What do you think?
Rate this book
Strong: How God Equipped 11 Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Power
Boys need strong role models.
In an age when the world is confused about what it means to be a strong man, boys need the examples of godly men who have gone before them. The eleven men in Strong are examples of true strength—men who stood firm when no one else would stand with them. As they read about these men, boys will learn about some familiar figures as well as those they may never have heard of before. They’ll read harrowing stories of danger and risk and miraculous tales of courage and sacrifice.
By reading about the humility of Alvin York, the courageous conviction of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the strong faith of Jackie Robinson, and the missionary heart of George Liele, boys will come away with an inspiring vision of manhood. But even more, they’ll encounter a personal God who strengthens His children “with all power, according to his glorious might” (Colossians 1:11). Rather than feeling the need to live up to impossible standards, they’ll see that true power comes from God, and the same God who strengthened the men in this book will empower readers to walk in His strength right where they are.
In an age when the world is confused about what it means to be a strong man, boys need the examples of godly men who have gone before them. The eleven men in Strong are examples of true strength—men who stood firm when no one else would stand with them. As they read about these men, boys will learn about some familiar figures as well as those they may never have heard of before. They’ll read harrowing stories of danger and risk and miraculous tales of courage and sacrifice.
By reading about the humility of Alvin York, the courageous conviction of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the strong faith of Jackie Robinson, and the missionary heart of George Liele, boys will come away with an inspiring vision of manhood. But even more, they’ll encounter a personal God who strengthens His children “with all power, according to his glorious might” (Colossians 1:11). Rather than feeling the need to live up to impossible standards, they’ll see that true power comes from God, and the same God who strengthened the men in this book will empower readers to walk in His strength right where they are.
224 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2019
4 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Parks
12 books6 followersCatherine Parks loves to help women build friendships around Scripture. She lives in Nashville with her husband, two children, and a cute mutt named Ollie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 9, 2025
After loving the book Empowered that preceded this, I had wanted to read this one for a while, and I'm so glad I finally did. 🤍
While many of the biographical sketches were of VERY well-known men, it was nice to be reminded of their lives and see them cast in a different light than expected. I loved how the author drew out what was applicable to readers.
The best chapters were on lesser known (or at least, not known primarily for their faith) men of color, George Liele and Jackie Robinson. I'm so glad to have learned about them.
Hard topics were handled in age-appropriate ways that could be discussed further depending on the maturity of the child reader.
Recommended.
While many of the biographical sketches were of VERY well-known men, it was nice to be reminded of their lives and see them cast in a different light than expected. I loved how the author drew out what was applicable to readers.
The best chapters were on lesser known (or at least, not known primarily for their faith) men of color, George Liele and Jackie Robinson. I'm so glad to have learned about them.
Hard topics were handled in age-appropriate ways that could be discussed further depending on the maturity of the child reader.
Recommended.
July 20, 2019
Having read Empowered by the same author, a book about famous women for girls, I was delighted to see this book which is written in the same line for boys. This book is subtitled, “How God Equipped 11 Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Power (and Can Do the Same for You).” Strength can be other than physical. These men prayed for strength to endure, to be bold, to trust God, to be obedient and He gave them His strength and power.
Along with well-known names like Jackie Robinson, Jim Elliot, John Newton, Eric Liddell, etc., there are some little known names such as Elka of the Wai Wai and George Liele. Each of these men went out of their way to be obedient to God in different ways and made a difference in many people's lives.
This book will encourage young men and boys to follow and depend on God for strength and lifts up these ordinary men as role models for them to follow. This is a great book and I hope many young men will read it!
(Please Note: Although a copy of this book was provided to me by B&H and Lifeway to review, the opinions expressed are my own.)
Along with well-known names like Jackie Robinson, Jim Elliot, John Newton, Eric Liddell, etc., there are some little known names such as Elka of the Wai Wai and George Liele. Each of these men went out of their way to be obedient to God in different ways and made a difference in many people's lives.
This book will encourage young men and boys to follow and depend on God for strength and lifts up these ordinary men as role models for them to follow. This is a great book and I hope many young men will read it!
(Please Note: Although a copy of this book was provided to me by B&H and Lifeway to review, the opinions expressed are my own.)
July 22, 2019
Great book to inspire faith for both sons and fathers
In her new book, “Strong: How God Equipped 11 Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Power (And Can Do the Same for You),” Catherine Parks tells the real-life stories of 11 men of God, ranging from the internationally well-known to the not-so well-known, to prove that God can use anyone who is completely yielded to Him and His will for their lives.
Published by B&H Publishing, Parks’ 224-page book is tailored for ages 8-14, mainly focusing on sons and fathers reading together the amazing, true stories of these 11 men, who display a specific character trait Parks highlights to show sons how they, too, can aspire to live lives of generosity, faith, courage, obedience, standing alone, knowing what matters, godly ambition, humility, compassion, sacrificial love and endurance – despite oftentimes numerous obstacles.
For example, in Parks’ profile on internationally-known German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, she shows how he showed courage in the midst of impossible odds, allowing God to use him to alter the course of history for the better. From risking his life to save the lives of precious Jews, to plotting to stop Adolf Hitler, one of the most heinous mass murders of the 20th century, Bonhoeffer showed incredible courage that only the Lord alone could have given him.
After each profile (which should have been arranged in chapters), Parks provides a summary, as well as questions for reflection on how the reader can apply what they had just read to their own lives. (One of the unique things about Parks’ book also is the large print, which makes it easier for young sons, as well as fathers, to better read the accounts of these brave and godly men.)
While Parks does a great service to these valiant men, she leaves out some very significant details. For instance, Alvin York, according to Parks, showed generosity. However, his life also inspired the 1941 Oscar-winning film, Sergeant York, the highest-grossing movie of that year. York was portrayed by Gary Cooper, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Still another example is the amazing life of Eric Liddell, who she said knew what mattered. What Parks didn’t include is Liddell’s life inspired the 1982 Oscar-winning film, Chariots of Fire, in which he famously said, “In the dust of defeat as well as the laurels of victory, there is a glory to be found if one has done his best. God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” It not only won the 1982 Oscar for Best Picture, it also won Oscars for Best Original Music Score, Best Original Screenplay and Best Costume Design.
In addition, she could have included such godly men as Oswald Chambers, A.W. Tozer, Watchman Nee, Hudson Taylor, Jonathan Edwards, John Bunyan, Charles Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, Andrew Murray, John Wesley, Francis Schaeffer and W. Phillip Keller, to name a few.
Overall, Parks’ book is well-written and very inspiring for fathers who seek to show their sons how to develop the same godly character and moral fiber that these 11 godly men displayed.
I gave Parks’ book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through B&H Publishing. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2019 by Doug S., M.A.
In her new book, “Strong: How God Equipped 11 Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Power (And Can Do the Same for You),” Catherine Parks tells the real-life stories of 11 men of God, ranging from the internationally well-known to the not-so well-known, to prove that God can use anyone who is completely yielded to Him and His will for their lives.
Published by B&H Publishing, Parks’ 224-page book is tailored for ages 8-14, mainly focusing on sons and fathers reading together the amazing, true stories of these 11 men, who display a specific character trait Parks highlights to show sons how they, too, can aspire to live lives of generosity, faith, courage, obedience, standing alone, knowing what matters, godly ambition, humility, compassion, sacrificial love and endurance – despite oftentimes numerous obstacles.
For example, in Parks’ profile on internationally-known German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, she shows how he showed courage in the midst of impossible odds, allowing God to use him to alter the course of history for the better. From risking his life to save the lives of precious Jews, to plotting to stop Adolf Hitler, one of the most heinous mass murders of the 20th century, Bonhoeffer showed incredible courage that only the Lord alone could have given him.
After each profile (which should have been arranged in chapters), Parks provides a summary, as well as questions for reflection on how the reader can apply what they had just read to their own lives. (One of the unique things about Parks’ book also is the large print, which makes it easier for young sons, as well as fathers, to better read the accounts of these brave and godly men.)
While Parks does a great service to these valiant men, she leaves out some very significant details. For instance, Alvin York, according to Parks, showed generosity. However, his life also inspired the 1941 Oscar-winning film, Sergeant York, the highest-grossing movie of that year. York was portrayed by Gary Cooper, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Still another example is the amazing life of Eric Liddell, who she said knew what mattered. What Parks didn’t include is Liddell’s life inspired the 1982 Oscar-winning film, Chariots of Fire, in which he famously said, “In the dust of defeat as well as the laurels of victory, there is a glory to be found if one has done his best. God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.” It not only won the 1982 Oscar for Best Picture, it also won Oscars for Best Original Music Score, Best Original Screenplay and Best Costume Design.
In addition, she could have included such godly men as Oswald Chambers, A.W. Tozer, Watchman Nee, Hudson Taylor, Jonathan Edwards, John Bunyan, Charles Spurgeon, D.L. Moody, Andrew Murray, John Wesley, Francis Schaeffer and W. Phillip Keller, to name a few.
Overall, Parks’ book is well-written and very inspiring for fathers who seek to show their sons how to develop the same godly character and moral fiber that these 11 godly men displayed.
I gave Parks’ book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through B&H Publishing. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2019 by Doug S., M.A.
April 16, 2020
Great primer for some great biographies! A good conversation starter for my school-aged kids, as well as a refresher and introduction for me to heroes of the faith!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews