Growing up is a challenge. Maturation is a journey laden with pitfalls and obstacles, yet it is nonetheless an expected end for every young person. Make no mistake, just arriving at adulthood is an achievement. It is the hardest thing anyone will ever do. Why? Because no kid has ever grown up before. It’s every young person’s first time.
The result is that many young people meander their way through their adolescence, only to arrive at adulthood partially mature, partially functional, partially fulfilled. Grown up, in part, but not as adult as they might have been.
I Got Here on Purpose is a roadmap for growing up. It offers the reader a big picture, as well as tools for navigation; motivation, intent and discipline. Founded upon principles of Christian discipleship and insights from a career educator and youth pastor, I Got Here on Purpose holds to the truth that no one ever finds a worthwhile, fulfilling life by accident. This kind of life can only be found on Purpose.
Many things I do not take seriously; books are not one of them. Women’s lit, thrillers, YA, romantasy and fantasy romance (side note: they’re not the same) are my preferred distractions in waiting rooms or awkward social situations.
This is not one of those books, and this is not one of those authors. This author is… my brother. The science fiction enthusiast to my fantasy lover—think dragons and immortality, not aliens and time travel. And in true sibling fashion, I reserved my judgment until its release and my subsequent reading, to avoid any “nepo brother” criticism.
Now that the elephant in the Goodreads room has been addressed, I could simply say: You should read this. But there’s more. Here’s why you should:
This book is good. Annoyingly good. Not just because it’s well-written and well-executed—though it is—but because it left me, the unintended audience, questioning: Am I living with purpose? And if so, where or who does that purpose come from?
And that kind of self-reflection, I was not prepared for. I expected to be entertained, inspired, and even touched, but I didn’t anticipate the introspection that followed from reading a book aimed at a much younger demographic.
While unexpected, it’s certainly timely. After all, what do I know about purpose? Today’s greatest accomplishment was polishing off the final remnants of my three-year-old’s birthday cake. I need Google Calendar reminders to complete basic tasks and chores.
But that’s the crux of it. Life has a way of blowing you off course when you’re too busy at the helm. Marriage, family, employment—even ministry for ministry’s sake—can keep us from the smooth sails of rest and alignment that only He can provide, if we lose sight of our purpose.
Living with purpose requires decision and intent. With purpose comes progress, and with purpose comes promise.
If you’re feeling listless or overwhelmed, burdened or untethered, know this: there’s a purpose, a promise, and a plan that can be found in Him—through making the daily decision to choose a relationship with Him.
Let this book be a fresh reminder of that.
To the youth, the world your oyster…
To the young adult with a starry sky of opportunity…
To the youth minister at your own crossroads…
To the seasoned Christian who has navigated many of the divisive decisions of life…
To the undecided, uncertain, or unbeliever…
You have purpose; better still, you have access to that Purpose.
12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. (Ephesians 3:12, NLT)
This is was written for the youth, but it’s such a great book, writher if you work with youth, or have young people in your home , this book will not only encourage you , but will make you think. This book isn’t only for the youth, but for all ages . It definitely is an eye opener and shows that we can do more for God. It takes planning and dedication, and hard work .
Fantastic read.... Recommended for teens searching for their purpose and the adults guiding them. A roadmap built with humor, real-life experiences and biblical reference/narrative.