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Finding Joy on Death Row: Unexpected Lessons from Lives We Discarded
Based on the sermon series that garnered top honors from Yale Divinity School, Finding Joy on Death Row is the powerful story of a broken preacher’s transformative experience learning about joy from Death Row prisoners, combined with dramatic handwritten responses from more than twenty men currently sentenced to die.
In Finding Joy on Death Unexpected Lessons from Lives We Discarded , Williams journeys into the hearts and minds of those sentenced to death, illuminating for readers the ways in which the human spirit can suffer—and soar.
Finding Joy on Death Row includes dozens of handwritten statements from those facing capital punishment. The testimonies and contemplations of those sentenced to die offer readers a unique opportunity to hear from individuals whose lives are marked by their looming execution. And yet these prisoners have—in the midst of grim circumstances—managed to find joy.
As Williams serves and shepherds these prisoners, their own stories are unveiled. Williams’s account of ministering within North Carolina’s prison system and the handwritten statements are punctuated by glimpses into the author’s own broken past. This important work will show readers the power of joy to reach us all, the free and imprisoned alike.
Finding Joy on Death Row : Unprecedented and revealing, Finding Joy on Death Row provides a window into the tragedies, hardships, and victories of those sentenced to die, ultimately offering readers the encouragement that we are all loved, forgiven, and capable of transformation.
In Finding Joy on Death Unexpected Lessons from Lives We Discarded , Williams journeys into the hearts and minds of those sentenced to death, illuminating for readers the ways in which the human spirit can suffer—and soar.
Finding Joy on Death Row includes dozens of handwritten statements from those facing capital punishment. The testimonies and contemplations of those sentenced to die offer readers a unique opportunity to hear from individuals whose lives are marked by their looming execution. And yet these prisoners have—in the midst of grim circumstances—managed to find joy.
As Williams serves and shepherds these prisoners, their own stories are unveiled. Williams’s account of ministering within North Carolina’s prison system and the handwritten statements are punctuated by glimpses into the author’s own broken past. This important work will show readers the power of joy to reach us all, the free and imprisoned alike.
Finding Joy on Death Row : Unprecedented and revealing, Finding Joy on Death Row provides a window into the tragedies, hardships, and victories of those sentenced to die, ultimately offering readers the encouragement that we are all loved, forgiven, and capable of transformation.
304 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 24, 2023
"Finding Joy on Death Row" by Dewey Williams is a truly remarkable memoir that delves into the transformative power of joy amidst the grim circumstances of Death Row. Williams, a broken preacher, takes readers on a profound journey as he learns invaluable lessons about joy from the prisoners awaiting execution. This book, based on a sermon series that received accolades from Yale Divinity School, is an unprecedented exploration of the human spirit's ability to suffer and soar.
One of the standout features of "Finding Joy on Death Row" is the inclusion of handwritten responses from more than twenty men facing capital punishment. Through their testimonies and contemplations, readers are granted a unique opportunity to hear directly from individuals whose lives are marked by the looming shadow of execution. It is nothing short of extraordinary that these prisoners have managed to find joy amidst their dire circumstances.
As Williams serves and shepherds these prisoners, their personal stories are unveiled, providing glimpses into their lives and the challenges they face. The author's own broken past is interspersed throughout the narrative, creating a poignant parallel between his experiences and those of the men he encounters within North Carolina's prison system. This juxtaposition enhances the book's emotional impact, making it a touching and compelling read.
"Finding Joy on Death Row" serves as a powerful reminder to readers of the transformative nature of joy. It unveils the tragedies, hardships, and victories experienced by those sentenced to die, ultimately offering encouragement and demonstrating that we are all capable of love, forgiveness, and transformation. Through this profound exploration, Williams effectively conveys that joy has the potential to reach every individual, whether free or imprisoned.
In conclusion, "Finding Joy on Death Row" is an unprecedented and revealing memoir that provides a poignant window into the lives of those facing capital punishment. It leaves readers with a deep sense of the human capacity to find joy even in the most challenging circumstances. This unique memoir is not only touching but also serves as an important reminder of the power of joy to transform lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking inspiration and a renewed perspective on life.
I received a digital copy of the book from the author or publisher. This review is my honest opinion.
One of the standout features of "Finding Joy on Death Row" is the inclusion of handwritten responses from more than twenty men facing capital punishment. Through their testimonies and contemplations, readers are granted a unique opportunity to hear directly from individuals whose lives are marked by the looming shadow of execution. It is nothing short of extraordinary that these prisoners have managed to find joy amidst their dire circumstances.
As Williams serves and shepherds these prisoners, their personal stories are unveiled, providing glimpses into their lives and the challenges they face. The author's own broken past is interspersed throughout the narrative, creating a poignant parallel between his experiences and those of the men he encounters within North Carolina's prison system. This juxtaposition enhances the book's emotional impact, making it a touching and compelling read.
"Finding Joy on Death Row" serves as a powerful reminder to readers of the transformative nature of joy. It unveils the tragedies, hardships, and victories experienced by those sentenced to die, ultimately offering encouragement and demonstrating that we are all capable of love, forgiveness, and transformation. Through this profound exploration, Williams effectively conveys that joy has the potential to reach every individual, whether free or imprisoned.
In conclusion, "Finding Joy on Death Row" is an unprecedented and revealing memoir that provides a poignant window into the lives of those facing capital punishment. It leaves readers with a deep sense of the human capacity to find joy even in the most challenging circumstances. This unique memoir is not only touching but also serves as an important reminder of the power of joy to transform lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking inspiration and a renewed perspective on life.
I received a digital copy of the book from the author or publisher. This review is my honest opinion.
November 30, 2022
Dewey has an amazing story. His own, as well as those who are on Death Row. Part of his ministry is speaking with those in the prison system, both men and women's prisons, and where better than Death Row to help those find joy in the midst of sorrow. Dewey had a plan, but what happens next is worth reading about. Dewey manages to learn from those in his charge on what it really means to have real joy. One prisoner tells him he's not on Death Row, but on "Life Row". Dewey uses sermons he's preached on in the past on the subject of Joy and came up with some prompts from those sermons to ask the inmates their view points on these prompts. He has managed to get their permission to include their actual handwritten responses as well as part of their story within the pages. It's amazing to see the human spirit fight for hope and joy, no matter the circumstances. Dewey learned a thing or two from these individuals, and he wasn't alone. Excellent!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*
December 21, 2022
Such a wonderful and encouraging read. Very much honest and to the point which should be an example for all Christians. I admire the work Dewey put into this project and I’m so happy I was able to read it.
May 18, 2023
Author Dewey Williams tells a compelling story of finding joy even in the most dismal situations. Reading about the men and women who found peace in what I always thought of as the most forlorn place one could find themselves, gave me a new perspective on the joy that comes from knowing that our Savior can shine light into any dark situation. Quite thought provoking!
I was especially moved seeing how Dewey’s journey to find his own joy in the midst of personal trials, intertwined with the joy he discovered in the men and women on Death Row.
I was especially moved seeing how Dewey’s journey to find his own joy in the midst of personal trials, intertwined with the joy he discovered in the men and women on Death Row.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews