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Jesus Followers: Real-Life Lessons for Igniting Faith in the Next Generation

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The daughter and granddaughter of Billy Graham share inspiring stories from their family life that offer compelling insights for leaving a legacy of faith.

“An inspiring guide for living with intentionality and instilling truth in the next generation.”—Dr. Tony Evans

Passing on our faith does not happen passively—it’s something we intentionally pursue with prayer and joy. Yet many of us struggle to know what it looks like to live out a contagious faith in today’s world. We long for spiritual wisdom on how to ignite faith in our children, grandchildren, and others we encounter. 

Jesus Followers offers practical ideas, biblical teaching, and inspiring true stories from Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright for effectively running the race of faith and passing the Baton of Truth to the next generation.
 
Drawing on the fascinating genealogy of Genesis 5, Anne explores the unique impact of our witness, worship, work, and walk. Rachel-Ruth illustrates each of these critical elements with stories from the Graham and Lotz families, offering vivid descriptions of how God’s truth was passed on by word and example.
 
Jesus Followers not only offers a glimpse into the living rooms and prayer closets of a faith-filled family, but it also equips you with the wisdom, motivation, and practical ideas for consistently and joyfully sharing your faith.

240 pages, Hardcover

Published October 5, 2021

22 people are currently reading
175 people want to read

About the author

Anne Graham Lotz

151 books254 followers
Lotz is the child of Billy Graham & Ruth Bell Graham

Anne Graham Lotz (born May 1948) is an American Christian evangelist. She is the second daughter of evangelist Billy Graham and his wife Ruth Graham. Anne Graham Lotz accepts speaking invitations worldwide, is founder of AnGeL Ministries, and an award-winning author.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,401 reviews179 followers
September 21, 2021
I've always respected the Graham family and now I respect and love them even more. This book is written by Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright. Through their personal stories they share Biblical truths that encourage Jesus Followers throughout each generation. This book includes examples as far back as Ruth Bell Graham's parents and Billy's parents. I found myself laughing and I also found myself shedding tears. I appreciate their vulnerabilities as they share struggles and victories. It's nice to know they aren't/weren't perfect, but equally nice to know they stand/stood for God. They encouraged their children by the example they lived and by being saturated in God's Word. Easy to read and hard to put down. I highly recommend to anyone who wants to start a legacy of Jesus Followers. I've pre ordered three copies to give to each of my adult children for Christmas.
*I was given a copy of this book by Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Whitney.
381 reviews50 followers
September 24, 2021
I greatly admire and respect Billy Graham's legacy and really enjoyed the snippets of his life that Anne and Rachel-Ruth put forth in this book. I was expecting it to be more focused on "self-help" rather than more memoir. While it did offer some actions one could take and reflection questions, I felt it read more like a personal collection of memories and stories. Not a bad thing, but it wasn't what I was expecting.

It is refreshing though to read about this Godly family and know they had their struggles just like every other Christian, but they offer some guidance on ways one can better encourage others, lean on Christ, and grow in their faith.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley thanks to WaterBrook and Multnomah.
Profile Image for Barbara.
845 reviews
July 17, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC for an honest review.

This is another great look into the lives of Anne and her daughter. One often wonders what life would be like to be a part of the Graham/Lotz family. You find out they are just like the rest of us, but their spiritual life is so awesome. The spiritual truths found in this book are worth reading.

The only thing I, personally, found confusing was whose voice was being used. Then I figured it out. Ann has a chapter at the beginning of each section. Then Rachel-Ruth tells the rest in each section.
57 reviews
August 1, 2021
Jesus Followers is such a sweet look into the Graham/Lotz family and their strong faith. Very inspiring and I would recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
1 review1 follower
September 24, 2021
Have you ever wondered what it was like to be raised in the Billy Graham family? Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright provide sound teaching, gentle encouragement, and real-life examples to help you know Jesus, run the race of faith, and then pass the baton to the next generation.
The four sections of this book include Our Witness; Our Worship; Our Walk; Our Work.
In alternating chapters using examples from their families, Anne and Rachel-Ruth share their perspectives on making the most of every opportunity, God’s faithful love in various circumstances (good and bad times), making memories, and what we can offer to our families in a world that desperately needs us to be salt and light, and so much more. They realistically share both their successes and struggles and examine how Biblical principles are quite sufficient to meet our needs.
Many of us think the lives of spiritual giants such as many in the Graham family are unattainable for those of us who live in the mundane. I was pleasantly surprised how much this book had to offer, especially to those who want to raise the next generation faithfully in a hostile world. The Gospel truly is our only hope--the best news ever—and the authors encourage us to persevere in the strength of the Lord!

Quotes:
I am certain that your compassionate presence can be a witness to God’s love for someone—perhaps a child, grandchild, niece, or nephew—who is hurting. When you talk with people who are experiencing difficulties, remember that Jesus is the ultimate example of a sympathetic presence that testifies of God’s love.

God is developing His own beauties through pain, disappointment, humiliation, trials of every kind…and the one who clings to the Lord with determination, God makes beautiful.

She knew that through the Holy Scriptures she would find comfort when she was lonely, strength when she had none, peace when worries assailed her, answers when questions came to mind, and hope for the life yet to come.

Each of these men has shown me what godly leadership looks like. They have shown me what a vibrant relationship with Jesus looks like. They have shown me what compassionate and urgent evangelism looks like. They have simply shown me what the genuine love of Jesus looks like, a love that embraces people of every skin color, economic background, and culture.


Problems don’t matter, sickness doesn’t matter, an unstable world doesn’t matter, because her eyes are on Jesus, her loving heavenly Father…through the pages of His written Word.

praise Jesus by going through the alphabet. “He is the Alpha and Omega, Beautiful, Comforter, Deliverer, Everlasting Father, God, Holy, I AM, Judge, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Messiah, Nazarene, Omnipresent, Prince of Peace, Quickener, Redeemer, Savior, Truth, Unmatched, Victorious, Wonderful, Exalted, Yahweh, Zealous for us.

I encourage you not to let anything take away the joy of your salvation. Just the joy of knowing Jesus. As you immerse yourself in worship and ask God to help you focus on others, I pray that He will bring you healing and renew your hope. Your choice to praise Him in your weakness will serve as a light to those watching you run your race of faith.

… focus on Heaven, knowing that this world is not our home and that this life is just a momentary speck compared with our eternal life to come. Another key is to consider the gifts our loved ones have passed along for us to carry forward.

face death as a challenge to carry on what you loved in that person.

We reach the point where we are able to say, God, I want what You want more than what I want. I surrender my life to You. Your will is mine; Your goals are mine; Your priorities are mine. This is the only way we can walk in companionship with God. Step by step, moment by moment, day by day, year by year, for the rest of our lives.

The beautiful result was that Enoch became increasingly aware of God’s presence in his life. His habit of walking daily with God surely was not something he felt he had to do but something he wanted to do. In the process, he must have enjoyed an ever more intimate, loving, personal companionship with God. He gave God his undivided attention, spent more and more time with Him, gained a greater and greater depth of understanding, allowed fewer and fewer interruptions…until there were no interruptions at all and his walk of faith became sight. “Enoch walked with God;

God can redeem what has been lost. He gave a wonderful promise in Joel 2:25 that He will restore “the years the locusts have eaten.”

By her example, I am challenged to never quit before I finish the assignment God has given me. Oh, that our half-conscious words and thoughts would be not about ourselves but about our love for Christ and those He’s given us to instruct. Don’t give up! Let’s be living, breathing examples of men and women who serve and obey God at all costs. Because we love Him and to do anything else would be absurd.

The race can be hard… But please hear us, dear reader. Now that you belong to God’s family, He is your loving Father. While He may not protect you from “tearing your hamstring,” He promises to be right there to put His arms around you, comfort you, strengthen you, and help you cross the finish line.9 Yes, He will. Rachel-Ruth and I both know. We are His children, and we know we can trust our Father’s love to provide all we need in order to finish the race. To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 24–25
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brianna.
43 reviews
September 25, 2021
First let me just say that a couple of weeks ago, I had gotten an email from the publishers of Jesus Followers by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright to be apart of the launch team for Jesus Followers. I felt honored that I was picked to be apart of a launch team. It was the first time since I started doing reviews for books I have ever been asked to be apart of a launch team. So slowly over the next couple of weeks, I was reading the Jesus Followers in between of doing First 5’s study of Habakkuk which just ended this past week and then starting Proverbs 31 OBS’s study of The Dream of You by Jo Saxxon that started this past week. I finally finished reading Jesus Followers over the weekend.

Jesus Followers is a wonderful book. Though it is geared towards parents and grandparents on teaching the next generation about God and Jesus; I found the stories about the Graham/Lotz/Wright families interesting and the lessons taught about how to prepare the newer generation about God fascinating. I admit, I don’t have any kids or deal with kids in anyway; I sort of found it disheartening how the book made it seem like it was made just for parents or grandparents when actually the book could have been written more to include those who are like me who don’t have any kids be able to pass on the knowledge of being a Jesus Follower to the next generation. I also think the next generation doesn’t or shouldn’t be just applied to kids but it can also be applied to those who just accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior no matter their age. In other words, I think instead of limiting the book to parents and grandparents teaching their kids and grand-kids about God and walking with Him, it should be able to be older or more experienced Jesus Followers helping out the newer Jesus Followers in passing the Baton with the knowledge of God and how to worship Him and be like mentors to the newer Jesus Followers. I am not hating on parents and grandparents teaching their kids about God but the lessons learned from this book could be applied to anyone, an experienced Jesus Follower, giving advice or helping out the next generation, whether they are kids or they become a Jesus Follower later on in life.

Genesis 5 is the theme of Jesus Followers. In Genesis 5, all it talks about is the generations from Adam to Noah. Anne Graham Lotz wrote the introduction to each section of the book talking about Genesis 5 while her daughter Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright wrote each chapter giving family stories as part of the lessons for each chapter. Each chapter ends with a question or a thought to think about as well as a Be a Jesus Follower section and a verse.

I would recommend this book, not only for the parents and grandparents who want to teach their children and grandchildren about becoming a Jesus Follower but to any Jesus Follower who wants to help out a new Jesus Follower, whether they are young or old, come to Jesus and learn how to be a Jesus Follower and worship God better.

Note: I am apart of the launch team for the book; meaning I was invited by the publisher to read the book in turn to be apart of the launch team for the book and also to give a review of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
1,309 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2021
Jesus Followers is a powerful, Spirit-led book that I think is excellent! It is everything the title and subtitle expresses and much more. It is about growing in and living out our faith in such a way that our loved ones in the next generation will know Jesus. Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter, Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, have written a unique book showing what a genuine Jesus Follower looks like in the areas of Witness, Worship, Walk, and Work. It is easy to understand even as it challenges us to grow. Most important, it is based on Scripture.

In her conversational style, Anne Graham Lotz shares about her faith and life. She compares our lives to a relay race, and how it is our privilege to “pass the baton” to our children, grandchildren, and others. If we do not have children of our own, there are many people to whom we can pass the Baton of Truth that leads to faith in Christ. She shows how the generations from Adam and Eve through Noah’s family in the Genesis 5 genealogy passed the Baton of Truth in each of the four parts of the race.

What do popcorn and chocolate milk have to do with one’s witness? Or fiddlesticks with worship? Rachel-Ruth writes several examples for each of the four parts of the race that she has seen in her family. She shares ways that she herself needs to grow or where she has been challenged. Being part of Billy Graham’s family doesn’t mean they are perfect or were born knowing how to share Jesus with others. Rachel-Ruth says, “You and I don’t have to be professionals. Just Jesus Followers who lead others to Him.” In addition, “If you didn’t have that example in your home, you can become the witness the next generation needs.” After each of her examples is a brief “Creating a Legacy of Witness (or worship, walk, or work)” and “Be a Jesus Follower” suggestion, with an appropriate scripture verse.

I am convinced that what Anne Graham Lotz teaches is consistent with scripture, and that she is firm in what she believes. This is the first time I have read Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright’s writing and am as impressed with her sincere faith as with that of her mother’s. She has her own style of writing, a great sense of humor, and a passion to leave a godly legacy for her daughters and others. Both her mother’s narrative and her examples from lives of loved ones mesh perfectly.

I could see areas in which I need to grow in faith, behavior, and sharing God’s truth and love with others. Even though there are things I would rather gloss over, I know the authors tell the truth of the Bible with love, even when the truth is not popular. This book could easily be used as a devotional book or Bible study based on how each chapter and example is designed so one can work through the scripture and suggestions and incorporate them into our lives. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to grow as a genuine Jesus Follower and learn how to share their faith with those around them, including the next generation.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this book from the author and the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
1 review
September 24, 2021
For any kids in your life - Get THIS book!



With the Olympics and Paralympics held this summer, it is so fitting for this book to be released this year! I was granted the opportunity to read this and it is a terrific, awesome read. Whether you have children, are around children anywhere, or if you are journeying through life with someone who talks about their children - this is a great book! The theme, style and way it is written are perfect. God's hand was truly in and on this project. Passing the baton of faith and planting the seed of truth is truly a worthwhile goal!

This labor of love is so well woven together through stories of God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. As a mom, I can look back and see myself as a young girl in some of the stories. In others, I can clearly see my children and husband as we seek to bring the Gospel to others and live it out with our family. Biblical truth is found in every chapter and story! All point to God and our part in the ultimate story we can't see the end of just yet.

These stories show the ripple effects over time, compounded with the consistent out pouring of love to others - despite circumstances. Each chapter ends with a question, advice, and a verse to help readers create a legacy of faith and passing the faith on to the next generation or introducing it to the current one to be passed down.
Profile Image for Joan.
4,346 reviews122 followers
September 30, 2021
In a relay race, the baton is passed to the next runner. The ability to transfer that baton well is crucial. So it is with transferring faith to the next generation. This book contains many stories illustrating how the descendants of Billy Graham passed the baton to the next generation.

“Parents,” Rachel-Ruth writes, “hands down, are the biggest influence on a child.” (2045/3347) Rachel-Ruth, daughter of Anne Graham Lotz, shares examples of how her parents and grandparents were so firm in their faith, she never thought to question the reality of God or the truth of His Word. She relates memories of forgiveness and grace, of loving others and learning from them, of faithfulness during physical suffering and much more.

This is not a how to book. There is no strategic plan nor bullet points of action to help you pass on your faith to your children. Rather, this book contains examples of the process and illustrations of the parental priorities involved. It is how one family created a legacy and passed on the commitment to be Jesus followers to succeeding generations. It is a good book for readers who can see how to do a task by observing how someone else has done it.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
91 reviews11 followers
October 2, 2021
I really enjoyed being a part of the launch team. Jesus Followers is a wonderful book about how to pass down your baton of faith to your children. Anne and Rachel- Ruth give heartfelt examples of teaching future generations and following Jesus in their daily walks. Their love for Jesus spills out into their daily activities. I enjoyed Rachel- Ruth’s stories about growing up and witnessing the strong faith and love for Jesus in her parents, grandparents, and in-laws. I highly recommend the book to anyone who wants to learn how they can pass on their faith to others.
Thank you Waterbrook and Multnomah for sending me this e-book and allowing me to be part of the launch team.
17 reviews
September 22, 2021
The book was really good! I enjoyed hearing the stories about family life with Anne Graham Lotz & her dad Billy Graham. I loved the references of passing the baton in this race - called life. The baton is truth that leads to faith in Jesus Christ. As parents we must strive to be Giants amount spiritual dwarfs by receiving, running with & relaying to the next generation. If you want to walk with God, we have to go at his pace - moment to moment with obedience to his word. Surrender to his will. Courage is just doing it scared (I love that!). Listen to the spirits nudge - God places believers in unlikely positions throughout the world to be a light for him to speak truth when given the opportunity.

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus
Hebrews 12: 1-2
339 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2021
I really enjoyed being a part of the Jesus Followers launch team. This book written by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright is inspirational and a testimony to their faith in God. In Jesus Followers we are given a glimpse into the Graham, Lotz, and Wright families through stories of faith and perseverance. Most of the stories are told by Rachel-Ruth as she shows how the Baton of Faith in Jesus Christ is to be passed from one generation to the next. This is definitely a book that should be given to all new mothers.

I would like to thank Waterbrook and Multnomah for allowing me to be a part of this launch team. I loved this book and am proud to review it.
Profile Image for Read-n-Bloom.
412 reviews9 followers
June 8, 2022
Jesus Followers is a wonderful book that Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter, Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright has written together. Anne and Rachel-Ruth tells us biblically how to be Jesus Followers. I enjoyed it and enjoyed what they taught us within it. Rachel-Ruth spoke of her mother, father, and her grandmother and grandfather, Rev Billy Graham and Ruth Graham. Many biblical truths in this book.
3 reviews
Read
September 22, 2021
The layout of the book with mother introducing each topic followed by daughter illustrating with stories was in itself a demonstration of “passing the baton.”
Passion for the message is clear leaving the reader challenged and with examples of how actually it has been done in these authors lives; giving ideas of how it might take place in our own stories.
Just when you think it might be too much to live up to, a story is shared humbly, authentically showing none of us has the perfect family in which to do it. Or should I say, we do have the perfect family in which to do it because none is perfect. Very inspiring.
Profile Image for Breanne Hodges   Breanne Howard.
77 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2023
I didn’t have any expectations going into this book and I’ve never followed the lives of the Graham family. But I found Rachel-Ruth’s words very relatable, applicable, and genuine.
Profile Image for Debbie Chatley.
566 reviews27 followers
September 18, 2021
Heartwarming stories woven with biblical truths for living out our Christian walk. The stories made me laugh and sometimes cry. I loved how they give us the reader an inside look into the lives of the Billy Graham family. These stories hold a special place in my heart for my grandmother came to know Jesus from a Billy Graham rally. And my grandma left a godly legacy through her 8 children and many grandchildren. I especially how these heartwarming stories become kickoff points of life application for the reader. In fact, each chapter ends with a challenge for walking out our Christian lives as well as a way to be a Jesus follower with a verse. There is so much wisdom in these pages. I was using my highlighter quite often. A must read for sure.
Profile Image for Amy.
151 reviews8 followers
September 21, 2021
Told in the style of a race (passing on a baton), the authors move through stories and suggestions of how to live as a child of God and pass on that kind of faith to the next generation (kids, grandkids, etc).

I feel like there are many books on the market regarding passing on your faith to the next generation. Jesus Followers is a peak into the Graham/Wright family. There was a good diversity of stories and they were captivating; interwoven with biblical principles.
1 review
September 21, 2021
This book gave practical ways to witness to friends and family.
These were illustrated with personal accounts involving the Graham and Lotz families. These incidents were informing , amusing and/or poignant. After reading this I feel an urgency to be more intentional in passing the baton of faith. I especially enjoyed glimpses into the lives of this great family set on running the race and passing the baton.
23 reviews
September 15, 2021
The world knew them as Reverend Billy and Ruth Graham. He inspired millions at his crusades for Christ while she kept their home strong in the Lord. But the authors of Jesus Followers knew them as Daddy Bill and Tai Tai. In this biographical sharing of family stories and spiritual legacy, the daughter and granddaughter of Billy Graham give us a candid look into what it was like growing up Graham. They relate the spiritual legacy they inherited and have a deep desire to pass on. Theirs is a legacy all of us can aspire to. The book is also sprinkled with enjoyable family photos.

I received a free copy of this book and was asked for my honest review.
Profile Image for Debi Grenseman.
17 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2021
I just finished reading an advance copy of “Jesus Followers,” by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright. The focus of their book is leaning into Jesus in all parts of our lives, striving to run our race of faith with responsibility, diligence, and perseverance so that we pass that Baton of Truth onto the next generation, to those who are watching how we live out our faith, especially when we are stressed and irritated by the struggles of life or when we are in pain and suffering.

“Jesus Followers” is brimming with real life examples from both the authors’ personal lives and their observations of those with whom they did life with, particularly close relatives, which include Billy and Ruth Graham. And I do mean “real life” examples. Their stories reveal lives lived that modeled what it is like to walk trusting the Lord in difficult situations, worshipping Him when all your humanity wants to do is complain and/or cry.

Anne and Rachel-Ruth's book reminds us that we who have that identity are to live “aware of life’s brevity” so as to “prompt us to live each day with greater intention so that we leave a legacy of faith for those who follow” and in order that they, too, will carry forward the Baton of Truth.” A pew research of university students recently revealed that it’s long before students go to college that this baton slipped out of their hands. That means it was starting to slip before they left their parents’ home and their home church. “Parents, hands down, are the biggest influence on a child. Our children imitate whatever they see us doing.” (“Jesus Followers”) It’s vital for each Jesus follower to live out an intentional, moment-by-moment, totally committed, totally surrendered walk with Jesus in every circumstance that proves He is our strength and joy. That’s how that Baton of Truth is passed. That’s what helps the next generation grasp that baton firmly and run their race.
Profile Image for Kathy Anderson.
149 reviews34 followers
September 30, 2021
Reading this book is like sitting down at the kitchen table sharing stories with your dear friend about your shared faith journeys.

Anne Lotz and her daughter share examples drawn from the lives of Ruth Bell Graham ( affectionately called Tai Tai), Billy Graham ( affectionately called Daddy Bill), Tai Tai’s parents and Anne Lotz’s in-laws.

The reader is challenged to strengthen their walk as a Jesus Follower through questions/ suggestions posed to the reader at the end of each chapter.

I was given an ARC copy of the book by the publisher via NetGalley. I received no compensation and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sally Ferguson.
80 reviews8 followers
February 10, 2022
Jesus Followers conveys a legacy of love from the Graham family to our families. Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright, the granddaughter of Billy & Ruth, writes with her mom, Anne Graham Lotz, the daughter of Billy & Ruth. Their desire to pass the baton of faith to the next generation reflects the unique impact of our witness, worship, walk, and work.
“Rachel-Ruth teaches a weekly women’s Bible Study and shares God’s Word at numerous events around the country. She serves on the Board of Directors for AnGeL Ministries, in addition to chairing the weekly prayer team that undergirds her mother’s ministry.”
“The New York Times named Anne one of the five most influential evangelists of her generation. She’s been profiled on 60 Minutes, and has appeared on TV programs such as Larry King Live, The Today Show, and Hannity Live. Her Just Give Me Jesus revivals have been held in more than 30 cities in 12 different countries, to hundreds of thousands of attendees.”
Jesus Followers will equip you to create your own legacy as you vulnerably share a listening ear and the stories of your own heartaches. Rachel-Ruth reminds us to share our hardships with others and tell them how God brought us through them, “He will be glorified through the pain in our lives.”
Rachel-Ruth tells how her grandmother, Ruth Bell Graham, saw treasure in broken items and upcycled them before recycling was “a thing.” She also saw treasure in people who were hurting and broken, and reminded them they were priceless in God’s eyes.
Continuing with the witness, worship, walk, and work theme, Anne says, “An authentic witness is inextricably linked to a heart devoted to worship.”
Ruth taught Rachel-Ruth that worship is the best way to fight discouragement, and offered practical tips:
1. Focus on the blessings.
2. Carry a song in your heart.
3. Keep a sense of humor.
Jesus Followers is very relatable as the authors share stories of caring for a family and navigating the daily chaos of life. They remind us God is able and willing to walk through life with everyone who calls out to Him. A precious legacy, indeed!
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Danielle Turko.
382 reviews1 follower
October 12, 2021
I received this book as part of a book launch team in exchange for an honest review.
Everybody has heard the expression "The apple doesn't fall from the tree". Usually this refers to kids liking shopping as much as their parents, or not liking certain activities, but Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter Rachel Ruth Lotz Wright think it should also refer to our Christian faith. Comparing it to a relay race, they illustrate how one runner must pass on the baton to the next runner in order for the race to continue. Anne shows us through the first ten generations in the Bible, which are Adam through Noah, and how each generation named one person who passed on their faith to their family. Rachel Ruth then will take over from her mom and demonstrate those points through anecdotes of being raised by the woman who was raised by Billy Graham, and how she is now preparing the baton for her own daughters to carry. Even if you don't have children at home, this book is great for all Christians who want to share their faith with the younger generations.
I don't currently have kids, but I do have nephews and a niece, and am open to having kids of my own in the future one day. As someone who was raised in a Christian home by parents who were also raised by Christian parents, it never really occurred to me that it was my responsibility to pass the baton so to speak. I just always assumed that if I had kids they would grow up in church like I did then would just make the choice for themselves to become Christians. I do know people who were raised in Christian homes and chose to go their own way, but just always chalked it up to some people finding the ways of the world more enticing. After reading this book it shows how exactly you need to help the next generation along, and how to more effectively pass the baton. That doesn't mean all children will take the baton, or even take it right away. There may be some fumbles and drops of the baton too, nor does it mean that adults are failures if the child doesn't receive the truth. This book just helps to give some pointers and encouragement for the journey.
Profile Image for Lisa G. Hudson.
697 reviews62 followers
October 5, 2021
GUIDE FOR IGNITING FAITH IN THE NEXT GENERATION

Anne Graham Lotz and her daughter Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright have teamed together to provide readers with an exceptional guide for igniting faith in the next generation. As the daughter and granddaughter of Billy Graham and his beloved wife, Ruth, they learned the importance of leaving a legacy of faith. It was from these two that the following generations learned about their faith by what they heard preached and spoken and by what they saw lived before them. Anne Graham Lotz has written: “While we need to speak up and share the truth, a witness that is lived may be even more powerful than one that is spoken. It’s not just what you and I say but who we are that catches the attention of those around us. As you read Rachel-Ruth’s stories, this truth will be fleshed out in living color.” What can be learned from this book can have a significant impact on your witness, worship, work and walk.

This book will encourage you to examine your self and the life you live before your own family and friends. What do others know about my personal relationship with God? It should permeate my being and be the first thing someone recognizes in me. The next thing is, what do I believe about the Bible? Do my family and friends know what I believe about the Bible? What about everyone else I come in contact with? This is the the book that helps you understand the importance of incorporating a lifestyle so that your personal legacy of faith will make a substantial difference to all the generations that follow Jesus.

My husband and I both come from families that made it a priority to teach us about faith and that lived their faith before us - even when it was not an easy thing to do. We have done our best to do the same with our children and spur them onto pass the torch to the generations following. This book will continue to give me wisdom and motivation.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by WaterBrook & Multnomah & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.
Profile Image for Cindy Navarro.
190 reviews6 followers
October 6, 2021
Jesus Followers: Real-Life Lessons for Igniting Faith in the Next Generation by Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright is about building a family legacy of authentic faith!

The daughter and the granddaughter of evangelist Billy Graham share stories of how the baton of belief has been passed down from previous generations and how they continue to pass it to the next generations. They also explore characters and stories of biblical characters found in Genesis 5. Not only do we see how faith was passed down to others in Biblical history, but we have actual stories from the lives of a family known worldwide for sharing their faith, but this time within a more intimate setting of their home life.

Basically, the book tells stories of how members of the Graham family, including spouse’s families, learned how to trust and follow Jesus demonstrate the importance of remembering that loved ones are watching and listening. Some of the moments shared revealed how childhood memories make a greater impact than realized at the time.

Divided into 4 parts: Our Witness, Our Worship, Our Walk, and Our Work... An introduction shares about passing the Baton of Truth. A question is often included at the end of each chapter with Scripture and a Be a Jesus Follower statement. The book isn't exactly what I expected, but in many ways, it was what I need. My cousins and I treasure memories of our grandparents and parents, but don't pass enough of those memories down. Most of all, though, I need to focus on the legacy I am leaving my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A legacy of faith is vital.

Thank you to Net Galley and Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for providing a copy of this book in advance to read. I was not required to give a positive review, but asked for an honest one. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
90 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2021
What kind of legacy will you leave behind? Will your legacy be one of the world or one of God? In the book Jesus Followers by Ann Graham Lotz and Rachel- Ruth Lotz Wright a mother and daughter team up to write lessons of faith to pass down to our children, grandchildren, and even others in our sphere of influence. A legacy of reading God's Word, knowing His truth, Following God, sharing our faith, and more. A legacy of staying strong and steady in our walk with God even when our world is shaken and it goes against culture or popularity. Ann and Ruth use stories of their family and faith to show how a godly legacy has been passed from generation to generation in their family. Using the illustration of a relay race and runners passing a baton they describe the passing on the Baton of truth- God's Word in the Bible and their own family. The stories illustrate a relationship with God, living out a godly life, modeling a Christian walk for the next generations.
The book has 4 parts- Our Witness, Our Worship, Our Walk, and Our Work. Each part has an introduction dealing with the passing of the Baton of Truth in the Bible and several chapters of personal stories. At the end of each chapter is a Bible Verse, application statement, and a self examination question or prayer idea. This book gives guidance on how we can pass on the Baton of Truth in our families leaving our own legacy. The world is always changing and our family needs a strong, stable foundation to build on and follow daily. I recommend picking up a copy of this book and start running your relay race today. I received an advanced copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Carrie Padgett.
Author 6 books70 followers
March 17, 2023
When your last name is Graham (or Lotz) and you’re related to the Reverend Billy Graham, people probably expect you to act and talk a certain way. You’re held to a different (and higher) standard than the rest of us mortals sinners.

In their new book, Anne Graham Lotz (Billy’s daughter) and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright (Anne’s daughter and Billy’s granddaughter), share insights and stories about being Jesus followers, and raising children to also be Jesus followers. The subtitle is Real-Life Lessons for Igniting Faith in the Next Generation.

The book is arranged in various sections that include Our Witness, Our Worship, Our Walk, and Our Work. Each section opens with teaching from Anne, then there are several short stories from Rachel-Ruth illustrating the points.

Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright is honest and transparent about the difficulties she experienced, particularly in high school, growing up in a family well-known for their faith.

It’s apparent Anne and her late husband, Danny, were intentional in raising their children to be Jesus followers. They (according to the pages of this book) walked the walk they talked about.

The teaching in this book is solid, the stories are well written and overall this is an excellent addition to the library of any believer wanting to be intentional about investing in the next generation. The bottom line: Live a life of faith and don’t be shy about it.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it!
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I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher, but this did not induce me to review it, favorably or not.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,076 reviews35 followers
October 27, 2021
I have always loved reading anything by and listening to Billy Graham. I can remember attending a revival in my hometown when I was very young that Billy Graham was preaching at. This amazing man could always hold my attention and his messages always hit home. When I saw that this book was by Anne Graham Lotz, I knew I had to read it. Of course as I expected, this book did not disappoint at all.

I loved that I got to see a side of the Graham family from Anne's point of view. To hear that Billy and Ruth Graham were just down right good people and did not flaunt their wealth just justifies what I had thought about them all along. Such great people and had a heart for God in all that they did. They passed down these great traits to their kids and grandkids as well.

Anne brings out so many good points in this book that we as Christians should always remember if we are going to be Jesus followers. Some of the points made you think about all the time but Anne does a great job of driving these points home and helping you to relate to them so much better. I flew through this book because it was such easy reading and kept my attention. I wanted to know more about the Graham family anyway and those stories kept me intrigued as well.

I highly recommend this book. Such a great read! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all opinions are my own. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. I know this one is going to do really well!
Profile Image for Esther Shock.
1 review2 followers
September 29, 2021
A sweet collection of memories from a family that has successfully passed the torch of faith from one generation to the next. I have noticed how many families of successful preachers, pastors, or missionaries have struggled in their faith, often resentful of the person who has been doing so much for the Lord. It is a blessing to see how this family preserved and passed on their faith successfully through the generations.

I learned a lot about Billy Graham's wife and about her faith. I think that she is one of the keys to the successful passing on of faith in his family. She was a faithful, powerful servant of God in her own right.

I wish that it had been more clear in the book when it was Anne Graham Lotz "speaking" and when it was Rachel-Ruth "speaking" though that might have been because I was reading a digital version. When they changed speakers, I had to use context clues to figure out who was speaking. The references to all of the family members also got a bit confusing since they used different nicknames for them.

Overall, it was a nice read. It was less Bible study and more personal recollection with a "call to action" at the end of each chapter. But it was also a unique insight into the inner workings of a very well-known family that has been able to do what many have not - pass on faith in Jesus Christ from generation to generation.
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