Book of the Month - February
I Beat The Odds: From Homelessness to THE BLIND SIDE and Beyond
Michael Oher - ISBN: 978-1-592-40638-8 - 2011
Author:
Michael Oher played football for most of his life. He played in the NFL from 2009 to 2016 after being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. Michael played left and right tackle during his career. Michael Lewis wrote “The Blind Side” about Michael and his extraordinary story of growing up in poverty, being taken in by the Tuohy family and finding his role in the offensive line. Michael has since retired after failing a physical following a nine month concussion protocol. I am sure he is concerned like most player about CTE. I cannot imagine how it feels to leave your profession and have to determine a new course in life so early.
Brief Synopsis:
Michael tells his story in his book, “I Beat The Odds.” This book recounts Michael’s childhood, adoption, college football career, and his draft day. The book also details the impact of the book and movie, The Blind Side, on his life. He also does a great job of revealing the world of the foster care system, his life in the projects of Memphis and how he overcame growing up in poverty.
Insights:
“Don't ever allow yourself to feel trapped by your choices. Take a look at yourself. You are a unique person created for a specific purpose. Your gifts matter. Your story matters. Your dreams matter. You matter.” - page 235
“People like to talk about "Cinderella stories," but Cinderella didn't get her happy ending without lifting a finger. She had to show up at the ball, be charming and smooth, and win over the prince. Of course she had help along the way, but ultimately it was up to her to make the fairy-tale ending happen.” - page 189
“It’s true that we can’t help the circumstances we’re born into and some of us start out in a much tougher place than other people. But just because we started there doesn’t mean we have to end there.” - page 235
Should I read it or skip it?
I chose this book for two reasons. First, I wanted to read it for Black History month. I felt like Michael’s knowledge of growing up in the poverty of the projects of Memphis and how the world around shaped his life would be a worthy read for Black History Month. Second, I wanted to get some insight into my son, Joshua. Like Michael, he plays offensive line. Josh lettered this last football season. As a sophomore, Josh played in every game both varsity and junior varsity. Josh and athletes like him are often a mystery to a band nerd and I thought I might get a glimpse of the competitive heart and understand him a little better. The offensive line is often a place without thanks. Normally, the only time you notice them is when something goes wrong.
I also think it important to acknowledge the impact of The Blind Side book and movie on Michael’s career. I will leave you to read how Michael believes it impacted him and whether he liked the movie and book. I think its important to see things through his eyes. Our race and our experiences can blind us to how he might have felt with the portrayal.
Book of the Month - January
The Post Quarantine Church
Thom Ranier - ISBN: 978-1496452757 - 2020
Author:
Thom Ranier served for many years as the CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources. More recently, he founded Church Answers and serves as CEO. He wants to bring health to churches and help them to work through difficult times. These last few years have seen huge challenges and hopefully, someone with 40 years of experience can help us all grow in a Post Quarantine environment.
Brief Synopsis:
Mr. Ranier identifies 6 Challenges and Opportunities for churches as we exit the quarantine caused by the COVID virus.
Gather Differently and Better
Seize your Opportunity to Reach the Digital World
Reconnect with the Community near Your Church
Take Prayer to a New and Powerful Level
Rethink your Facilities For Emerging Opportunities
Make Lasting Changes that will make a Difference
He takes each of these challenges and encourages church leaders with practical wisdom about how to use them as a springboard for the future.
Insights:
What if we asked the community how our church facilities could best serve them? - pg 17
At the core of many of these plans is a realization that churches must deal with three groups: what we’re calling digital only, digitally transitioning, and dual citizens. - pg 31
Two other early changes were obvious. First, more churches decided they could have worship services at times other than Sunday morning…Second, the online services that either began or were augmented during the quarantine are not going away. - pg 82
Should I read it or skip it?
I think this book provides a ton of insight in so few pages. At a little over 100 pages, Thom packs suggestions into every page and gives us a lot to consider. I think this would benefit every level. However, smaller churches might benefit more from reading together. Smaller or older churches tend to need encouragement in growing outside their norm. I think anyone would benefit from reading this book.