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8 Reasons Your Life Matters
"If I were to disappear, would anybody notice?"
Each of us has asked that question in dark, honest moments.
In his first nonfiction book, 8 REASONS YOUR LIFE MATTERS, bestselling author John Herrick combines personal struggles with biblical insight. Injecting eight chapters with humor, memoir moments, and a postmodern perspective on life, Herrick shares eight reasons your life matters:
Your Life is More Permanent than Your Struggles
God Sees You Differently than You See Yourself
You Have a Destiny
You are Remembered, not Forgotten
You Were Someone’s First Pick
Your Absence Would Leave a Permanent Hole
People Need to See You Overcome
You are Loved and Valued
Eight solid reasons to give life one more chance. Eight reasons your life matters.
Join John Herrick, author of the novels From The Dead and The Landing, and discover fresh purpose for your life.
Each of us has asked that question in dark, honest moments.
In his first nonfiction book, 8 REASONS YOUR LIFE MATTERS, bestselling author John Herrick combines personal struggles with biblical insight. Injecting eight chapters with humor, memoir moments, and a postmodern perspective on life, Herrick shares eight reasons your life matters:
Your Life is More Permanent than Your Struggles
God Sees You Differently than You See Yourself
You Have a Destiny
You are Remembered, not Forgotten
You Were Someone’s First Pick
Your Absence Would Leave a Permanent Hole
People Need to See You Overcome
You are Loved and Valued
Eight solid reasons to give life one more chance. Eight reasons your life matters.
Join John Herrick, author of the novels From The Dead and The Landing, and discover fresh purpose for your life.
76 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
404 people are currently reading
728 people want to read
About the author
John Herrick
23 books175 followersWebsite: www.johnherrick.net
Facebook: facebook.com/JohnHerrickBooks
Twitter: twitter.com/@johnherrick
YouTube: youtube.com/c/JohnHerrick
John Herrick is the author of From the Dead and 8 Reasons Your Life Matters. A graduate of the University of Missouri—Columbia, readers turn to him as a chronicler of spiritual journey and the human heart. Herrick lives in South Carolina.
Facebook: facebook.com/JohnHerrickBooks
Twitter: twitter.com/@johnherrick
YouTube: youtube.com/c/JohnHerrick
John Herrick is the author of From the Dead and 8 Reasons Your Life Matters. A graduate of the University of Missouri—Columbia, readers turn to him as a chronicler of spiritual journey and the human heart. Herrick lives in South Carolina.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
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February 1, 2014THANK YOU!
John I don't normally take the time to do this, but your book found it's way to me when I needed it most. I honestly can not THANK you enough for taking the time out of your life to write it. When I can't even muster the words to tell you how profoundly it has hit me. With many heartfelt tears right now Thank you John!
John I don't normally take the time to do this, but your book found it's way to me when I needed it most. I honestly can not THANK you enough for taking the time out of your life to write it. When I can't even muster the words to tell you how profoundly it has hit me. With many heartfelt tears right now Thank you John!
June 26, 2014
It was such a pleasure to read a writer who knows how to write. He shares openly about his journey and applies Scripture accurately and appropriately. I'm going to look for more of his books. He's a writer to watch.
January 6, 2014
Inspiring and Uplifting
I read the book over two nights. The author uses his personal experiences to make his message more relatable. His message is that we all have a purpose. His use of intertwining Bible verses with his personal stories are seamless in expressing his message to the reader. Highly recommended.
I read the book over two nights. The author uses his personal experiences to make his message more relatable. His message is that we all have a purpose. His use of intertwining Bible verses with his personal stories are seamless in expressing his message to the reader. Highly recommended.
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February 7, 2014Uplifting
Good book overall. The author rambled somewhat. However, it was a positive theme that reminded readers of the importance of their lives. We do matter. We can make a difference in our life, this world and in the lives of others.
Good book overall. The author rambled somewhat. However, it was a positive theme that reminded readers of the importance of their lives. We do matter. We can make a difference in our life, this world and in the lives of others.
July 3, 2017
Thanks John Herrick I definitely needed this book at this moment in my life and I am so glad that God directed me to it while also giving me the time to read it. The majority of what you were talking about in each chapter has crashed against me while I am in a position where I standing in a catch-22 with no way out.
I love how the chapters were put together - a story from real life (I can't stand good-meaning people who try to encourage you without having been in your shoes), God's wisdom that has been received and how a passage or multiple passages that is relatable appear in the Bible. And I love how John puts the life or lives of some of the known Bible characters into a spotlight where they aren't just men and women of God but actual people who suffered, struggled and didn't think they were the best of the best.
There was only one part of the book that I disagreed with and that was the sub-chapter "Price of Love" in the last chapter. What I have to say is of course not true for many families but in this case he didn't make a difference between the majority of parents who don't abandon their children since of mistakes and the minority of parents who do abandon their children for making mistakes or not reaching the "ceiling of perfection".
Otherwise this is definitely one book I am going to be adding to my physical collection while I know that it will be something that I can read and read without losing the true message. Thanks again for the love, support and encouragement that is found within this book.
I love how the chapters were put together - a story from real life (I can't stand good-meaning people who try to encourage you without having been in your shoes), God's wisdom that has been received and how a passage or multiple passages that is relatable appear in the Bible. And I love how John puts the life or lives of some of the known Bible characters into a spotlight where they aren't just men and women of God but actual people who suffered, struggled and didn't think they were the best of the best.
There was only one part of the book that I disagreed with and that was the sub-chapter "Price of Love" in the last chapter. What I have to say is of course not true for many families but in this case he didn't make a difference between the majority of parents who don't abandon their children since of mistakes and the minority of parents who do abandon their children for making mistakes or not reaching the "ceiling of perfection".
Otherwise this is definitely one book I am going to be adding to my physical collection while I know that it will be something that I can read and read without losing the true message. Thanks again for the love, support and encouragement that is found within this book.
January 10, 2017
John Herrick has an easy-to-read style. Although you know he is addressing the deep hurts people feel and some of his readers may be contemplating suicide, he maintains a respectful and matter-of-fact tone rather than pleading. He offers eight truths from the Bible but his text is far from preachy. He develops each idea with personal experiences and concludes with a person in the Bible who felt that way and he demonstrates what God was doing in that situation that can only be seen in hindsight.
This is a well-written eBook for people struggling with depression, self-worth, and even suicidal thoughts. It emphasizes a long-term perspective and gives reasons to tough-it-out rather than give up on life. As the author says, “Every dark season in life comes to an end. If you hang in there long enough, you’ll reach the dawn.”
As one who has struggled in this area, I found it reassuring and I might have to make myself a reminder sheet listing the eight reasons. For me, the best (most relevant) reason to keep persevering is: “Somebody out there needs to see you overcome.”
8 Reasons Your Life Matters is worth a read, especially if you want some encouraging thoughts to lift you out of despair or to arm yourself with points to be able to help others.
This review first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
This is a well-written eBook for people struggling with depression, self-worth, and even suicidal thoughts. It emphasizes a long-term perspective and gives reasons to tough-it-out rather than give up on life. As the author says, “Every dark season in life comes to an end. If you hang in there long enough, you’ll reach the dawn.”
As one who has struggled in this area, I found it reassuring and I might have to make myself a reminder sheet listing the eight reasons. For me, the best (most relevant) reason to keep persevering is: “Somebody out there needs to see you overcome.”
8 Reasons Your Life Matters is worth a read, especially if you want some encouraging thoughts to lift you out of despair or to arm yourself with points to be able to help others.
This review first appeared on my blog, ChristyBower.com.
October 9, 2014
8 Reasons Why You Matter
John Herrick
Herrick writes a message of hope for readers. He offers eight reasons each one of us is valuable. No matter how dark our life may get, dawn will come again. He emphasizes the fleeting difficult incidents of our lives and challenges us to be all we can be, in spite of them. Even though mankind is extremely flawed, God sees our potential and helps us fulfill our destiny.
Its message is to keep on doing the right thing and trust your life to God.
“When we put love into action, it communicates value,” says Herrick. The best gift we can give someone is to invest in them with our time and love. When we give love, it changes people.
When we realize how much God loves us, it changes us. It is a very encouraging and affirming book.I highlighted numerous phrases and will refresh my memory when I need encouragement.
I was given this book for my honest review.
John Herrick
Herrick writes a message of hope for readers. He offers eight reasons each one of us is valuable. No matter how dark our life may get, dawn will come again. He emphasizes the fleeting difficult incidents of our lives and challenges us to be all we can be, in spite of them. Even though mankind is extremely flawed, God sees our potential and helps us fulfill our destiny.
Its message is to keep on doing the right thing and trust your life to God.
“When we put love into action, it communicates value,” says Herrick. The best gift we can give someone is to invest in them with our time and love. When we give love, it changes people.
When we realize how much God loves us, it changes us. It is a very encouraging and affirming book.I highlighted numerous phrases and will refresh my memory when I need encouragement.
I was given this book for my honest review.
March 12, 2016
I really liked this book....i felt a connection to the author in many places... it felt he was writing to me...... I do also believe in GOD but i have not read bible.....My GOD for whom i depend on is a GOD without religion and is in every matter live for me.....the events and experiences the author has shared, is common with me as well......
Still i disagree with a point that he mentions almost at the end......"they don't have souls.they don't possess the type of mental or emotional capacities that people possess" this statement was meant for animals.....I disagree to it as i believe that everything alive has a soul and emotion...today when we see animals connect with people, feel jealous or betrayed, or love or pampered...and their attached with their own family and fellows.....stating such a phrase according to me is not appropriate....
Still i disagree with a point that he mentions almost at the end......"they don't have souls.they don't possess the type of mental or emotional capacities that people possess" this statement was meant for animals.....I disagree to it as i believe that everything alive has a soul and emotion...today when we see animals connect with people, feel jealous or betrayed, or love or pampered...and their attached with their own family and fellows.....stating such a phrase according to me is not appropriate....
March 3, 2014
This Book is Different!
I cannot remember a time when a n inspirational, non-fiction book has kept me up until 3:00 a.m. Without knowing a lot about the author, I can say I love him. So many insights and quotes reached inside my heart and head and kept me reading and appreciating his very real & down to earth, even humorous way of communicating. One quote that will stay with me is " Your ceiling can become the floor you stand on." I rarely reread books, but this is one I will reread, and I look forward to reading more from this author. TyLa R.
I cannot remember a time when a n inspirational, non-fiction book has kept me up until 3:00 a.m. Without knowing a lot about the author, I can say I love him. So many insights and quotes reached inside my heart and head and kept me reading and appreciating his very real & down to earth, even humorous way of communicating. One quote that will stay with me is " Your ceiling can become the floor you stand on." I rarely reread books, but this is one I will reread, and I look forward to reading more from this author. TyLa R.
April 14, 2014
My Daughter asked, " Are you text messaging"?
I said no, that the page was asking me what I thought of the book. She ever so sweetly asks, " Well"? I said.... IT'S AWESOME!! It's amazing, touching, sensitive, emotional, personal, conformation, loving, compassion, understanding, deep thinking & comfort. I'm told OFTEN I'm to nice. Glad to know I'm not the only one. We all can be a little nicer to each other. It's okay to show you care. Love your writing, feels more like a conversation. Thanks, for all you do.
I said no, that the page was asking me what I thought of the book. She ever so sweetly asks, " Well"? I said.... IT'S AWESOME!! It's amazing, touching, sensitive, emotional, personal, conformation, loving, compassion, understanding, deep thinking & comfort. I'm told OFTEN I'm to nice. Glad to know I'm not the only one. We all can be a little nicer to each other. It's okay to show you care. Love your writing, feels more like a conversation. Thanks, for all you do.
May 10, 2014
~ No matter how your day goes, the sun always rises the next day. You get a fresh start.
~ When God looks at us, he doesn't see lost opportunity. He doesn't see failure. God looks at us through eyes of love. When someone loves you and you yield to that love, you feel comfortable in their presence. Your confidence mounts. You know you’re accepted.
~ God designed you. He didn't design you as a loser. He did, however, bestow destiny and purpose on you. You hold a distinctive place in God’s eyes.
*Never give up! Your victory today can inspire others tomorrow.
~ When God looks at us, he doesn't see lost opportunity. He doesn't see failure. God looks at us through eyes of love. When someone loves you and you yield to that love, you feel comfortable in their presence. Your confidence mounts. You know you’re accepted.
~ God designed you. He didn't design you as a loser. He did, however, bestow destiny and purpose on you. You hold a distinctive place in God’s eyes.
*Never give up! Your victory today can inspire others tomorrow.
January 10, 2016
Author is trying to let us know that why life matters. Although there are lot of wisdom for everyone but I found book to be targeted to readers who are in depressed state for their life or unable to fond satisfaction with their life so far.
Also the author bring Bible texts in between, which I found hard to understand. I am not a Christian but that doesn't mean I don't respect them. If you are christian, you will enjoy reading those thoughts from Bible.
Well! A quick book to read and easy to grasp thoughts.
Also the author bring Bible texts in between, which I found hard to understand. I am not a Christian but that doesn't mean I don't respect them. If you are christian, you will enjoy reading those thoughts from Bible.
Well! A quick book to read and easy to grasp thoughts.
April 29, 2014
A very good book
I would recommend this book to anyone wishing for someone to care; someone going through grief, confusion, misunderstanding and questions of WHY? ? Also for those whose faith is shaken and tried. I felt the last chapter was the best, clear and concise, and clearly defined our relationship to/with God.
We must love and value ourselves if we want others to value us.
I would recommend this book to anyone wishing for someone to care; someone going through grief, confusion, misunderstanding and questions of WHY? ? Also for those whose faith is shaken and tried. I felt the last chapter was the best, clear and concise, and clearly defined our relationship to/with God.
We must love and value ourselves if we want others to value us.
August 26, 2016
This book was a quick read but very motivational. It was full of bits of wisdom and truth that seemed to be just what I needed to hear.
I enjoyed the real life application and examples and straight forward manner in which this was written. This book inspires and breaks through false beliefs that we may hold and the result is that you will see things in a new light. Take in the wisdom of this book!
I enjoyed the real life application and examples and straight forward manner in which this was written. This book inspires and breaks through false beliefs that we may hold and the result is that you will see things in a new light. Take in the wisdom of this book!
July 22, 2014
closer to 2 1/2 stars. a psychological book written by an author that was bullied as a child. actually, the first 7/8ths of the book was tolerable and at times interesting. the last part though where the author is befriended by a married woman, also a Christian, was a little nauseating. the author could have really pounded home some of his points from a biblical perspective, but left things superficial. recommended for one with low self-esteem or one that has been bullied.
August 6, 2014
I loved that I was able to read this book within a few days ride on the train while on my way to and from the office. I didn't realize it was going to be a Christian inspirational and motivational book, however, I loved the surprise.
What I loved most: No matter where you are in your life or what you are doing, or think you need to do, you will matter to someone in your lifetime. If it hasn't happened wait for it, its right around the corner. You matter!
What I loved most: No matter where you are in your life or what you are doing, or think you need to do, you will matter to someone in your lifetime. If it hasn't happened wait for it, its right around the corner. You matter!
August 26, 2014
Inspirational
Inspirational
I am going through an incredible journey of self realization and turning my life over to the Lord and this book gave me so much inspiration and lifted me up to a spiritual level that I haven't been on since I was a teenager. I felt joy, I cried and felt the hope I've been missing! Thank you John for your amazing writing and I can't wait to read more of your books. God bless you!!!
Inspirational
I am going through an incredible journey of self realization and turning my life over to the Lord and this book gave me so much inspiration and lifted me up to a spiritual level that I haven't been on since I was a teenager. I felt joy, I cried and felt the hope I've been missing! Thank you John for your amazing writing and I can't wait to read more of your books. God bless you!!!
April 7, 2015
A good short little book. Didn't agree with everything in it, but overall I did come away feeling very encouraged about why and how my life matters not only to God but to those around me from a biblical standpoint. I was also encouraged about the value that can come from bad experiences and reminded of the hope that can be found in the darkest of days. Several tweet-worthy quotes were found in this book too! :)
August 14, 2014
I gave this book four stars for the way it was written (which is still a good rating), but I give its content five stars. I greatly appreciate the author for writing this book, and I would recommend it to anyone who is struggling through life. This book can be read in one sitting, yet it really packs in some excellent reasons why everyone's life matters. Don't pass this book up.
November 7, 2014
I cannot tell you how much this book touched my heart. I am not trying to say I am worthless, but I often wonder what my purpose is. I have felt alone, hopeless, and unloved in the past. I love how John points out that all human life matters and everyone has a purpose. I highly recommend. Great job Mr Herrick.
August 22, 2015
Awesome Read
I was totally captivated by the depth of understanding and the love the author invested in this book. It helped me look at my own struggles from a different perspective, and reminded me of God's unconditional love and compassion.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to discover God's plan and purpose for their life.
I was totally captivated by the depth of understanding and the love the author invested in this book. It helped me look at my own struggles from a different perspective, and reminded me of God's unconditional love and compassion.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to discover God's plan and purpose for their life.
November 26, 2015
This book Is. the refreshment I needed right when I needed it. Thank
You for writing it for me. I don't know if it will make me a better person or not but it will lead me in that direction. Thank yo u for giving me hope and love. I'll do my best to pass it along to others. I will pray for you and your writing ability to touch others as you have touched me.
You for writing it for me. I don't know if it will make me a better person or not but it will lead me in that direction. Thank yo u for giving me hope and love. I'll do my best to pass it along to others. I will pray for you and your writing ability to touch others as you have touched me.
February 14, 2014
I thought he wrote a very good book. The 8 reasons he wrote about were applicable to me and others should be able to see how they could apply to their lives as well. I liked how he entwined experiences from his life to elaborate on his 8 reasons. It was a very good read.
May 1, 2014
Yes!
Yes!
John Herrick did a fantastic job of describing the reasons why we matter. I'd highly recommend this read for those questioning importance. Depression can beat you down. This is just what I needed to boost me back up!
Yes!
John Herrick did a fantastic job of describing the reasons why we matter. I'd highly recommend this read for those questioning importance. Depression can beat you down. This is just what I needed to boost me back up!
August 7, 2015
awesome read
This book was great. So many points made that open your eyes to how God has a plan for you. It doesn't matter if you are not having a good go at things currently, maybe with work, your personal life, finances. But God has a plan.
This book was great. So many points made that open your eyes to how God has a plan for you. It doesn't matter if you are not having a good go at things currently, maybe with work, your personal life, finances. But God has a plan.
December 6, 2014
Excellent book!
Thank you John Herrick for writing this book. You have helped me see things in a different light. You have installed positivity in myself. Thank you! God loves you and so do I.
Thank you John Herrick for writing this book. You have helped me see things in a different light. You have installed positivity in myself. Thank you! God loves you and so do I.
March 20, 2015
An inspiring, encouraging guide explaining how the author finds meaning in life from a Christian point of view. Although his worldview is Christian, this book is non-threatening to those of other faiths and may even help someone understand how the Christian faith is an asset.
January 10, 2015
Maybe I do have a purpose after all
I guess there are times in all of our lives when we wonder why we are even here. Although I'm still not sure of my purpose, I am hopeful that I actually do have one. Thank you John Herrick for giving me some encouragement.
I guess there are times in all of our lives when we wonder why we are even here. Although I'm still not sure of my purpose, I am hopeful that I actually do have one. Thank you John Herrick for giving me some encouragement.
February 13, 2015
Restoring the spirit within
This book helps you to get back on track. It is to be read over and over, whenever you are down. Read often, like the bible, it will assist you in making choices
This book helps you to get back on track. It is to be read over and over, whenever you are down. Read often, like the bible, it will assist you in making choices
June 21, 2015
I really read this book because I wanted something positive.
Something positive in a negative ,broken world.
The heart and purpose of the author gives me hope that in this world there are people like him out there.
Something positive in a negative ,broken world.
The heart and purpose of the author gives me hope that in this world there are people like him out there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews