true victory could only be found in Jesus Christ.
Set Free (Bob and Jacqui Strothoff)
Like all addicts, Jacqui believed she could control her drug usage instead of letting it control her. But by the time she entered college, she had turned to theft and prostitution to support her habit. In and out of treatment programs, her life hit bottom—forcing her to look to Christ for salvation and healing.
Sharing God’s Gift of Laughter Through Life’s Tragedies (Chonda Pierce)
Pierce shares how her husband started drinking after the kids left for college—and couldn’t stop. She also talks about the death of two sisters and the childhood abuse she suffered at the hands of her father.
Softening a Crusty Heart (Lieutenant Colonel Don Coble)
Coble describes his non-Christian upbringing, the misery of his life as an alcoholic and a workaholic, his resistance to his wife’s attempts to witness to him—and his eventual conversion to Christianity.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest: A Survivor’s Story (Pamela Christian)
This powerful testimony about what the Lord taught Christian through her experience encourages listeners to consider the brevity of life and questions of eternal destiny.
Teacher of the Year (Guy Doud)
Teacher of the Year for 1986 and 1987, Doud shares his personal journey of insecurity as a child—and how, as a teacher, he came to realize that academics are secondary to learning about kids’ needs and struggles.
Transformed: Overcoming My Dark Past (Marilyn Williams)
Williams suffered sexual abuse at the hands of her father, grandfather, and their friends from an early age. Desperate for help, she confided in a high school counselor, which led to the prosecution of her father—but he was then returned to the home. Her college dreams died, and she became socially phobic, eventually displaying multiple personality disorder. But she married a good man, and over a 12-year process, God restored her peace.
Trusting God in All Things (Ernie Johnson Jr.)
Johnson is a three-time Emmy-winning national sports TV host. But more importantly, he’s a husband and the father of six children—four adopted and three with special needs. With a solid foundation built by his dad and his heavenly Father, Ernie has overcome incredible challenges.
Turning My Life Around (Dennis Rice)
Rice shares his testimony of coming to faith in Christ after being imprisoned as a follower of notorious cult leader and convicted killer Charles Manson.
Unconditional Love: Lessons Learned From My Canine Friend (Kim Meeder and Laurie Sacher)
Sacher and Meeder share how opening their hearts to wounded and abused animals has taught them love, obedience, and acceptance—and how these experiences have brought new meaning to their walk with Christ.
A Visit With Brandon Heath (Brandon Heath)
As a young man, the emotional pain of his parents’ divorce and his stepmother’s abuse moved Heath to write “I’m Not Who I Was.” The song became his first hit radio single and helped heal and restore his relationship with his stepmom. Here, he describes how his childhood shaped his music career and his faith in Jesus.
A Visit With Chuck Colson (Chuck Colson)
Colson discusses his experiences as an aide to President Nixon and his involvement in Watergate. He explains how he came to faith in Jesus Christ and why he founded Prison Fellowship Ministries.
A Visit With Dr. Ben Carson (Dr. Ben Carson)
Carson talks about being raised by a single mother, his early struggles with anger, and finding God. He discusses godly leadership, as well as the importance of education, and he touches on issues such as debt, welfare, and abortion—and how we should interact with those who hold differing views.
A Visit With Franklin Graham (Franklin Graham)
Graham shares stories about growing up wanting to have fun rather than live a godly life or live up to the example of his famous father, Dr. Billy Graham. He describes his spiritual struggles and how he eventually gave his life to Christ.
A Visit With Governor Bobby Jindal (Governor Bobby Jindal)
Jindal shares his story of coming to faith in Christ. He discusses his pro-life stance and concerns for the family in a troubled culture, and he suggests how Christians can engage in the political process while keeping their focus on Christ.
A Visit With Michael W. Smith (Michael W. Smith)
Smith shares insights from his book The Power of an Ordinary Prayer, and he discusses the need to speak blessings into the lives of others. He also talks about prayer, family, and music as seen through the lens of life’s struggles and triumphs.
Focus on the Family Counseling Consultation Line
If you need someone to talk to, Focus on the Family offers a free phone counseling consultation with a licensed or pastoral counselor. Call 1-855-771-HELP (4357), Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (MT).
Focus on the Family’s Christian Counselor Network
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