New & Noteworthy - Biography

From the lead singer of the chart-topping Christian band MercyMe comes a compelling memoir of love, loss, and family! You'll be moved by the story behind the hit song as Millard reflects on the loss of his father to cancer and shares his own testimony of growing up in a once-abusive family transformed by Jesus. 208 pages, softcover from Nelson.

Iconic superstar Dolly Parton has never been shy about the driving force behind her success. "A belief in God is essential," she says. Revealing the heart behind her amazing achievements, The Faith of Dolly Parton by Dudley Delffs spotlights the spiritual beliefs anchoring her life with stories and insights to inspire every fan.

This book details the remarkable life of Billy Graham-a life described not as a legend or a spiritual giant, but in the way Franklin Graham has always seen it: through his father's eyes.

Many have written about Billy Graham, the evangelist. This is the first book about Billy Graham, the father, written from the perspective of a son who knew him best. In Through My Father's Eyes, Franklin Graham delves into the lessons his father taught him through the years. Special features include:

• 24 pages of family photos – some never before seen.
• Strong scriptural teaching in every chapter with practical wisdom.
• Never-before-shared family stories rich with history.

In 1957, Melba Beals was one of the nine African American students chosen to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. But her story of overcoming didn't start--or end--there. While her white schoolmates were planning their senior prom, Melba was facing the business end of a double-barreled shotgun, being threatened with lynching by rope-carrying tormentors, and learning how to outrun white supremacists who were ready to kill her rather than sit beside her in a classroom. Only her faith in God sustained her during her darkest days and helped her become a civil rights warrior, an NBC television news reporter, a magazine writer, a professor, a wife, and a mother.

In I Will Not Fear, Beals takes readers on an unforgettable journey through terror, oppression, and persecution, highlighting the kind of faith needed to survive in a world full of heartbreak and anger. She shows how the deep faith we develop during our most difficult moments is the kind of faith that can change our families, our communities, and even the world. Encouraging and inspiring, Beals's story offers readers hope that faith is the solution to the pervasive hopelessness of our current culture.

For centuries Paul has been one of the church's most widely cited saints due to his influence regarding the formation of Christian theology that has changed the world. However, in this compelling modern biography, N.T. Wright devotes his attention to the all too often overlooked essence of Paul’s life itself – specifically illuminating the human and intellectual drama that shaped him – and the unlikelihood of what he accomplished. Wright insists that without a proper understanding of Paul’s Jewish heritage, our understanding of Paul and his accomplishments are impaired. Paul: A Biography provides an accessible look at the man himself, allowing for greater clarity when it comes to Paul’s thoughts and writings, and enabling us to see the man and his theology in a fresh new light.

Generations have been charmed by the "Little House" series of books, where references to the Ingalls' Christian faith shines out through mentions of Scripture, hymns, church, prayer, and personal belief in God.A Prairie Girl's Faith: The Spiritual Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder focuses on the pioneer values of hope, endurance, courage, and religious conviction that played out in the lives of Ma and Pa Ingalls, Laura and Almanzo, and their daughter Rose-as well as in the stories of the churches they attended, the pastors they knew, and the songs they sung. A section of authentic recipes (but adapted with modern measurements and oven times) is included. 210 pages, softcover.

Continuing the narrative begun in This Life I Live, Feek offers a heartfelt memoir with glimpses into his family's love story! Now raising his 3-year-old daughter, Indiana, alone, he digs deep into the soil of his late wife's legacy and his own experiences, sharing the secrets of how their Tennessee farm produces life and hope. 240 pages, hardcover from Nelson.

Throughout history, the lives of spiritual giants—though full of struggle, sin, and weakness—magnify the glory and majesty of God. Their lives and teachings are full of messages that are still profoundly relevant. Their voices live on. And their stories should be told and read today.

In this book, John Piper explores the lives of twenty-one leaders from church history like Augustine, Martin Luther, William Wilberforce, Adoniram Judson, C.S. Lewis, Charles Spurgeon, and others, offering a close look at their perseverance amidst opposition, weakness, and suffering. Let the endurance of these faithful but flawed saints inspire you toward a life of Christ-exalted courage, passion, and joy.

Meet the real prayer warrior who inspired the beloved character of "Miss Clara" in the hit film War Room! Written by Molly's daughter, this holy and hilarious account is more than a memoir---it's an inspiring mentoring resource for all those who long for the wisdom of such a courageous intercessor. Foreword by Stephen Kendrick. 272 pages, softcover from Faithwords.

Twin brothers David and Jason Benham grew up with big dreams of baseball and an even bigger trust in God. Though they attended a small high school with no baseball field, turned down a professional offer so they could attend college together, and faced more than one missed pitch and injuries, they kept dreaming, praying together on the field, and believing in God's provision for their lives.

David and Jason's journey, from Little League to college to professional baseball and beyond, reminds us that even when we don't know what God is up to, He's putting together the pieces of our life's puzzle and executing the plans He has for each of us.

Miracle in Shreveport tells the story of a family's love, the power of prayer, and a game that is truly all-American. It is also the story of brotherhood staying strong, despite the threat of comparison in a profession committed to competition. Most of all, it is the story of being faithful in small steps, honoring God in the process, and trusting His hand in our lives. In this book, the Benhams call us to remember that when we follow God's dream for us, we find it is better than we could have ever dreamed for ourselves.

Student journalist Ben Malcomson tried out for the USC football team just to write about the process---so he was dumbfounded when his name was added to the roster of the national champions! Now in his inspiring memoir, you'll discover how God used Ben to work in unexpected ways in the lives of his teammates. 224 pages, softcover from Multnomah.

The funny and talented Chip Gaines is well known to millions of people as a TV star, renovation expert, bestselling author, husband to Joanna, and father of four in Waco, Texas. But long before the world took notice, Chip was a serial entrepreneur who was always ready for the next challenge, even if it didn't quite work out as planned. Whether it was buying a neighborhood laundromat or talking a bank into a loan for some equipment to start a lawn-mowing service, Chip always knew that the most important thing was to take that first step.

Now a #1 New York Times bestselling book, Capital Gaines offers readers a ringside seat as Chip relives some of his craziest antics and the lessons learned along the way. His mentors taught him to never give up and his family showed him what it meant to always have a positive attitude despite your circumstances. Throw in a natural daredevil personality and a willingness to do (or eat!) just about anything, and you have the life and daily activity of Chip Gaines.

Capital Gaines is the perfect book for anyone looking to succeed not only in business but more importantly in life.

Known as Miss Ida throughout her Bronx community, Ida Keeling isn't your typical athlete. Her fierce independence propelled her through the Great Depression, homelessness as a single mother, and the civil rights movement. But her greatest trials were yet to come.

When Ida's two sons were brutally murdered, she felt she didn't have the strength to carry on. Then, at age sixty-seven, she laced up her first pair of running shoes and began to chase the paralyzing sorrow from her heart.

Now 102, Ida is a world-record-holding runner who is still on the track. In Can't Nothing Bring Me Down, Ida offers truths and stories from a life devoted to loving Jesus, sacrificing for her family, and running a good race all the way to the finish line.

A powerful memoir of finding beauty and friendship through the pain of loss, tragedy, and brokenness, Even in Our Darkness explores what it means to know God and be known by him. Jack Deere tells the story of his life growing up near Fort Worth, Texas, in the 1950's and the disintegration of his family following his father's suicide. In his mid-twenties, Jack would rise to fame and success as a leading scholar, popular speaker, and bestselling author.

But despite being rescued and exalted, Jack would ultimately be crushed in the years that followed. He would lose his son to suicide and his wife to alcoholism. Only then would Jack wrestle with his own addictions, surrender control, and experience true healing.

An unvarnished story of the Christian life, Even in Our Darkness will serve as your own guide in overcoming life's disappointments and learning to hear God speak in unimaginable ways.

A true behind-the-scenes story of an undercover CIA agent! Recruited for a perilous mission, counterterrorism operative Assad wondered: Can I do this job? Did I misunderstand God's calling on my life? Do I have what it takes to survive? Join her as she faces a life-or-death decision---and discovers a faith greater than her fears. Hardcover.