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Anxiously Engaged: A Biography of M. Russell Ballard
When M. Russell Ballard was set apart as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in January 2018, it was another milestone in a lifetime of service to the Lord. Having set aside a variety of entrepreneurial ventures to serve as president of the Canada Toronto Mission at the age of forty-five, he then accepted a call to serve in the First Quorum of the Seventy two years later, in 1976, and thus never ended up returning to the business world.
In Anxiously Engaged, accounts of this dedicated missionary, husband, father, business leader, and Apostle—accompanied by photos throughout—offer a close-up look at President Ballard’s life, faith, and testimony. As readers come to appreciate the meaningful difference he has made in the lives of the Lord’s children around the world, their own testimonies of his role as a prophet, seer, and revelator will grow.
In Anxiously Engaged, accounts of this dedicated missionary, husband, father, business leader, and Apostle—accompanied by photos throughout—offer a close-up look at President Ballard’s life, faith, and testimony. As readers come to appreciate the meaningful difference he has made in the lives of the Lord’s children around the world, their own testimonies of his role as a prophet, seer, and revelator will grow.
416 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2021
23 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Susan Easton Black
98 books44 followersSusan Easton Black is a retired professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah. She is also an author of several books related to Joseph Smith, Jr. and the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
November 11, 2021
Absolutely fascinating book! There were so many things I learned about this great apostle. I had no idea he was such an entrepreneur, supporter of the arts and theatre, or business man. He is a problem solver and has vision to take on challenges. The number of committees and events he was in charge of or invested in was so interesting. (Including the pamphlets, videos, and documents that were created by his influence) I love his support and influence on the Relief Society to allow women to be more of an integral part in the work of salvation, as well as all his efforts for missionary work! I also love his desire to create unity among all citizens and create communities in our world to come together in a spirit of love and goodness. This includes all areas of diversity such as LGBTQ, race, etc. He is a supporter of the family. I would have loved to met his wife Barbara-I loved the stories of her and know that she was an amazing woman who helped shape Elder Ballard into the great man he is. I didn’t know he was born into a less active family, became a successful car salesman, or that he is blind in one eye. I could go on and on about this book! His testimony of the Savior and tremendous faith were life changing and inspirational for me.
October 11, 2021
I met him once. I was shocked when I remembered that neither he nor I were wearing masks. But it was 10 years ago. Presentism strikes again! For someone who is shorter than I(and I am short), he was quite imposing. But there was that twinkle in one eye...
Speaking of which, did you know that he is blind in one eye? I didn't. That and other tidbits made this an interesting book to read. I would have loved more information about his business pursuits. And, SEB, being SEB, doesn't linger over much for long. I also get the sense that this wasn't really something he enjoyed having done... more of a "if you want it, I'll do it" sort of thing. Which, when I think about it, is probably how I would be. I feel the same way when people say "tell me about yourself in a job interview. "
I loved that moment when the RS leaderhip began to be transformed. Do we do luncheons now? Yes. But we do far less decorating, pre-planning, and girly things. I've said before that I wasn't raised to sit in a corner and take orders. It's part of my small town, farming heritage. But I'm so glad there's less of a focus on the perfect loaf of bread/flower arrangement and more of a focus on the important things.
His points re: BYUtv are, sadly, still largely true today. But "the Anderson method" literally began a revolution that has led to something better. And I wish I'd known Barbara.
Speaking of which, did you know that he is blind in one eye? I didn't. That and other tidbits made this an interesting book to read. I would have loved more information about his business pursuits. And, SEB, being SEB, doesn't linger over much for long. I also get the sense that this wasn't really something he enjoyed having done... more of a "if you want it, I'll do it" sort of thing. Which, when I think about it, is probably how I would be. I feel the same way when people say "tell me about yourself in a job interview. "
I loved that moment when the RS leaderhip began to be transformed. Do we do luncheons now? Yes. But we do far less decorating, pre-planning, and girly things. I've said before that I wasn't raised to sit in a corner and take orders. It's part of my small town, farming heritage. But I'm so glad there's less of a focus on the perfect loaf of bread/flower arrangement and more of a focus on the important things.
His points re: BYUtv are, sadly, still largely true today. But "the Anderson method" literally began a revolution that has led to something better. And I wish I'd known Barbara.
October 7, 2022
What an amazing man and valiant apostle! Elder Ballard has lived a full, active, meaningful life of love and service. I loved learning more about him and the wonderful works he has done over his many years.
June 11, 2022
Mark and I listened to this as we traveling back and forth to the mission office. Can I just say everyone needs to read this!
November 18, 2023
I'd give this 10 stars, if I could. I started listening to this book on CD in my car about a month ago. I've had an uplifting month of driving on errands! I just happened to finish on the day of President Ballard's funeral. It was very bittersweet.
September 25, 2021
I'd really give 3.5 stars. I always enjoy a biography. The writing is collecting of the book is fairly good, but it's not as good as some of the others I've read. But that's not a judgment on Elder Ballard's life, just the style and collecting of the author. I really liked reading about Elder Ballard's life and seeing the difference between some of the other apostles and prophets. One of the main reasons I really enjoyed this book was seeing how Elder Ballard grew up so regular, so human. And when he grew up he accomplished wonderful things, but not in a superhuman way like some of the other apostles did. He was asked to do some amazing things and he did a great job, but he's just seems more relatable after reading his book. It was interesting to see him struggle once in awhile with confidence in some of the actions he took, or blessings he gave, or decisions he made. The apostles can come off so confident, it was refreshing to see one wonder and get a little self-conscious. But he was also very bold and confident in other ways.
January 1, 2024
I hadn’t planned to read this book, but when M. Russell Ballard passed away in mid-November, I found myself drawn to it. I’m glad I did because I found it inspiring and motivating – one of the reasons I read biographies.
What impressed me with Ballard’s life was the scope of his accomplishments. He was an entrepreneur who had a range of businesses that included car sales and a theater-in-the-round. His responsibilities as a General Authority of the Church continued with major events including the sesquicentennial celebration in 1997, public relations during the 2002 Olympics, and publishing Preach My Gospel. I found myself thinking, “People aren’t trusted with major assignments because they’re simply righteous. They’re entrusted to them because they get things done.”
As a fellow Sigma Chi from the University of Utah, I was surprised and pleased with the liberal mention of his involvement in the fraternity, and his experience resonated with me. In fact, while Ballard was proselytizing in England, one of his Sigma Chi brothers serving in the Northwestern States Mission introduced him to a method of missionary work that revolutionized how missionary work was being done in England. (The brilliant idea was to share Book of Mormons, not just pass out pamphlets on the apostasy. Different times.)
What impressed me with Ballard’s life was the scope of his accomplishments. He was an entrepreneur who had a range of businesses that included car sales and a theater-in-the-round. His responsibilities as a General Authority of the Church continued with major events including the sesquicentennial celebration in 1997, public relations during the 2002 Olympics, and publishing Preach My Gospel. I found myself thinking, “People aren’t trusted with major assignments because they’re simply righteous. They’re entrusted to them because they get things done.”
As a fellow Sigma Chi from the University of Utah, I was surprised and pleased with the liberal mention of his involvement in the fraternity, and his experience resonated with me. In fact, while Ballard was proselytizing in England, one of his Sigma Chi brothers serving in the Northwestern States Mission introduced him to a method of missionary work that revolutionized how missionary work was being done in England. (The brilliant idea was to share Book of Mormons, not just pass out pamphlets on the apostasy. Different times.)
October 17, 2021
I had no idea! I’ve served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of my adult life. I don’t thing there has been a moment of service or opportunity of Church experience that has not been influenced positively by this man. The thing is, I didn’t know it was he. M. Russel Ballard seems quiet and unassuming to me, but his finger has been in improving the way we do things from my earliest experience. From teaching organized and effective Missionary discussions on my Mission in 1969 to the publications of Preach My Gospel, he has been at the forefront of effective Missionary Work. During my years working with the Aaronic Priesthood, stories from Elder Ballard’s life have shaped and formed my efforts. And this was before I ever even heard his name.
How thankful I am that he finally consented to allow the writing of his Biography to make these things known to me. What an amazing, exemplary, inspiring man!
How thankful I am that he finally consented to allow the writing of his Biography to make these things known to me. What an amazing, exemplary, inspiring man!
February 8, 2022
I enjoyed learning about President Ballard's life. He was born into a family with strong pioneer heritage, though his parents were mostly inactive in the church. I didn't know about his many health challenges through the years, particularly that he is blind in one eye. It was interesting to hear about his work and influence as a businessman and entrepreneur. It was also fun to read about his influence with many church programs, such as the beginnings of the humanitarian program, his involvement with Preach My Gospel and BYUtv, and his experience as a missionary, mission president, and general authority over missionary work.
September 18, 2022
I liked learning more about this humble man. The book starts out with him saying something like, “Why does anyone want to hear about my plain old life?” I loved it because of that. He was anything but plain!
It was so sweet to read about his sweet relationship with his wife and about all his business ventures. He was a very smart man.
I also liked hearing about normal life and also some of the antics of his youth. It’s nice to see the apostles as real people and to know more of their background.
I’ve always loved Susan Easton Black. She did a great job putting the book together in an interesting way.
It was so sweet to read about his sweet relationship with his wife and about all his business ventures. He was a very smart man.
I also liked hearing about normal life and also some of the antics of his youth. It’s nice to see the apostles as real people and to know more of their background.
I’ve always loved Susan Easton Black. She did a great job putting the book together in an interesting way.
December 13, 2021
This was an incredible biography of this Apostle of the Lord. I loved learning more about this man of God and the stories of his life which lead him to where he is today. I love seeing how their lives are shaped from the ordinary. How it’s really their choices, not what they are given or some hidden abilities, that define them.
December 30, 2021
An inspiring biography of one man’s journey from entrepreneurial business leader to a faith-filled humble leader of the Church. A great reminder of the Lord’s plan to work with ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
January 5, 2022
Fascinating biography of Elder Ballard. I enjoyed learning about his entrepreneurial ventures, support of the arts, busy family, and consecration of his life to the Lord. His goodness shines through.
February 23, 2022
I started listening to this book and was enjoying it so much that I had my husband go buy a hard copy to keep. I loved the humble approach to an extraordinary life. Realizing he has accomplished so much and yet has had many health issues gave me an extra appreciation for the man and leader he is.
November 14, 2023
What a man! I love reading biographies of people who put God first. God can make so much of our lives. That was certainly true for Elder Ballard. He will be missed, but I'm sure his reunion with his sweet wife and other beloved family members was amazing!
January 19, 2022
I loved this biography and realized I really didn't know that much about Elder Ballard's life. So many inspiring stories. So glad I decided to read this.
February 7, 2022
Love learning more about his life
October 12, 2022
Fascinating person. :)
January 21, 2024
Fantastic book that gives a great overview of President Ballard’s life and service as a Church leader. Felt a little rushed towards the final chapters of the book, but overall a great read for anyone interested in Latter-Day Saint history.
March 4, 2024
I loved this book! I was absorbed right into Elder Ballard’s life and loved learning all about him. I’m amazed at the service he always provided until the day he died.
July 27, 2024
Not just a biography but easy and enjoyable to read and feel the essence and spiritual strength of one called as an apostle, an especial witness in these latter days as a witness of our Lord, Jesus Christ. A testament to anyone who will read it.
March 16, 2022
Fantastic biography!
Since reading it, I have a new and better appreciation of the selfless service Elder Ballard has shared with so many. His example of persistent, happy-minded, living and leadership is extraordinary.
Since reading it, I have a new and better appreciation of the selfless service Elder Ballard has shared with so many. His example of persistent, happy-minded, living and leadership is extraordinary.
November 30, 2021
Loved learning more about the amazing M. Russell Ballard!
April 5, 2022
Susan Easton Black is my favorite church author and her narration of a church apostle’s life was fascinating. I have even more respect for President Ballard and his commitment to faith in Christ.
June 7, 2024
Before I read this book I didn’t know much about Elder M. Russell Ballard. Now I have a little bit more insight into his faithful and innovative ministry. The book was engaging and I enjoyed learning more about this incredible man and his love and service. Two stories that really stuck with me were the Oreo from Africa and the blessing given in a hospital by a man who had just had his priesthood blessings reinstated. Elder Ballard put the actions behind his testimony and I am grateful for his example.
October 21, 2024
I have always loved listening to biographies of prophets’ lives, but this is the first biography I read of an apostle’s life and I was left feeling just as inspired and invigorated. These men may be just men, imperfections and all. But they also ALWAYS aspire to put the Lord and His kingdom first in their lives. It only increases my conviction that they are led and guided by Him. Christ is at the head of His church and these men make no important decisions or changes without seriously considering the matter and prayerfully taking it to the Lord. It amazes me how much President Ballard accomplished! He was essential in, and initiated many well-known Church developments such Preach My Gospel, BYUtv, JustServe.org, and he tirelessly worked to make the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-days Saints more understood by people of all faiths. He did many media interviews and had countless friendships with prominent leaders of other faiths. He LOVED missionary work and honored his family heritage - being the descendant of Hyrum Smith. I am so grateful i took the time to learn more about President Ballard. I really didn’t know much about. He blessed the church with so many of his talents, but always made sure people knew his most important and impressive work on earth was his family.
November 21, 2021
This is a great book about a great man. One of the insights this book passed on to me relates to Elder Ballard’s zeal for missionary service. It’s tremendous to see how driven Elder Ballard has always been from the beginning to advance the gospel message throughout the world.
This is a record of a man who has tried his best for his nine decades to grow closer to the Savior. His story is inspiring. I have loved reading the recent biographies about these great leaders and men. It was also nice to read this book with its recent chapters. It addresses the pandemic of 2020-2021 at the end and gives comforting perspective on it from Elder Ballard. I also enjoyed that the author sought out the personal insights on him from his fellow members of the quorum of the Twelve.
This is a record of a man who has tried his best for his nine decades to grow closer to the Savior. His story is inspiring. I have loved reading the recent biographies about these great leaders and men. It was also nice to read this book with its recent chapters. It addresses the pandemic of 2020-2021 at the end and gives comforting perspective on it from Elder Ballard. I also enjoyed that the author sought out the personal insights on him from his fellow members of the quorum of the Twelve.
June 2, 2023
Inspiring biography of a great man. I have yet to read a bio of an Apostle/Prophet that I didn’t love, and this was no exception.
September 30, 2022
Typical of many biographies of leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this biography can border on the hagiographic side at times. So it is full of some inspiring and faith-promoting stories and experiences from the life of M. Russell Ballard. It does occasionally outline some of the personal, professional, and Church challenges he faced that are also inspiring in showing how such trials and difficulties can be great growing experiences and prepare us for future experiences in our lives. I thought the title of the book was interesting, in that sense, because it showed that while Elder Ballard was very successful in many areas throughout his life, not everything he touched "turned to gold." He had to face failures and challenges in his life with faith in God, and some of those failures prepared him for success in similar endeavors later on.
Members of the Church who read this book will learn some interesting and little-known details about modern Church history through the personal experiences of Elder Ballard, who helped to create that history. For example, they'll see how Elder Ballard's focus on the family and his family throughout his life prepared him to contribute to the now famous Proclamation to the World on The Family. They'll discover Elder Ballard's vision for interfaith outreach in projects like BYUTV and the JustServe initiative. They'll also hear about a prophecy of Spencer W. Kimball (who died in 1985) regarding "hand held devices" by which people around the world would be able to access media and other information some day. Those who aren't members of the Church might read this book to understand better how leaders of the Church are prepared throughout their lives to serve as General Authorities of the Church.
I highly recommend this book. It was well worth my time, and I found many examples of being a loving father, loyal husband, and diligent missionary to inspire me throughout my life.
Members of the Church who read this book will learn some interesting and little-known details about modern Church history through the personal experiences of Elder Ballard, who helped to create that history. For example, they'll see how Elder Ballard's focus on the family and his family throughout his life prepared him to contribute to the now famous Proclamation to the World on The Family. They'll discover Elder Ballard's vision for interfaith outreach in projects like BYUTV and the JustServe initiative. They'll also hear about a prophecy of Spencer W. Kimball (who died in 1985) regarding "hand held devices" by which people around the world would be able to access media and other information some day. Those who aren't members of the Church might read this book to understand better how leaders of the Church are prepared throughout their lives to serve as General Authorities of the Church.
I highly recommend this book. It was well worth my time, and I found many examples of being a loving father, loyal husband, and diligent missionary to inspire me throughout my life.
November 14, 2021
My personal connection to the subject of this book made it even more meaningful to read. I was privileged to spend time with President Ballard in his office in the early '90s, and he and I first became acquainted during my mission in South Carolina in the mid-'70s. Both of those experiences were sacred and unforgettable, and this book brought back memories and taught me things about President Ballard I hadn't known.
The audio narration is absolutely stellar. You would expect nothing less from a former news anchor to whom many of us listened nightly for years. But it is the writing style that kept me thoroughly engaged to the back page. I read this through Deseret Book's Bookshelf app, an accessibility nightmare to blind and visually impaired users. But I was so desperate to read this, and it is available nowhere else as nearly as I can tell, that I struggled with the access issues and the abysmal 2x audio artifacts introduced by the app's primitive time compression library to read the book. It was worth it in every way you can catalogue. But I'm done with that app, and I'm cancelling my monthly subscription. It's just not worth the toxic, grinding frustration that accompanies attempting to use it. As for the book, it really is magnificently crafted, and the subject matter is remarkable by every measure. My love and appreciation for President Ballard increased with the passage of every chapter. This was definitely worth all the hassle and difficulty I experienced with the dreadful app.
The audio narration is absolutely stellar. You would expect nothing less from a former news anchor to whom many of us listened nightly for years. But it is the writing style that kept me thoroughly engaged to the back page. I read this through Deseret Book's Bookshelf app, an accessibility nightmare to blind and visually impaired users. But I was so desperate to read this, and it is available nowhere else as nearly as I can tell, that I struggled with the access issues and the abysmal 2x audio artifacts introduced by the app's primitive time compression library to read the book. It was worth it in every way you can catalogue. But I'm done with that app, and I'm cancelling my monthly subscription. It's just not worth the toxic, grinding frustration that accompanies attempting to use it. As for the book, it really is magnificently crafted, and the subject matter is remarkable by every measure. My love and appreciation for President Ballard increased with the passage of every chapter. This was definitely worth all the hassle and difficulty I experienced with the dreadful app.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews