Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush

by Russell Levenson, Jr., Jeb Bush (Foreword)

This is the untold, intimate, and eye-witness account of the character, integrity, service, faith, and dignity of former President George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush by their priest, pastor, and friend.   George and Barbara Bush belonged to and were active members of a Houston church for more than 50 years. The rector of that church, Reverend Russell Jones Levenson, Jr., believes he was invited into private moments with these public individuals so he could serve as a a witness to observe, and a witness to tell.   With never-before shared correspondence, experiences, and personal stories, Levenson offers new insight into the Bushes’ wit and wisdom; their commitment to family and friends; their tireless desire to bless the lives of others; and their steadfast loyalty to their church, their faith, and their God. Before embarking on writing this book on faith, Levenson sought and received the blessing of all the Bush children, including the 43rd president.   Readers will laugh, cry, and be inspired as Levenson ponders how and why he was put in this unique pastoral position, asking questions like, “What on earth was I doing reading the sports section of the paper with the forty-first president, his cabinet member Brent Scowcroft, and a Chinese official on a breezy morning at Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport, Maine?”    Levenson writes with emotion about being with President Bush and Barbara Bush as they each took their last breaths on this earth. He then describes in full detail the surreal experience of planning a state funeral and giving a eulogy with other presidents in the front row.    This is book is for readers who yearn for our public officials to serve with faith and integrity like the Bushes. But above all else, this book shows how powerful it is when world leaders are humbled before the power that rests above all powers. “Reverend Levenson was a dear friend and spiritual mentor to both my beloved grandparents. His stories of friendship will fill you with hope and inspire grace.”―Jenna Bush Hager, Co-Host, NBC News’ Today with Hoda & Jenna

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Presidents, Memoir, Religion, History

352 pages, Hardcover

Published November 15, 2022

Reviews

[Bharath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always held President George H. W. Bush with a lot of respect and was hence keen to read this book.

Reverend Russell Jones Levenson as the rector of a Houston Church, knew the 41st US President and Barbara Bush very well. This is a book about how they lived their lives with faith always being the cornerstone. They were regular church goers and lived the values of generosity, humility, service & caring through their lives. President Bush often spoke of how he wished for a kind & caring nation. I also remember that when he was not re-elected, he left office with a lot of grace. His presidency was very eventful with the Gulf War and the unification of Germany. The book also recounts how the President was particular about a just war – and he did bring together a robust coalition and it was a swift war which achieved its objectives. Reverend Levenson recounts many episodes with them including the time he was with them in their final moments – first with Barbara and then the 41st President. These sections bring alive the emotions of the time.

I wish there had been more experiences in the book with the Bush family, nevertheless, I suppose the most important ones are recounted and I loved reading them. The philosophical musings in the later sections had a nice touch, but felt very literal. Overall, this is an important book providing insights into the strong values of a wonderful couple.

My rating: 4.25 / 5.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for a free electronic review copy.

[Mandy Emery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I teared up reading about Barbara and George’s final days. This is a sweet sweet book.

[Tara DuBose-Schmitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the title and preface, Levenson announces his intent to write a hagiography of George and Barbara Bush. He succeeds, and there is certainly much to admire in the Bushes’ character. Of course, this book mostly focuses on their last decade which overlapped with Levenson’s tenure as their pastor. This is really his memoir of starstruck encounters with dignitaries and celebrities and cool things he was part of through his association with the Bush family. A third of Witness to Dignity is solely about the decline and deaths of the First Lady and then the President and the funeral events following. It is moving to view these moments through his eyes. However, it is rather tedious—-every correspondence is included as is every passage from
Scripture or the Book of Common Prayer or the hymnal. A sentimental read but this priest accomplishes his intent.

[Michelle Ule · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love George and Barbara Bush, you'll appreciate this book.

If you're curious about their faith (as I was), you'll enjoy this book.

It could have been shorter.

It was interesting and I, as usual, appreciated Barbara Bush's character.

But then, she was a Navy wife like me. :-)

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush by Russell Levenson, Jr. is a great memoir and remembrance of a wonderful couple.

I have always been a fan of the Former First Lady Barbara Bush, and I have also always been impressed, awed, and smitten with the timeless, sweet, and wonderful relationship and romance between the former President George HW Bush and former First Lady. Their dedication, love, partnering, and examples of what true love and respect can be is just so lovely.

To read more about their relationship, their time together and with loved ones, and how that all stemmed from and incorporated their strong foundation of beliefs amd faith, was just so endearing, inspiring, and touching. To read these insights and personal stories, it really means a lot.

I really enjoyed this.


5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Center Street for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/15/22.

[Alexander Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice getting to know President G.H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara on a personal level to learn about the faith that motivated them.

[Mike Horne · Rating 5 out of 5]

H.W. and Barbara went to my church. So I found this fascinating.

[Alfonso Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read. The faith of these two great leaders and Christians is inspiring.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a powerful and thought provoking book. I laughed, I cried, I was moved. This was not about politics, more about relationships. I loved it.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really sweet look at George H.W. and Barbara Bush. I well remember (as much as a child of the '80s-'90s can :D) H.W.'s presidency; writing him a letter and getting a signed picture back (still have it somewhere!); and wishing I was old enough to vote!

So, a lot of nostalgia with this read--as well as admiration. I learned a lot about their faith and how they strove to live it out each day in very, very tough jobs. It helped put many things in perspective, and challenged me to live out my faith as well--in every aspect of life. If it can't (or doesn't) impact all areas of life, is it true, deep, abiding faith?

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Sue Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book about politics but rather a long relationship between two people who loved each other until they parted at death. I feel I learned a lot about how my relationship could improve by reading this book.
It was really a lovely story, and I would highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Center Press for a digital advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Peanut Kempe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the bush family, found the author so annoying

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

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I have to be honest. I didn’t vote for George Herbert Walker Bush in 1992 in my first presidential election. But, as I’ve found, I often find that even if I didn’t vote for a person, later on I have grown to respect them as a person and their life of service and maybe wish I had made a different choice in the voting booth. In short, I come to admire them much more when they are not politicking and making decisions that affect my life personally. Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush by Russell Levenson, Jr. is a memoir of the pastor and his time with the 41st President and his wife, Barbara. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but my respect for the former president and his wife has grown over the years through their actions and through the other biographies I’ve read.

This is not a full-on chronological biography of the Bush patriarch and matriarch. Pastor Levenson became pastor of the Houston church to which the Bushes belonged for more than 50 years. He came along well after President Bush had left office. He was there for the last decade of both Barbara and George’s lives.

Even if you’re not particularly conservative/Republican/whatever you want to call it these days, you have to admire the love match between George and Barbara Bush, whose marriage lasted more than 70 years. George and Barbara attended an Episcopalian church, but Barbara wasn’t baptized into the faith until late in her life. She said she wanted to do it on her on time, in her own terms, without feeling pressured to join simply because she attended the church.

Levenson shares some of his experiences with his life with the Bushes, including trips to Kennebunkport in the summer and meeting various heads of state, members of presidential administrations, and celebrities. But this book is not about name-dropping. It’s about George and Barbara Bush’s faith, and how they lived it in the last decade of their lives. The pastor shares some conversations 41 had with him about his Christian faith, and if you get the audio version of the book, you’ll actually get to listen to the pastor’s eulogies for both Barbara and President Bush’s funerals.

I’m glad to know that Levenson got the approval of the Bush children before going ahead with this book, because it is rather personal, as each person’s faith is. Yet the book also shows how the Bush couple lived their faith, set an example for the generations that followed, and how when the end of their time on this earth came, they were ready to join their beloved daughter Robin in heaven (Robin died of leukemia at just 3 years old and was never far from either Barbara or George’s mind, especially in their later years).

This is an inspirational read or listen of a couple who happened to be in the public eye yet lived their lives just like the rest of us. If you are a person of faith, I recommend this book.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witness to Dignity was written by the Bush’s pastor, Russell Levenson, Jr., and authorized by all the Bush children. As their pastor for over a decade, from 2008 until their deaths in 2018, Levenson shares his personal experiences with the former President and First Lady as he witnessed their faith in action, in public as well as in private. During these years, the Bushes were retired from public office, but they used that time to dig deeper into their faith; to humbly serve others; and to shower love, grace, and generosity on everyone around them. The examples they set provide valuable lessons for us today in living a godly life, sharing the hope we have, and always doing what is right, whether popular or not. Levenson also challenges the reader to not just reminisce about the good old days, but to fill the hole the Bushes left behind and continue their ministry of prayer and making this country a “kinder and gentler” place.
Since Levenson is an Episcopal priest, albeit a conservative and evangelical one, there were some points of Biblical Christianity where I disagreed with him. But I found the author to be very humble, respectful, and only interested in promoting the way the President and First Lady lived and shared their faith, never lifting up himself. And he leaves no doubt that the Bushes relied on Jesus alone as their savior and were not afraid during their final days and hours because they had the certainty of heaven. Through life and death they wanted nothing more than to glorify God, love others well, and share the Hope they lived on a daily basis.
This book is a fascinating look into the lives of the 41st President and First Lady during their final years. Levenson shares stories from time spent with them at their homes in Houston and Kennebunkport; at church and the Presidential library; with family, friends, and strangers. They were always gracious, hospitable, kind, and full of humor. A large part of the book covers planning and officiating their funerals, toward which the Bushes gave quite a lot of input. They wanted their homegoings to be worship services from beginning to end, pointing to the One who takes the believer through the door from this world into eternity. I highly recommend this book as an excellent testimony of two lives well lived in service to others and their God.
*I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and Hachette Center Street publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cinthia F · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give the middle of the first half of this book 2 stars. It was too wordy in places and too drawn out. I was getting bored and almost stopped reading. The author confesses that he receives feedback about cutting the length of his sermons and I understand why. I understand that he needed to tell the story of how he and the Bushes met but he got carried away. The second half, however, beginning with Chapter 12, I would give 4 stars. This starts with the decline of Barbara's health and continues on through the funeral of George Bush. The last 3 chapters or so are again too wordy - like the author was trying to drive home a point - which in retrospect I think he was but he just couldn't let it go. This is the part of the book where the author describes how so many people of all races, religions, social status, etc. were touched by the Bushes and wanted to honor them in death. And it also drives home how they lived their lives for God.

I am a native Texan and a native Houstonian and this book made me proud of my city - and a little surprised it behaved so well. My two daughters and my husband attended Texas A&M and I worked there for awhile so my heart belongs to this university. All that to say I could relate to the impressive display of honor that was bestowed upon both Bushes. My daughter, who works at Texas A&M, remembers viewing the train that carried George Bush to the library with a lot of other people in the small town where she lives. My first take away from this book is what special people George and Barbara were. My second takeaway is how different presidents are viewed today compared to when George H. W. Bush was president. The author states that with the funeral of George Bush "the nation and world were reminded of better times, when civility, decency, and unity were the hallmarks of our nation’s leadership." That is certainly not the case today and I would like to go back to those times.

I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Julie M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspirational affirmation of the role of faith in our nation

I was privileged to have met then- Vice President Bush at an event I arranged at my company, and to do advance work for the future First Lady in California when he was running for president This small view into their lives was immeasurably enriched by this wonderful testimony to their Christian faith and leadership of our beloved nation.

In advance work, you have a relationship with a person from you were doing the work, and I greatly enjoyed the down to earth style of Barbara Bush, her occasional wry or funny asides, and her devotion, to the mission of electing, George HW, Bush, President of the United States. I saw how dedicated the Secret Service was to protecting this woman who was a national treasure.

Through much of the book, I had tears running down my cheeks, but I could not put the book down. It renewed my own strong faith to read the Bible verses quoted, and the hymns most meaningful to the Bushes. At the end, it reminded me of the beautiful tribute at their deaths, and how effectively they made the Christian faith center of these national ceremonies, as well as their entire lives.

I have said, for several years now, as our politics has coarsened, and extremists on both sides of the aisle push for priorities less or unimportant to the vast majority of Americans, that I will only vote for character, integrity, and experience, which the Bushes embodied like few other National leaders. I’ve added one more criteria: faith.

Our nation was blessed to have such wonderful people as President and First Lady of our country. And I was blessed to have played a tiny role, very tiny, in the rich tapestry that was their lives.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book. I have always liked George Bush. Having lived in Maine while he was President, there was always the Kennebunk connection, so his years in office stuck in my mind. I was still a teenager/very early twenties while he was in the White House, but he and Reagan made up some of the earliest political memories that I have.

His, and his wife's, generation are gone now, and we are left with a pile of morons who are more concerned with social media than virtues like honor, dignity, service, and tradition. We stand on the shoulders of giants, but we are now represented by midgets.

This book is about the last 12 years of George and Barbara's lives. Written by their priest--they attended the same Episcopal parish for more than 50 years--the author does a good job of describing the centrality of faith for the senior Bushes, and how he came to know them well during their waning years. I was put in mind of my own grandparents who were of the same generation, and how different this country used to be with regard to civility and leadership. You don't have to agree with Republicans or Democrats to recognize how far off the rails our public sphere has been driven by the likes of our 45th President and his merry band of cable news bottom feeders, or by the constant drive to score social media points by men like Ted Cruz. Just low-lifes, all of them.

In any event, I liked this book, and I honor the memory of that generation. We will not see their kind again, I think, to our detriment. My own children will never know those people--the Greatest Generation--who did so much to shape me, personally, and our country in general. We are a much poorer place for their passing.

[Mh Weyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very touching. I had read a couple of books about Bush 41 and his wife from the family’s perspective. These other books described them aS dignified, but this book written by their pastor and friend goes deeper. It goes into the “why” behind who they were. It shares winsome stories from throughout their lives, although much of the book is focused on their later lives (the point at which the author became the episcopal rector at their church). He describes their integrity, their kindness and love for each other and to all with whom they interacted. And being from Houston myself, I enjoyed all the hometown references.

While there were a few times that the authors voice gets in the way of the focus on GHW Bush and Barb, it is abundantly clear that the author is attempting to use his own life experiences and even this book as a platform to share the good news of Jesus Christ. He also described the Bushes as doing the same in their actions throughout their lives.

There was a lot of Scripture interspersed in the book as well as the gospel message. I do wish the author had been more bold about the singularity of Christianity, but I suspect it was in order to woo with love other religions he had the opportunity to address rather than the intentional diluting of the gospel.

May Jesus be glorified through this book. A very sweet testimony to the work of the Lord in our former President and First Lady. And the gauntlet thrown down to readers. Let 41 and Barb not be the end of an era but may we carry on…may we be faithful to the end

Excellent read!

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In terms of a model of human decency, Jimmy Carter will always be my first choice of American presidents, but I have always respected President George H. W. Bush, or 41 as Dr. Levenson frequently abbreviates. He and Barbara clearly had a strong relationship and a strong sense of mission. Little things like quick glances at one another and awareness of proximity to each other can’t be faked over decades in the public eye. But beyond their love for each other and actions for improved opportunity, they appeared to be firmly entrenched in their Christianity. Like many of the most truly faithful people I have known or observed, George and Barbara Bush respected the religious beliefs of others and demonstrated awareness that goodness and compassion are valued in all belief system. They believed that God is merciful. They found guidance in their faith, the Bible, their religious leaders, and in one another. I’m not saying that I agreed with his politics or all of his actions as President, but that Bush 41 was a good, principled man who had the best interest of our country in his heart and mind. He also had a strong, principled woman who was unafraid to speak her mind by his side. Together, guided by their firm faith, they made the world a better place.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title is a priest's account of his private pastoring to two of his church members in their final years who just happen to be public figures.

The premise is a wonderful examination of the faith of a former U.S. President and First Lady in a refreshingly apolitical manner. Unfortunately Rev. Levenson's account lacks focus and a consistent narrative at times. His narrative wavers from personal memoir to hagiography to historiography, often from page to page. This approach would be better suited to change the narrative with each chapter rather than from one page to the next.

Some of the content serves little purpose to add to the story. This book could do without the list of prominent Episcopalians, the story of the Levenson family's ungracious guest in Kennebunkport, a heavy-handed drink poured for GHWB, and Rev. Levenson's fawning over meeting with one of his favorite actors for a church event.

What Rev. Levenson does capture well is recounting the deep faith and love that the late President and First Lady shared with their loved ones during his time with them. The very intimate conversations and encounters illustrate how ordinary encounters can often reflect the Divine.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witness to Dignity, isn't about politics, it is about the faith that George and Barbara had. Their faith was their foundation, their way of life, and Russell Levenson, Jr, shares with us, that part of their journey. He tells it through their stories, their moments, and their love, for each other, their family and friends, and the people around the world, who connected with them, through faith. This isn't about religion, it is about faith, and the way they lived their life every day up to the day they died.
The author, wrote, that after the president's death, many said, this is an end of an era. Instead, I suggested that the era does not have to end and perhaps the president's death is an invitation to fill the hole his death had left behind. After reading the book, I looked around and can see that many, accepted the invitation, and carry with them, the faith and belief that George and Barbara Bush lived, and shared.
I received an ARC from Center Street through NetGalley.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been moved by many books (it’s one of the reasons I read so many of them), but it has been a long time since any has profoundly enriched my soul the way this one has.

If you want to understand my faith in Christ and the love of my Creator and have not seen glimpses of it through the life I lead, this book about two Christians who share my denomination and my world view is a way to understand.

While I may fall short in preaching the faith through my life (especially if you see me at a soccer match), this book tapped deep into the source of my faith. Full of laughs and tears, it is filled with hope and love that can only be found in the authentic source of all being.

I recommend it to you without reservation.

[Andrea Engle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This warm-hearted memoir of the senior President Bush and his precious First Lady is recalled by the rector of their church home, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas … it spans the years from 2007 when Russell J. Levenson, Jr. was installed as rector until 2018, the year of their deaths … Dr. Levenson presided at all three of their funerals (President George H. W. Bush had a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral, as well as one at St. Martin’s) … the book is a testament to the Bushes deep Christian faith and genuine belief in life after death … inspiring, and mainly apolitical …

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always admired the Bush family and this insight into their faith is wonderful. George and Barbara Bush belonged to and were active members of a Houston church for more than 50 years. The rector of that church, Reverend Russell Jones Levenson, Jr., believes he was invited into private moments with these public individuals so he could serve as a witness: a witness to observe, and a witness to tell. The insight of Reverend Levenson is remarkable and he wrote with the consent and cooperation of the Bush family.

[Rocky Parra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. Father Levenson was the rector at my children’s school before his appointment at St Martins. We loved his homilies and occasional magic tricks in chapel. Likewise, I adore George and Barbara and their many contributions to the Texas, the United States and the world. I grew up in Texas and followed their many adventures in the world of politics. This witness to their Christian faith moved me to laughter and tears throughout the book. I’m so glad Father Levenson and the Bush family decided to share their story.

[Sarah Bickings · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author started this book by describing his internal debate about writing this book when there are so many books and stories out about George and Barbara Bush...what more could be added? But the idea stuck with him as needing to be written...and I am so glad he did. I have read quite a few books about George H W Bush- 41, the Man I knew, and now this...and this one is a different perspective and adds new insight to his character and that of Barbara Bush through the lens of faith...and I think that perspective is so needed. In the news, it was recently revealed that church attendance is at an all time low and I have to admit its been a good decade since my husband and I had a church home, even though we are believers, because it's hard to reconcile everything and the blatant hypocrisy happening. So, reading this perspective and how George and Barbara Bush lived out their faith, with such an authenticity and commitment to God's command to love God AND love their neighbor, it was beautiful to read and renewed my hope that maybe....the church can get back to THIS. And the ending of the book describing their last moments, honestly, I shed so many tears. It was poignant and thought provoking. Honestly, this is a must read for all who wish to be encouraged by stories of faith in action and further insight into the characters of George and Barbara Bush. Well done!
Thank you #NetGalley and Center Street Publishing for the ARC.

[Leslie Lenser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a remarkable testimony to the faith and love of the Bushes. At times it felt a bit over the top in describing their virtues. The author however can be forgiven by how clearly he shared the dedication and selflessness of the Bushes. Oh how desperately we need leaders who place service and the good of the people above the good of themselves. Worth the read no matter your political preference. It's a book of love not politics.

[GramNY · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderful wonderful book

I hated to see this book end! President Bush’s Pastor and friend honored the Lord and the Bush family with this book. We all leave a legacy when we pass from this life… both Barbara and George left such a blessed gift to their family … a life honoring the Lord and his great commandments, changing many many lives along the way worldwide plus the love as their parents.

Thank you Pastor Levenson.
Janice Hewett

[Lol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and read it over a span of two days. All the many anecdotal stories are interesting, entertaining and endearing, but when you get to the part where they are passing away, and see their devotion and love and their belief and faith, the book turns to a more spiritual nature. They embraced the afterlife with gusto. Highly recommend.

[Jonathan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a Christmas gift and held off reading it. I picked it up over Easter and read it. It was a perfect book for that time. The Bush’s pastor for the ten years before their deaths takes us on a behind the scenes journey of their faith. Ultimately, he takes us to their death beds and new life. Then, quietly preaches the meaning of it all. It is a humbling book and ultimately, I felt like I was in church with the Bushes, which was timely for the season. I highly recommend this book.