Lost Boy by Greg Laurie

I would like to introduce you to a man I've gotten to know much, much better over the last few days. This is a man from a broken...no, a shattered background. A man who, as a teenager, had little direction. A man grabbed by the heart and captivated by Jesus Christ, and who has been used to bring the gospel to millions.

A man named Greg Laurie.

Before he became the pastor to the over 15,000 member congregation of Harvest Christian Fellowship, he was the illegitimate son of an alcoholic mother. Running from God since before the age of 17, Charlene McDaniel found herself pregnant and alone.

Greg was born and lived his early years mostly alone due to his mother's drinking and dating lifestyle. Adopted by a kind and generous man, Greg was named for his adopted father, Oscar Laurie.

This is one of the most amazing autobiographies I've ever been honored to read. Greg holds nothing back, sharing who he once was, who he's become, and he does it with a humble and grateful attitude.

No wonder...one of his earliest spiritual mentors is Billy Graham.

For anyone who has ever felt used up by the world and consumed by sin, of no use to God or acceptable to be called His child...you must read this book! For anyone who grew up in a Christian home with all the advantages and came to faith at an early age...you must read this book!

"Lost Boy" is yet another story God is using to refine me and define me. I'm tired of the status quo, and I've been known for shaking things up...just not always for the right reasons.

But God is doing a new thing in me, in my husband, in my family, and in my church. He's using wonderful books like "Lost Boy" to kindle a burning desire to let my life be His so that it might count for something when I'm gone, and for His entire glory.

I'm giving "Lost Boy" the golden bookmark, and calling it the "Best Autobiography of 2008"! Thanks, Greg, for giving to the Lord. I am a life that's been changed.

Happy Reading!

Deena