I Choose Peace: Raw Stories of Real People Finding Contentment and Happiness

by Doug Bender

From the influential and ever-growing movement "I Am Second" comes a remarkable collection of well-known lives transformed from restless to happy by the power of God. When I Am Second launched in 2008, the organization meant simply to tell stories of people whose lives changed utterly when they placed God first and themselves second. Although the organization has exploded in size and influence since, that original mission has remained the same--and continues to have enormous power today. I Choose Peace is the highly anticipated new book from I Am Second, gathering together stories of people who searched everywhere for fulfillment and wholeness and found it only when they surrendered to God. People whose stories appear include the Moving, compelling, and profoundly inspiring, the stories found here remind us that our hearts will always be restless until they find their rest in God.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

240 pages, Hardcover

First published November 12, 2019

Reviews

[Michaela Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a follower of the I Am Second Facebook page, I was thrilled for the opportunity to review I Choose Peace.  These are stories from people you may recognize well; others may be new faces.  Many of them have already completed a "white chair interview" for I Am Second, and the book tracks their progress after that point as well.  Kathie Lee Gifford, Phil & Kay Robertson, and Chip & Joanna Gaines are some of the people I was most familiar with.  This book follows people who hit rock bottom and somehow kept falling; people who have had horrid childhoods, faced abuse and hardship, and still choose to follow God and seek peace in their lives.  Their stories are succinct, have impact, and are memorable.

One thing that I appreciated the most about the book was its organization: it divides the interviews/stories into like-minded sections, from people who have struggled with similar issues.  The book is very easy to read and follow, and its transitions are great.  
The themes surrounding this book aren't exclusive to peace, though: it portrays the importance of hope and seeking God even in harsh, horrific circumstances.  It portrays the need to remain faithful.  It is truly a great book for anyone who needs uplifted, anyone struggling with any amount of problems like addiction, abuse, anxiety, loss, perfectionism, body image issues - the whole nine yards.  
It was fascinating to read stories from so many people in so many different backgrounds and how, even though they might be wildly different, their problems ultimately stemmed from the same thing and were solved by one thing - their faith.  Even if you aren't struggling with something, it's a great reminder of God's sovereignty - how He has enough power to protect you, even in any hopeless situation, and how His plans work for your good.  Giving up the need to control every ounce of your life is where you choose peace. 

[Mark Youngkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was chosen to receive an advance reader copy of this product - and it is a product. A well-intentioned and expertly produced product, but a product nonetheless. So perhaps it shouldn't be subject to the same type of critical eye as a fully formed volume that advances a complex idea. This book is a collection of celebrity testimonies - no more or less. If you haven't heard of the people profiled here, you finish a chapter somehow feeling like you should have heard him or her. The problem with what this book is, is that we have too much celebrity worship in the Church as it is. How much more effective would the testimonies of everyday folks be! But, maybe that wasn't in the marketing plan.

This book does well what it sets out to do. I wish the marketing team behind it had attempted something more significant before it was written.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Change Comes In And Through Perspective!

Our greatest growth comes from our deepest pain.
Suffering not only offers an opportunity for growth, it also sanctifies, making us more like Jesus. Our experiences, lessons learned, and empathy gained through suffering are the very things that make us who we are.
After reading the multiple stories in "I Choose Peace" and considered the various perspectives, I started putting it together. I realized they all offer biblical, Godly, wise, helpful, and necessary insight. Had the stories in this amazing read come from only one perspective, there would have been much missed and an immeasurable impact gone unheard.
We are called to transition from disciples (being educated) to apostles (educators) in, of, and for Christ. Educating in the name of Jesus. Raising awareness while allowing Him to use us to further His Kingdom. We are to be about the Fathers business allowing Him to work through us, not of ourselves. We MUST allow His words to flow, not our own. Remembering to be gracious and humble as is our Father. Truth in love sets the stage for relationship. Relationship creates an atmosphere for revelation.
"I Choose Peace" has a wealth of impactful insight into the change that comes in and through perspective.

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:1‭-‬5 NASB

[Kerr Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed the I am Second campaign. Peace is a very moving book. Stories of the ugly and the beautiful, and how in the hands of Jesus, a un-understandable calm and trust can invade your life. Each story has a different backstory, as well as a Jesus rescuing moment. For some life turned better and for some life got harder. This book should be in every church bookstore and used in every small group. Read.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book about how different people have come to find peace after finding God. I am not a religious person, but did find this to be an interesting read, as some of the abuse and hardship these people suffered were horrendous. It is inspiring that they were able to find peace after such horrible experiences.

[Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I´m truly engaged with this series, I don´t know whose idea it was but I´m thankful they took it and made the videos. Now with this printed book we can go deeper into the testimonies. It is difficult not to get engaged or not to be touched by the things you read. I keep the topic of surrender to get peace, I believe is the only way.

[Jameson Ketchum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love compilation books like this. I'd already heard or read books on a few of the participants but I was so happy to read of athletes, TV stars etc whose stories had not been as publicized. A great read!

[Sylvia Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Enjoyed the book I Choose Peace was a great and inspiring book. I enjoyed the great testimonies. The book made me realize you don’t need to be famous to choose peace we can have grace and peace, because God see us as his children and compared to Jesus we don’t measure up no matter how rich or famous God Bless

[Brandon H.]

A book that is full of testimonies of some popular celebrities who found peace in Christ in the midst of great pain, loneliness, and hardship. It reiterated the common truth that fame and fortune does not satisfy and meet the deepest needs of the human heart.

[Leila Kern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Real people, real life stories and how they survived. By praying! And, a lot of perseverance in prayer. I believe in prayer and it is not easy nor does it always end the way one wants it to. However, sincere prayer does help along with faith!

[Doris Raines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LIKE THIS BOOK.

[Marcia Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book is a great telling from 16 different people about how God has shown up in their lives.I highly recommend this book.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Always love reading other’s stories about their stepping stones to God! I Am Second is a great thing and hope it continues.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories about God at work in people’s lives.

[Mary Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly moving. I cried

[JaTara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about the peace of God that passes all understanding in these stories. God is faithful!

[Eric Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the stories contained within diverse, engaging and inspirational.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book of different people and how they found peace, contentment, and happiness when they found God. Some of these people I am familiar with so it told the stories right. An excellent read.

Thank you to author, publisher and NetGalley for this eARC