I Found Love: True Stories of Discovering Love, Belonging, and Friendship

by Doug Bender

From the influential and ever-growing movement I Am Second, a remarkable collection of stories of people searching for and finding love. When I Am Second launched in 2008, the organization intended simply to tell stories of lives changed utterly by people placing 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 and influence today. I Found Love 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 following, among 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 and always unsatisfied until we find the love of God.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published January 12, 2021

Reviews

[B. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won a copy of this one in a Goodreads Giveaway. Let me just say that wow - this was nothing like the giveaway description suggested. I expected it to be about finding and strengthening friendships and general interrelationships within a community-based setting based on the giveaway description. I did not expect to be sent a heavy handed Christian book that tries to tell people that the only way they will ever have meaningful or lasting relationships is if they immerse themselves in Christianity. First off - that's some serious hogwash, second off, it's not even remotely true. Couldn't stomach any more past the first couple chapters.

[Momma Leighellen’s Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Found Love is a short + sweet collection of stories that is sure to encourage you!

“whatever you’re dealing with, love is what you need. If busyness has taken the place of connection and if virtual friends have replaced real ones, then these stories of genuine love are for you!”

Yesterday we finally took down our tree. I was so sad when we were in the middle of it, but when I woke up this morning and saw my house so clean and bright, it gave me so much peace. It gave me a whole new perspective. I think the hope that January often brings is that of a fresh start.

Are you feeling too burdened by your heartbreak, losses, and doubt to feel hopeful right now? Then this book is for you! This book reminded me that we are all broken, and all dealing with things and it’s so wonderful to read fresh words of encouragement and support to hang in there and keep going.

Inside this small book is a collection of short essays from some of your favorite stars. They share their experience of finding fulfillment despite their circumstances. Among them you’ll find:
- David and Tamela Mann share their struggle with anger and abuse
- Jason Castro talks over coming his pornography addiction
- Carrie Underwood discusses her miscarriages
- Stephen Baldwin shares his drug and alcohol struggles

This is what I call the perfect “bathroom read. It super short and the chapters read as stand alones. It would also make a great morning devotion! Along with the stories the author blends in some matching bible verses. It's very well done. It's not super deep so it's great for new believers or people searching and questioning. But its also just enough to brighten any believers day.

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[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to hear that his I Found Love book was ready to be released. Seeing some info from Doug when he was starting to write the book previously, I couldn’t wait to be able to read it. I love the I Am Second movement. We all need to remember to put God first and step behind Him in life. I am proud to be second, and always love to hear stories from celebrities, sport people, and common folk on how God worked in their lives.

I received the I Found Love Book and started reading right away. There are different stories in there about love, belonging and friendship. From many different types of people, but all with the same core value of God’s love. Reading Danny Gokey’s story of worrying about his faith, realizing that he’s just a normal guy with problems like the rest of us. Seeing that he was more worried about God’s love, than anything else, made me respect him even more.

There are so many great stories, and teachings in this book. I love that Doug uses his strengths to help others and share things like this. I would definitely recommend it!

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Found Love: True Stories of Discovering Love, Belonging, and Friendship (An I Am Second Book) by Doug Bender
Publisher: Nelson Books, Thomas Nelson
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs | Christian | Self-Help
Release Date: January 12, 2021

I Found Love by Doug Bender is a book about love, belonging, and friendship.

This book is a collection of stories that will encourage and inspire you. This book is part of the "I Am Second" movement and is filled with real-life stories from people who experienced the love of God.

Overall, this was a quick book to read and I found it to be inspiring.

I'm so grateful to Doug Bender, Nelson Books, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Ruthe Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another book from the “I am Second” movement, where people who were struggling in impossible and unfulfilled lives found the peace and joy and love they were looking for through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Some of the chapters were people who are well-known, such as Stephen Baldwin and Jason Castro. In addition to the several amazing stories of truly redeemed lives, the book ends with an invitation to join the I am Second movement. There is a website with even more testimonies of changed lives and a clear invitation to join. For those who are searching, the invitation to reach out for more information is given.

[Mhughessc · Rating 3 out of 5]

In "I Found Love", Doug Bender compiles the stories of several celebrities who experienced the love of God. It was interesting to read these real-life stories, and the stories themselves were short and easy to read. Some of the stories were much more interesting to me than others (Jason Castro, Sean Lowe, etc.). Overall, this was a quick book to read and made me smile.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the topic of love and reading the testimony of each person featured in this collection of short story/memoirs, I don’t feel like the format of dedicating 10-15 pages on one testimony was super impactful for me. I appreciate that the variety among these stories was varied enough that almost anyone could find a testimony that resonates with them, but I often found myself disappointed that the testimonies that resonated with my life were so short.

[Marcia Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book will encourage you and make you want to be a better person. It gives great examples from people who have surrendered their lives to Christ and now live second.

[Shanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great book. This was part of a subscription box that I have, but it was really great. It had so many uplifting stories about love and friendship. It was a great read for me.

[Michael Vitamvas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving stories

The book is very similar to the I am Second videos with a little more information. The stories are short and make for good reading.