Observations from the Weird Bearded Guy: A Collection of Thoughts, Insights, and Words of Encouragement.

by Mike Gilbert

This is a collection of observations, insights, and words of encouragement gleaned from news events and personal encounters over a period of twelve years. Yes, he’s a guy. He didn’t really have any choice about that one. Yes, he wears a beard…actually it’s a goatee now. Why? Well, this one was a deliberate choice on his part. He says it has helped him in helping break down barriers with teenagers and young adults, and maybe it does, but he confesses it also helps him in covering a multitude of chins. And yes, he’s weird. Again, that’s by choice. He’s not a wacko, not someone you would need to be afraid of if you were to ride on the same subway car. But his sense of humor is refreshingly off the wall; Mike has the inspiring ability and discernment to find humor in nearly every event, and he especially delights in the glorious uniqueness of every individual. Mike Gilbert has worn many hats (and probably ought to wear one more often now that he’s grown up through his hair): musician, entertainer, student, missionary, youth minister, seminarian, husband, daddy, conference leader, camp pastor, worship leader, senior pastor, church planter, sought-after speaker, counselor, encourager, mentor, and creative writer. (Did I mention tuba player?) All of these hats and roles have brought Mike to observe the world around him in an insightful way, and now he’s put his observations on paper in this inspiring and refreshing book. Observations from the Weird Bearded Guy will make you laugh. It might make you cry. It certainly will make you think. You’ll be inspired. You’ll be encouraged. And, if you’re not careful, you too will start seeing the world in a different way.

84 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2008