Whatever the Cost: Facing Your Fears, Dying to Your Dreams, and Living Powerfully

by David Benham, Jason Benham

“Two nationally-acclaimed real estate entrepreneurs share biblical principles to revolutionize your work and family life, and give you the courage to stand up for what is right.” This book follows the story of highly motivated and entrepreneurial twin brothers, David and Jason Benham, from their formative years and ventures into professional baseball to their rise as owners of a multi-million dollar business empire and securing an HGTV reality series. It’s a journey where the brothers learned how they must die to their dreams not just once, but twice as they walked away from baseball before being called up to the Big Show and later as their TV series was stripped away from them just before airing when the network succumbed to media pressures surrounding their faith. These experiences only helped them realize that the key to powerful living is found when you die to your dreams and face your fears, and choose to live powerfully through it all. The biblical principles they implemented to guide their work and families are revealed in practical terms to apply to our daily lives and give us courage to stand for what is right. The book will expand on principles such

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Christian, Self Help, Biography, Religion, Memoir

226 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2015

Reviews

[Jason McIntire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I wanted to read this book as soon as I heard its title. It's not everybody who preaches - and more importantly, lives - the message of "dying to your dreams." I wanted to find out what exactly the Benhams meant by that.

Whatever The Cost did not disappoint.

What I liked:

- "Dying to your dreams" means exactly what it sounds like, and with the Benhams, it's biography rather than just teaching. At one point in the story, David leaves a promising pro baseball career to become a janitor. Literally. And while Jason has to leave baseball due to an injury, he turns down an opportunity to come back. These are the kind of choices Jesus was talking about in Matthew 16:23-26. Don't just pray the sinner's prayer - deny yourself. Lose your life. Take up your cross. And realize that at times, it's going to hurt like crazy. But also realize that it's going to be worth it.

- For a Christian involved in a family business, this book reads like a novel. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next in the Benhams' career, and I rejoiced with them at the way God guided, provided, and disciplined at every step. Even though our business is much smaller, I could totally identify. It makes me wonder how many of these stories, at every scale, we won't hear until eternity.

- The Benhams' work ethic is inspiring - mostly because, once again, they live it and don't just preach it. One of my favorite quotes from the book: "Only workers get to rest." I'm thinking about posting that over my desk.

- David and Jason are screaming hilarious, even when interacting with each other on a printed page. I love brothers! (Especially the three I have....)

What I didn't like:

- A couple of times the authors said, or laughed at, things that would be considered pretty crude at my house. (The standards of which are admittedly pretty conservative....)
- I'm not sure I agree with the Benhams' view of Dominion theology, but it's hard to tell because the same words can mean more than one thing.

Overally, I would highly recommend Whatever The Cost to just about any young Christians, especially those involved in business. "A wise man learns from his mistakes. A wiser man learns from the mistakes of others."

[Lauren Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow. Wow.

This is my first ever book review on Goodreads, and I have been reading and logging books on here for quite some time. I usually think "nah, I don't need to review this book. The book already has so many reviews that capture how I feel!" But this book, my friends, is different. This book should be and needs to be not only read by every literate person in America but reviewed as well so that everyone can know how imperative it is for their soul.

Where to begin? The Benham brothers write a thought provoking novel that tells their story while shedding light on everyone else still writing their own. Each chapter is a little nugget of GOLD that causes you to open up your soul and say "LORD WHAT AM I DOING IN THIS LIFE." Their lives honor and glorify God in a way I have never before encountered, and the book is freckled with little gems of truth that the Benham brothers live by.

This book was one that I took my time through and will re-read, pass on the a friend, and tell a stranger I just met to go purchase it ASAP.

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline of this book. The Benham brothers have a very interesting life, and it’s great to see people with a desire to honor God in all they do.

I didn’t rate this higher just because of the teaching aspect of the book. It wasn’t bad, but there was so much alliteration and rhyming, that it was kind of much. Also, although they share some really great points and principles, to me it seemed like their Christianity was boxed up into a formulaic, one-size-fits-all mentality. I’m not trying to bash them, I just think some others might get discouraged if they follow all the steps laid out in the book and don’t end up as millionaires.

Overall, the story was enjoyable, and I wish them both the best!

[Kimberly Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read! I knew I already liked the Benham brothers after I heard them speak at an IBLP Family Conference last year (2015), but their writing style ended up being just as engaging as their speaking style, for which I was shocked (and very pleased!).

The book is much of an autobiography of the first thirty-something years of their lives as twins, but not just a story. It's a reflection of the lessons God taught them the hard way. It's a challenge to hold even the God-given gifts with an open hand. It's a test on your heart to make sure those dreams aren't idols. And, as the Benhams put it, are we focusing on the purpose of God, or the person of God? Very challenging.

I'd recommend this to everyone, and I'll be passing the book along to my dad to read, since I really think he'll appreciate the methods of business the Benhams' utilize.

What was this to me? Engaging. Challenging. Inspiring.

If you're considering reading it, do!

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently heard the Benham brothers speak on a prayer call, and I was so impressed, I ordered and read their book even though I have about 500 books on my Kindle waiting to be read.

These twin brothers have been very successful financially and professionally, though they have both gone through tough times along the way. What made them so interesting, however, was their strong stand for their faith. They had a reality show in production until the network told them it was okay to be Christian, but they couldn't talk about things like their opposition to same-sex marriage. The brothers refused to deny their faith and consequently lost the show.

The book tells their personal stories and calls on the church to make a stand for Christ.

[Whitney Redfern · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3 things I loved most about this book were...
#1. David and Jason's knowledge of the scriptures is inspirational to me. They described on several occasions how they received answers to prayer though the scriptures. When I'm searching for an answer to prayer, I rarely turn to the scriptures. I need to change that about myself and turn the scriptures into a close friend instead of distant relative.
2. Missionary work. They seemed to take every opportunity to share the love of God with others. This is another thing I'm not great at, but need to change. I want everyone to know where I stand and why. They do a great job of that.
#3. Staying on the Lord's side is far more important then anything else in our lives.

[Danielle Sliepka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on living boldly and out loud for Christ. The Benham brothers have a great testimony that reflects their constant strive to be more Christ-like on a daily basis in everything they do. Really really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading their next one. Highly recommend!

[Lydia Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why I Choose this Book

This spring when our family made it's annual trip to hear John Maxwell talk at Ohio Christian University we also had the privilege of hearing the Benham brothers speak. They had the whole crowd in all out laughter basically the whole time they were on stage and yet spoke to us in such a deep way that left a very lasting impression. I came away from that night wishing I could have listened to them a lot longer.

They were selling books after the event and since I didn't have any money with me I borrowed some from my cousin and then ran out in the pouring down rain to get two of my books to give to the Benham brothers for their kids. Their book was well-worth the money I spent on it. (And just so you know, the brothers are pretty nice, too.)



What I Thought About the Book

The book is amazing. Not only is it very practical, uplifting, challenging and interesting, it's also peppered with their competitive twin-ish humor. (As they put it "We're a couple of guys who take our faith very seriously and ourselves not-so-seriously...)

The book starts out when the twins were little kids and continues on devoting a chapter to each period of their lives. It's not about the guys though, it's more about how they've seen God work in their lives and the lessons they have learned over time. I loved how honest the guys were and how they talked about the ups and the downs they've gone through. They even talk about a million-dollar mistake they made in their business when they ran ahead of where God was leading them.

I found it really interesting when they talked about how playing professional baseball taught them how they needed to put their identity in God instead of in what they were able to accomplish because that's been something I've been working on. (I'm planning on re-reading that chapter soon.) The book had so many amazing bits of wisdom that I know I'll have to read it at least once or twice more before I've given it full justice.

I also really enjoyed where they talked about growing their business because I am in the process of trying to grow my business (my books) right now and sometimes (most of the time) I feel like I'm in so far over my head that I'm lost. This book reminded me to trust God with the results and not to lean on my own powers.

Conclusion

It's a good book. You should read it. Yes, you.

Rating

I'm giving Whatever the Cost Five stars and recommend it to anyone old enough to read. I especially recommend it to people who are interested in honoring God with their lives and want to be encouraged by some amazing twins who made me laugh out loud.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW: Whatever the Cost by David and Jason Benham





{About the Book}


"Two nationally-acclaimed real estate entrepreneurs share biblical principles to revolutionize your work and family life, and give you the courage to stand up for what is right." This book follows the story of highly motivated and entrepreneurial twin brothers, David and Jason Benham, from their formative years and ventures into professional baseball to their rise as owners of a multi-million dollar business empire and securing an HGTV reality series. It's a journey where the brothers learned how they must die to their dreams not just once, but twice as they walked away from baseball before being called up to the Big Show and later as their TV series was stripped away from them just before airing when the network succumbed to media pressures surrounding their faith. These experiences only helped them realize that the key to powerful living is found when you die to your dreams and face your fears, and choose to live powerfully through it all. The biblical principles they implemented to guide their work and families are revealed in practical terms to apply to our daily lives and give us courage to stand for what is right. The book will expand on principles such as:
Show that You are Faithful in Little Be a Fountain to Others and not a Drain Produce More in Value than You Receive Work to Your Ability and not Your Pay Breathe Life into All Situations Remember that You are Human Beings, not Human Doings Hold to a Standard of Disciplined Living Don't Swing at Every Pitch Find Your Greatest Blessings on the Other Side of Your Greatest Fears.






Whatever the Cost by David and Jason Benham
Release Date: February 10, 2015
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Non-Fiction, Religion
Rating: 5 stars.


{My Review}

Everybody by now knows who David and Jason Benham are. They are the brothers who lost their new television show because of their religious beliefs. And even after losing the show they continue to stand with their convictions. Which is highly commendable. This book is an encouragement to other believers to stand up for what is right and to stand up for what you believe in. No matter what the world and people around you may say. The brothers lay out the biblical principles they have implemented in their lives that guide them and their families wherever they may go. If you need to be encouraged to stand up and speak out than this is a great book to do so. I recommend this book to every believer.

[Todd Mckeever · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Benhams made nationwide headlines after Home and Garden Television (HGTV) canceled the show before its planned premiere in the fall of 2014. Some reports were that HGTV was alerted to a … story by RightWingWatch.org, which looked into the background of the Benham brothers and found them to be ‘anti-gay, anti-choice extremists.'”

David, co-author of the newly-released memoir, “Whatever The Cost,” said he and his brother quickly decided they “needed to hit the issue head on” through sharing their story.

The Benham brothers both attended Liberty University on baseball scholarships. The pair played with several major league organizations before establishing their nationally recognized real estate firm and moving into homes on the same block in Charlotte, N.C.

In their book, the brothers do describe how they would never discriminate against a gay person appearing on their reality show. Yet, they said they refused to bend on their principles in favor of traditional marriage, pro-life causes and other issues.

While working on the book, Scott Lamb, who was the writer who collaborated with the brothers over this book, said he learned the Benhams walked away from a sizable sum of money because they wouldn’t compromise their beliefs.

“In America there is verbal and financial persecution, but recently in Egypt 21 Christians lost their heads,” Lamb said. “Whether we live in Egypt or Nashville, we better have that mindset — that life means nothing and we better be ready to lay down our life.

Whatever the cost!

This was a great book to read for me. I enjoyed it from the moment I picked it up all the way through to the last page of the story. This is not a typical type of book that I would normally have read, but this one had me the whole way. It was such a challenge to read a modern-day David and Goliath type story.

A challenge for sure. Whatever the cost!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Whatever the Cost, David and Jason Benham are twin brothers who have written a book about the Christian principles they have used throughout their personal lives and their business. Their father was a leading part in how they were rooted in their Christian faith. He founded his own church and he strongly believed that the church is called to be the church and serve others and show them compassion like Christ would do. He also was a big pro-life supporter. The book goes through their journey of following their dreams of playing professional baseball and how they discovered their passion after baseball. They shared how they founded their own successful real estate business and the many different up and downs they experienced along the way. The book also covered how they lost their reality TV show deal with HGTV and the enormous controversial with the community of GLADD.



I would recommend this amazing book to anyone who enjoys reading books that can assist you in building your Christian faith. I liked how David and Benham was transparent in opening up about their mistakes, accomplishments, and the countless principles they have learned about the Word of God and how they applied it to their business. One of my favorite principles they shared was about when God put something, such as our dreams, in our hand, we have to be careful not to hold to tightly onto it. It’s critical to remember that God has a way to keep and let happen what is in His will and we don’t have to strive to hold onto it. I also liked how they included a nice appendix of all the different 62 principles all listed out where it is easier for readers to reread the principles and incorporate into their own lives. I really appreciated the faith they shared throughout this book and how God has changed their lives. This book has the potential to impact readers and I highly recommend it for business leaders and people wanting to grow spiritual.



"I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program."

[DJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Kingdom men are hard to find. A Kingdom man is a male who consistently functions under the comprehensive rule of God.” ~Dr. Tony Evans

This is a wonderful book, telling you everything you’d ever want to know about David and Jason, the amazing, talented, competitive twin brothers… and Christian – they are both most definitely Christian men – who live their faith in everything they do.

These successful men have totally caught my attention with their story. I actually met the Benham Brothers at a family conference two years ago in Indiana – and yes, just like the book relates, they are wonderful, Christian men.

This book follows their story – from their early years – into adulthood, as they play professional baseball, build a multi-million dollar business and prepare to appear on their own HGTV reality show (although it was cancelled before the first show aired).

However, it wasn’t really any of these experiences – it was through the Biblical principles they practice that teach them how to face their fears and live a more glorious life.

I was prepared to be bored (sorry guys)… but I never expected to read late into the night – until I had reached the end of the book. And even now, I plan to go back and jot down some notes from their book. There are inspiring quotes in each chapter, as well as appendices in the back of the book.

At the end of chapter one it says, “By the time you finish reading the book, we hope to compel you to trust Jesus with your life whatever the cost, to live powerfully for Him, and to provide you with biblical principles you can apply to your life the minute you put the book down”.

…that says it all.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Benham twins are lucky to be surrounded with people who throughout the years has been with them to guide and mold their spiritual life. And thank to them, writing this book is sending message to readers about how to fully trust God amidst all the mediocrity in life. This book is filled with inspiring quotes which you can easily reread through Apendix B, the Benham Principles.

This book teaches us to let God be the driver of your life, you may see a direct path to your dreams, and you may get confuse when God drives a different paths with lots of turns, but at the end you will realize that His are better than yours. All you need to do is enjoy the ride.

At the end of chapter one it says, “By the time you finish reading the book, we hope to compel you to trust Jesus with your life whatever the cost, to live powerfully for Him, and to provide you with biblical principles you can apply to your life the minute you put down the book”. Apparently this is the goal of the authors which I would definitely says that this it has been achieved. My faith may not be as strong as them but I am building it steadfastly as soon as I read the first chapter of the book.

I received this book for free from publisher through BookLook Bloggers in exchange of my honest opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Guidelines.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written from the viewpoint of the two Benham brothers. The part of their life they are writing about was a short-lived reality television show for one of the cable networks. This book shows how they were feeling at the time and the many lessons they learned while enduring. I found the writing to be more of a friend telling another friend about a difficult time they went through and how the Lord helped them. It flowed well from chapter to chapter and the writing style was easy to understand. It is not two men wining about something or wanting to get their side of the story out. It is about two men wanting to show how the Lord has led in their lives and how we can learn from their hardships. There are many principles that can be taken away from reading this book. In fact there were so many I have two pages full of comments I copied down! I would recommend this book for any Christian going through a difficult work situation right now. I would also recommend it for any Christian needing some encouragement while feeling they are the only ones standing up for something they believe in. This is a 5 out of 5 star book!!!!

I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.

[Frode · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes funny and sometimes preachy, but the message was clear. The Benham boys offered good advice backed by Scripture and experience. They play off of one another quite well, and it was obvious that their dad was a tremendous influence for good in their lives. Baseball, real estate, and a TV reality show are the major backdrops for their experiences, but in each case God mercifully cares for them and shows them the best way. Pray, trust/repent, and act; that seems to be the Benham formula. Their convictions stand high.

They discover that the sacred-secular division commonly accepted in the Protestant community does not exist, so their business became the vehicle for their ministry. They found out that having an opinion was no big deal but expressing it created a furor. Well done, fellows. Keep running the race!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will blow your mind. No, seriously. Every page of this book will inspire you to live a life for Jesus in ways that you weren't even aware of. The story of the Benham Brothers is one for the record books. These brothers have stood in the face of adversity and have their reward in Jesus alone. From business principles to spiritual living this book will convict, empower and inspire you to face your fears, die to your dreams and live powerfully. I have been recommending this book ever since I was 10 pages into it. Funny and captivating narrative, filled with scripture and wisdom. I think I've literally walked up to perfect strangers and told them "Read this now. It will change your life." So please...go...read this now...it will change your life!!

[Melsene G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently saw the authors at a conference and bought several copies of the book. They are motivational Christian identical twins, former baseball players and had their reality HGTV show canceled before it was to air due to pressure from liberal hate groups. It's part memoir and part scriptural-with tips on how to live a Christian life in business. I enjoyed this book and sent it to relatives who are in the life coaching field. God definitely has a plan for these 2 guys!

[George Hunger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever the Cost is a fantastic true-life story of two brothers striving to live out their Christianity in an increasingly hostile modern America. The book is humorous, engaging, and very insightful as they share their challenges of having been minor league athletes, dealing with disappointments in life, becoming successful business owners and ministry leaders, and making an impact in the world in which we live. Excellent book & I highly recommend it!

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good! I had the chance to meet the Benham Brothers at a conference quite a few months ago and heard them speak about the ordeal with the HGTV show and them choosing to stand up for Jesus--whatever the cost.

I enjoyed reading their story from birth, through high school, college, playing in baseball, and then starting their own business. I am encouraged by their story and I pray that I might stand boldly for Christ--whatever the cost might be!

[Kristjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about what the Benham brothers have learned. They highlight some of their mistakes in life, to point to biblical principles. Very readable and funny in parts. Particularly hilarious are some of their boyhood antics. The Benhams are doing their part in helping prepare U.S. Christians for trials that will likely come.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another stellar read for anyone but I really like it for my athletes who need to understand where their identity lies! The brothers have a strong stance on faith, family, and how God sovereignty intersects their lives with others in order to serve and achieve loving and life-changing character lessons.

[SusanS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stand for something, or fall for anything!

I enjoyed this book by the Benham brothers. There is a lot of good theology. I especially liked the notion of holding things in an open hand. There appeared to be some of the prosperity gospel which I abhor. Overall, a good read!

[Robert W. Cone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful testimony

The Benham brothers' story is a compelling one, of dreams denied and successes found. Their testimony of how their faith has guided them and enabled them to persevere over many obstacles and trials makes this well worth reading.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT!!!! It was so good to read something from local authors and businessmen in the Charlotte area. I had only "heard" about their HGTV show cancellation but didn't know the real story and to me, that wasn't even the best part of this book! Can't wait for their next book to be released!

[Shannon]

I could not put it down! excellent!

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of twin brothers who live their life according to Christian principles. An excellent book study for any men's group.

[Stacey Burleson markley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read! I love how committed these guys are to their faith and how they let it be the focal point in their lives. I've learned so much.

[Olivia Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is unlike any other of its kind I've read. Inspirational, practical, humorous, and well-written, the Benham brothers speak truth on every page of this book. A+.

[Caitlin Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book with amazing principles - so clear that these men live out what they write and have wrestled with the hardships of living out God's Word in a fallen society. Praise God for their story!

[Cek0220yahoo.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so very much. Such inspirational men of faith.