Change Starts with You: Following Your Fire to Heal a Broken World

by Sam Acho

Injustice, division, and suffering may loom large in this broken world, but you have the power to stand up for truth, unity, and healing. Join writer, motivational speaker, humanitarian, and NFL veteran Sam Acho as he gives you the courage you need to be a changemaker. When gold is put into a crucible over a fire, the impurities (known as "dross") rise to the top. When faced with extreme heat, these precious metals are purified. Nothing about the metal’s essential makeup changes, but the impurities in them are brought to the surface, leaving behind precious gold. America is in a crucible right now--and maybe you are, too. The pandemic has strained an already struggling economy, longstanding cultural and political divisions have reached a boiling point, and injustices have been brought into the spotlight in ways that we can no longer ignore. But the thing about crucibles is that they bring out both the worst and the best of us. As you read Change Starts with You , you'll be: Praise for Change Starts with You : "Sam is a refreshing voice that the world so needs right now. This book is not a 'how to,' but a 'to do.' Sam is the spark to refire and refuel you like only Sam can, to become a force for good and live the unlimited life we've imagined in both a relatable and aspirational way. I can't wait for him to inspire you to take action in the same way he's inspired me." --Molly Qerim, philanthropist and host of First Take on ESPN

Genres: Self Help

256 pages, Hardcover

Published March 7, 2023

Reviews

[Carol Sente · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Acho is an impressive person, athlete, author and Christian. He goes to my church. This is his second book. The book is a quick read and packed with powerful stories. Sam inspires me to do more, dream bigger and get behind projects I’m passionate about. Probably only because I’m such a voracious reader of this genre of book (self-development is my title), I feel there are lessons I’ve already learned in the front half of the book and therefore me rating of 4 stars. And yet, Sam tells his story in such an engaging way, it is great to underscore lessons I’ve learned and how he has made an impact in the world. Yet it is the last 1/3 of this book that is so outstanding (5 stars); it literally makes you think you can (and should) do anything your heart has been dreaming about. I admire Sam’s passion for justice and athletes who use their voice for good (Athletes for Justice as one example). I will keep reading whatever he writes. He also has a great podcast.

[Gabrielle Cyr · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was set up as a Christian book that talks through the racial and social issues in today’s world and how we can take steps towards change. In my opinion, it ended up being a book where the author talked about himself, his NFL career and how great he is the entire time. I didn’t learn anything from this and wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. It was also super all over the place and wasn’t written well.

[Mark Youngkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former NFL player and current ESPN broadcaster Sam Acho has crafted an inspiring book that encourages the reader to identify and follow their passions to serve others. This is a well-written book that accomplishes what it sets out to accomplish. Highly recommended.

[Gayle Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring read. Touched my heart. I read a library copy. I'm buying copies for myself, my grandson, and my daughters.

[Trish Lava · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book today. Acho’s encouragement is sincere. His words are strong, and his message is dynamite. Must read. I’ll be reading it again and again. And I never read books twice.

[Morgan Stevens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the message, but I didn't expect it to be so religious.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay — there were some good messages/stories but I wasn’t always into the perspective.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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