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Stand Against the Wind: Awaken the Hero Within
You know it all too life is fraught with challenging moments. When the storms of life blow-as they most certainly will-are you going to stand strong, bend, or break? Popular author Erwin Raphael McManus suggests that you discover how to rise above the normal reaction and learn to stand against the wind. Through thought-provoking chapters, McManus takes readers on a journey of transformation through the landscape of their character-from where they start out "Running Free," through "Rising Out of the Ashes," developing "Divine Imagination," and finally, reaching the "Greatness of Servanthood." Readers, ages 18-35, will appreciate this international consultant's expertise on culture, change, leadership, and creativity.
118 pages, Hardcover
First published February 14, 2006
7 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Erwin Raphael McManus
52 books512 followersErwin Raphael McManus is an iconoclast known as a cultural pioneer for his integration of creativity and spirituality. He is an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural thought leader who is also the founder of MOSAIC, a community of faith in Los Angeles California. Known for their innovation, creativity, and artistry, MOSAIC has been named one of the most influential and innovative churches in America.
Engaging such issues as culture, creativity, change, and leadership, Erwin is widely known as a thought-provoking communicator, poet, and wordsmith. His travels have taken him to over 50 countries and he has spoken to over a million people from a wide variety of audiences, from professional sports, Wall Street investors, universities, film studios, and conferences across the world.
McManus is the author of Soul Cravings, Chasing Daylight, and other leading books on spirituality and creativity. His newest book is The Artisan Soul: Crafting your Life into a Work of Art.
Erwin Raphael McManus sees the imagination as the principle vehicle through which we create a better self, a better world, and a better future. He argues that creativity is both uniquely human and the essence of human uniqueness. Creativity, McManus contends, is a natural expression of our spirituality. When we are most fully alive we create out of love all that is good and beautiful and true.
Erwin has a BA in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Southeastern University.
Engaging such issues as culture, creativity, change, and leadership, Erwin is widely known as a thought-provoking communicator, poet, and wordsmith. His travels have taken him to over 50 countries and he has spoken to over a million people from a wide variety of audiences, from professional sports, Wall Street investors, universities, film studios, and conferences across the world.
McManus is the author of Soul Cravings, Chasing Daylight, and other leading books on spirituality and creativity. His newest book is The Artisan Soul: Crafting your Life into a Work of Art.
Erwin Raphael McManus sees the imagination as the principle vehicle through which we create a better self, a better world, and a better future. He argues that creativity is both uniquely human and the essence of human uniqueness. Creativity, McManus contends, is a natural expression of our spirituality. When we are most fully alive we create out of love all that is good and beautiful and true.
Erwin has a BA in psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Southeastern University.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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May 23, 2009"Integrity gives us the courage to walk in truth even when it means walking straight into the mouth of the dragon"
January 5, 2023
This is one of those little gift books that you observe a proliferation of in spring as people are preparing for graduation and other changes in life. It is truly meant as a gift, and as such it is a great little book. It is almost a work of art; most pages could be reprinted and framed as inspirational art. Most of the material appears to be new work, unlike most books of this type that are a rehash or synthesis of the author’s thought or other books.
The way this book is set up you can read it from beginning to end the first time through, then go back to specific chapter’s from time to time as a reminder, a challenge or an encouragement. The specific chapters deal with the topics as follows:
Freedom – Running Free
Truly Human – The Drowning Pool
Humility – Rising Out Of The Ashes
Grateful – Creating Out Of The Pieces
Perseverance – Coming Out Of Nowhere
Integrity – The Unifying Power Of Believing
We Need God – The Healing Power Of Belonging
Perseverance – The Sustaining Power Of Becoming
Courage – The Warrior’s Heart
Generosity – The Generative Spirit
Fear God – The Divine Imagination
Servanthood – The Greatness of Servanthood
Even though this book comes in at under 120 pages it will help to call you to a deeper relationship with God and to a life lived for others. Some great quotes from the book are:
“Life is most enjoyed when we give ourselves away. Generous people give more than their things; they genuinely give themselves. In the most marvelous of ways, those who give most freely live most freely.”
p.98
“When you fear God and nothing else, you discover the freedom to pursue great adventure.”
p.105
“The scriptures remind us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. Then what exactly does this mean? When we fear God, we fear nothing else. It is only in the fear of God that we find ourselves free from the fear of death, of failure, and all the other fears that bind us.”
p.112
“We were created to be free. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you’re also called to be free. Yet to experience this freedom, there must be an uprising – a revolution of the soul.”
p.7
“An overwhelming number of us feel trapped in the lives we’ve created. The irony is that we are the cruel tyrants who hold ourselves captive, and the tragedy of our imprisonment reaches into the deepest caverns of our souls. Our passion to be free both ignites us and betrays us, and more often than not leads us to be consumed by an unforgiving fire.
The very fire that burns within us can destroy us.”
p.13
“YOU CANNOT FOLLOW JESUS AND REMAIN THE SAME!”
p.26
“Talent without character is a dangerous thing. Talent fueled by character is a gift from God.”
p.51
These are but a few samples of the great gems you will find within this book. Pick it up, you will not be the same.
The way this book is set up you can read it from beginning to end the first time through, then go back to specific chapter’s from time to time as a reminder, a challenge or an encouragement. The specific chapters deal with the topics as follows:
Freedom – Running Free
Truly Human – The Drowning Pool
Humility – Rising Out Of The Ashes
Grateful – Creating Out Of The Pieces
Perseverance – Coming Out Of Nowhere
Integrity – The Unifying Power Of Believing
We Need God – The Healing Power Of Belonging
Perseverance – The Sustaining Power Of Becoming
Courage – The Warrior’s Heart
Generosity – The Generative Spirit
Fear God – The Divine Imagination
Servanthood – The Greatness of Servanthood
Even though this book comes in at under 120 pages it will help to call you to a deeper relationship with God and to a life lived for others. Some great quotes from the book are:
“Life is most enjoyed when we give ourselves away. Generous people give more than their things; they genuinely give themselves. In the most marvelous of ways, those who give most freely live most freely.”
p.98
“When you fear God and nothing else, you discover the freedom to pursue great adventure.”
p.105
“The scriptures remind us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. Then what exactly does this mean? When we fear God, we fear nothing else. It is only in the fear of God that we find ourselves free from the fear of death, of failure, and all the other fears that bind us.”
p.112
“We were created to be free. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you’re also called to be free. Yet to experience this freedom, there must be an uprising – a revolution of the soul.”
p.7
“An overwhelming number of us feel trapped in the lives we’ve created. The irony is that we are the cruel tyrants who hold ourselves captive, and the tragedy of our imprisonment reaches into the deepest caverns of our souls. Our passion to be free both ignites us and betrays us, and more often than not leads us to be consumed by an unforgiving fire.
The very fire that burns within us can destroy us.”
p.13
“YOU CANNOT FOLLOW JESUS AND REMAIN THE SAME!”
p.26
“Talent without character is a dangerous thing. Talent fueled by character is a gift from God.”
p.51
These are but a few samples of the great gems you will find within this book. Pick it up, you will not be the same.
August 16, 2020
I did find some helpful phrases and thoughts in this book. But, overall, it struck me as a big collection of soundbites that had more filler than substance. More importantly, it was torturous to read. A constantly changing sequences of multiple font styles, sizes and colors, sometimes on intensely colored backgrounds, made it a tiresome chore rather than an inspirational read.
August 13, 2020
Borrowed audio book. I need to purchase this book. Valuable adaptation to the truths in the Bible.
December 27, 2024
Excellent book filled with truth on who we are in Jesus Christ. I found this book both refreshing and inspiring.
February 11, 2019
Over-designed and brain/eye fatigue are real. I didn’t believe the rumors, but I do now. It’s a shame, for what seems like a decent read on the surface is hard to get through for simple editorial and design choices. There is barely any flow. I’m not even sure as to the main argument of the book. Each chapter feels like someone took random individual quotes and placed them together cause they had similar themes.
There were some good ideas. A tidbit or twitter chuck that made me go, “Ah, I see.” But in the end, constantly changing fonts, font colors, or even page colors and layouts drastically distracted from the content on the page.
There were some good ideas. A tidbit or twitter chuck that made me go, “Ah, I see.” But in the end, constantly changing fonts, font colors, or even page colors and layouts drastically distracted from the content on the page.
July 28, 2011
The content was great in this little gift book I bought for myself (and would consider buying for others), and I'll set it beside my bible to meditate slowly through again. The art work is beautiful and inspirational. The overuse of different fonts, however, was an annoyance that didn't add to the value of the book. I agree with what others have said that it is "over-designed".
October 9, 2014
Originally intended for young men (ages 13-18), this book is an effective tool for small break-out groups or even camp trips with young men (and women) encouraging strength against attitudes of worldliness or idle activity. Good read!
August 5, 2007
I think this is a great graduation present for students graduating from high school or college
October 1, 2010
A great little gift book packed full of wisdom. I found my mind overwhelmed with the great guidance that McManus offered.
July 30, 2011
gets to the point
November 15, 2012
Thought provoking.
It's a test of your character.
It's a test of your character.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews