The Faith of Condoleezza Rice

by Leslie Montgomery

This is not a book about politics. It is a book about a little black girl who was born into a Christian home in the racially explosive town of Birmingham, Alabama, during the throes of the Civil Rights Movement. It's about two parents who quietly defied discrimination, stood against injustice, clung to their faith, and raised their child to follow the Lord they themselves served. They believed wholeheartedly that she was a gift from God born for such a time as this and that he had a special plan and a purpose for her life-a plan for good, and not for evil, a plan to give her a hope and a future-all this despite what the world shouted at them through hatred and prejudice that hovered over them mercilessly. Condoleezza Rice has built her life and career on defied expectations. She defied the shortsighted guidance counselor who advised her parents that their daughter wasn't college material by earning not only a Bachelor's Degree, but then a Master's and a Ph.D. She took on roles that a black female had never held before-provost at Stanford University, National Security Advisor, and Secretary of State-and performed these roles skillfully. Once you read her story, you will recognize that even more than her vast intellectual capacity, ambition, and strong work ethic, it has been God's leading in her life-and her willingness to follow his call-that has allowed her to come so far. In Condoleezza Rice we have a true spiritual hero. She's been called the devil's handmaiden, a history-maker, a rock star, Bush's secret weapon, the most influential woman in the world, a rising star, and a race traitor-among other things. Regardless of which opinion people come to about who she is or what label they've placed on her character, everyone knows there's something uniquely different about the 5′7″ African-American woman who currently serves as our Secretary of State. Condoleezza Rice has a mysterious stability, an enigmatic air, and an inexplicable confidence that is devoid of pride-a trait that is hard to find in the world, let alone in the slick world of politics. Her impenetrable strength and unshakable temperament are evidence of three defining characteristics-a faith that runs deep in her heritage, a personal passion for God, and moral convictions that stem from both. No matter what your faith, to know and appreciate the character of Condoleezza Rice, you must learn about hers. To understand her passion for peace, you must become personally familiar with the chaotic state of the nation in which she was born. To fully grasp her heart and what has motivated her to far exceed the limited expectations that enslaved both her race and her gender for generations before her, you must examine her roots. To taste the inspiration for democracy that flows like a river from her heart, you must learn what it is that feeds her soul. The Faith of Condoleezza Rice reveals all of this and more.

Genres: Biography

224 pages, Hardcover

First published March 7, 2007

About the author

According to Leslie Montgomery’s mother, Dianne, she was born with a pen in one hand and a phone in the other. She began writing screenplays and commercials from home when she was only six years old, has kept a journal of her life since she was eight, and had her first article published in her hometown newspaper in Mountain Home, Idaho when she was only twelve. From there, Leslie began writing for various newspapers across America until she became a Christian at the age of twenty-three in 1993.

Since her conversion, Leslie has been a continual contributor to several ministries under the umbrella of Focus on the Family, authored hundreds of articles for several prominent faith-based magazines, ghostwritten numerous books for leading Christian authors, and written seven of her own books. Early in her writing career, Leslie was the director of publications, managing editor, and staff writer for the American Association of Christian Counselors. As a writer on diverse topics on one end of the spectrum to the other, Leslie finds much joy in revealing her secret to writing success.

“People always ask me how I decide what topic to write on,” Montgomery says, continuing. “All I can say is, I write what I’m prompted to write from the Spirit of the Lord, and He has always revealed the Biblical support and research necessary to support that which He asks me to pen. So far it’s worked well for me!”

Leslie is a known throughout her world-wide travels as a humorous and inspirational speaker, who filets her heart to listeners and readers on behalf of glorifying God.

“I recognize that I have nothing apart from God to share with people,” confesses Montgomery. “I find that when I speak from my heart, from my failures and disappointments, and share how the Lord has brought me up out of the mire and muck of my own sin and that of others, that people relate.”

Leslie writes from her 160-acre ranch in Lake Norden, South Dakota. She is married to Dallas Anderson, Pastor and Director of Proclamation Ministries for the Billy Graham Center and Missions America. Together they have approximately 60 horses, two dogs, and an unknown amount of cats and wildlife. Leslie is the mother of two grown children and as of date, the grandmother of two grandsons and a granddaughter.


Books by Leslie Montgomery:

Were It Not For Grace: Women After God’s Own Heart
(Broadman & Holman Publishers)

Engaging the Enemy: A Christian Woman’s Guide to Spiritual Warfare
(Cook Communications Ministries)

A Parent’s Guide To Spiritual Warfare
(Crossway Publications)

Redemptive Suffering: Lesson’s Learned From the Garden of Gethsemane (Crossway Publications)

The Faith of Condoleezza Rice (Crossway Publications)

Books Yet To Be Released:

The Faith of Laura Bush (Crossway Publications, September 2007 release)

Yada: Intimacy with God, Intimacy With Others (Crossway Publications, release date to be announced)

(From official website)

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book discussed the family life of the former secretary of state. Her upbringing in a Christian family where her father was a minister. It follows her life and how she depended on guidance from her family to pursue music and political science. Rice goes on to an educational and government service career. Her expertise in Russian culture and politics was used by GHW Bush during the falll of the Soviet Union. The book focused on her faith and only briefly touched on her role in the federal government. I was hoping it would highlight how her faith influenced her decisions while serving as NSA director and secretary of state- which it did not.

[Dave Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I'll admit it. My dream race for 2016 was Condi versus Hilary for all the marbles.It would have been an ideological battle for the ages and would have, I believe, given us one of the most imminently qualified presidents of all time, Ms. Rice. Then I read this book, which if anything increase my admiration of Ms. Rice all the more, tempered by the disappointment in her repeated refusal to run for office. This is a woman of faith, character and brilliance. I especially appreciated the author paralleling Ms. Rice's life and faith journey with the events of the civil rights movement, especially in her formative years. This is an excellent biography of one of our most brilliant people and I encourage everyone to read it.

[~*mandy*~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me that an optimistic outlook on life makes everything better. I was also reminded that my life isn't as bad as the next persons. Condoleezza also shares her deep faith in God; a faith that was taught to her by her father who was a pastor. I was able to relate a lot of what she had about an ingrained faith that is just relied on and never really question. It's a part of who we are. This book was a blessing.

[Angela Ross Williams]

Outstanding. We were born the same year, in the same town and lived in the same neighborhood! I am so thankful that she walked the path ordained for her life by God.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, The Faith of Condoleezza Rice by Leslie Montgomery is iced peach lemonade. Although a familiar beverage, each sip is refreshing. The sweetness makes you want more.
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A light biography on Condoleezza Rice’s life, the reader learns about Condi’s early life and big influences. Growing up in Birmingham deeply impacted her life even as she remembered a safe childhood. But the main theme is Condoleezza’s faith.
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To capture the entirety of a person’s life in less than 200 pages is impossible. In many ways, this book felt like a light summary of Condoleezza’s faith and life. And yet, the stories shared are encouraging and challenging of what faith can look like in a public and busy life.
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If you enjoy biographies and seeing faith in action, The Faith of Condoleezza Rice is for you.

[Rindi Trainer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve often wanted to know more about Condoleeza Rice and this book definitely shed some light on her family, faith, and career. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1954. Just a few years later, her world was rocked by the bombing that killed four African American girls while they were attending church on a Sunday morning. She and her family were republicans because the Jim Crow Democrat era wouldn’t allow people of color to register to vote. It’s interesting that although she achieved the position of Secretary of State under George W.Bush, that wasn’t a job that she aspired to have. I love that she has let her faith, and God, guide her each step of her life. If you enjoy learning about the lives of others, this might be a good read for you.

[Melissa Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy five stars for this one.

What an amazing woman. Condoleezza's story starts from her childhood, in the Martin Luther King, Jr era, in Birmingham, Alabama. Condi comes from a remarkable family. They were wise, self-controlled, determined, and deliberate in how they lived their lives. The character traits of her parents and grandparents were passed down to her.

We can all learn something from her story. You will be inspired to have a more positive attitude in every day life after reading her story, if nothing else.

The writing is well-organized and the flow is flawless. I absolutely loved this one.

[J Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently, Condoleezza received a copy of the book before it was published and she approved of it, although it is not an authorized biography. I have read two of her autobiographical books, and much of what she said in those books was included in this book. This book hones in on her Christian faith. I enjoyed reading it (actually hearing it read).

[Joan Arning · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed that the book included so much about Condi's ancestors and the Civil Rights Movement rather than her life. The last half of the book had more about Condi and her faith which I found very interesting. I have long admired Condoleezza Rice and am happy to know more about her life.

[Lee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought it was a biography. I didn’t finish it.

[Carol Ogola · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite read this year!

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the fact that Condi has never thought of herself as a victim of racism. Her parents were exceptional people who raised her right no matter their circumstances.

[Dr. Mary Ann McMillan · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok. Condi’s memoirs are better that she wrote and narrates. Read her books.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew very little about Condoleezza Rice before reading this well-written book. I was amazed at all I learned about her, not only her deep-rooted faith, but also her upbringing in Birmingham, Alabama, in the 1950s and ‘60s, her love of music and her piano-playing skills, and even her passion for football! She’s an incredible woman!

[Rev. Brenda Collier · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is such insightful information in reading biographies. Reading this one, regarding the faith of Condoleezza Rice has not only given information about her life and faith in God, it has also strengthened my faith as well.

I highly recommend it, especially for young women of African American descent who also has strong Christian upbringing. Through her faith, Condoleezza Rice dared to step out and be different. It was not only her deep abiding faith but a determination to allow herself to be all that she could be. This love and respect for God and family is why she became a public figure who is known and respected throughout the world.

[Mandy J. Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always liked Condoleeza Rice while she served under the Bush administration, but after reading/listening to this book I have an even deeper respect for her. This is a great book about more than her faith but her life in whole. You will cry, laugh, and grow in your appreciation for her and many other Americans who have shaped our country.

[Tela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has become a mentor in my life.