Author: Derek SnookPublisher:
ISBN: 9781973196310
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 182
Book Description
It's critical that Christianity discovers ways to make the Gospel practical in a culture that changes so rapidly it's impossible to keep up. This book does just that, telling a story that is both inspiring yet relatable so that anyone--regardless of belief system--can say, 'wow, I'm not sure if I believe in Jesus, but there's something to this, and we need more of it.' -Richard Rohr, O.F.M. The Definition of Success tells the unlikely story of a recent college graduate who abandons the middle-class aspirations of his upbringing by ditching his plans for grad school and voluntarily checking into a homeless shelter. Funny, heartbreaking, and deeply challenging, through encounters with the homeless this story confronts the things society tells us to blindly accept. We join Derek as he asks questions about success, and we watch him grapple with his beliefs in a religiously hypocritical culture. What he learns among the homeless forces the reader to re-examine their way of living, and their definition of success. By living homeless Derek experiences first-hand the many barriers that prevent his friends from breaking free of the homeless cycle. In response, Derek forms a socially-innovative employment agency that ultimately becomes a multi-million dollar organization. This book is for those who are looking for meaning in their life and purpose in their vocation, who question their society, or who are jaded towards America's version of Christianity. Here's what influencers are saying: We need more entrepreneurs engaging the most difficult challenges our society faces today with these kinds of innovative businesses and approaches. -Brad D. Smith, Chairman and CEO, Intuit The Definition of Success thoughtfully examines areas of life that most of us leave unchallenged while pointing to a higher ideal that goes far beyond that of any political party. The truth of Jesus for Christians points to a way and a life, but this book helps give that message a universal meaning. -Mike McCurry, Professor and Press Secretary for President Clinton This book says that our lives are about more than the way we conventionally define success or failure. When we look, we can find value in every story. -U.S. Representative Mark Sanford, South Carolina This book tells an ordinary story with national significance. Its spirit captures the essence of what every city should be, a place where all citizens strive for the harmony and well being of the city regardless of race, religion, socioeconomic status, politics or sexuality; a place where citizens, having seen one another s pain, do not walk by with indifference but overcome their fears to heal one another because it is right and true. This book captures the idealism of a city that is yet to come, that we can only strive for, and yet remains worthy of our striving. -Former Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. The Definition of Success illustrates what all successful organizations should inspire: Find a Purpose worth total commitment of yourself (Heart, Soul, and Mind), while creating value to the community to sustain itself. -Byron Davis, CEO of Fisher Price Here's what readers are saying: "It made me really uncomfortable at times, revealing my internal dialogue as judgmental and prejudiced. It made me laugh, a lot! It has changed the way I look at the world around me. It has already been an opening for some really transparent, and sometimes difficult, conversations with friends and family." "The Definition of Success reenergized my commitment to purpose. Derek walks us through his own journey of how engaging with people experiencing homelessness changed him. His vulnerability creates permission for the reader to then also be changed - and I highly recommend you read it!" "If I knew Christians thought this way I wouldn't have walked away from God for so long."
