As an educator with many years of experience in directing English as a Second Language (ESL) and cross-cultural programs, Kathleen Gripman spotted a troubling gap in the educational preparation of many students. Learning the essentials of American history is a critical educational milestone, but most overviews of America's story are designed for reading levels beyond the ability of most English Language Learners.

Gripman decided to fill that gap with the richly illustrated and fun-to-read book American History Made Easy. The book begins with the meeting of European and native cultures in what is now the U.S. after the voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1492. The story continues through the American Revolution, the expansion of the nation in the 1800s, the Civil War and key events in America's most recent century of challenges and triumphs. To make students' studying easier, the book also includes lots of supplemental materials, among them: study questions, the text of the U.S. Constitution, a list of American authors and recommended reading, a glossary and an index.

Gripman had the perfect qualifications to meet this challenge as a successful business owner supervising ESL educators in southeast Michigan--and as a developer of some of the literacy-training materials used in her programs. Gripman also had lived overseas, including five years of service in Europe with the U.S. Navy.

She designed her overview of American history for the millions of English Language Learners (ELL), including English as a Second Language students, who are studying each year across the United States. The book can be used either in a classroom or for self-study. Between these covers, Gripman narrates the essential chapters of American history, written at an intermediate reading level and accompanied by original black-and-white sketches and charts to deepen reader recall. In selecting the chapters to include, she drew on the questions frequently asked on exams and certification tests that immigrants commonly encounter, making the book a practical way to prepare for testing.

Most importantly, Gripman decided not to distill America's story into a series of dry facts to be memorized. Writing in an engaging narrative style, her book also is ideal for any reader who wants an overview of the essentials of American history

When you die, there are so many things your family and loved ones immediately need to know. Two Envelopes is your voice, conveying your wishes regarding your death and your estate.

With a unique blend of wisdom, humor and empathetic storytelling, Rusty Rosman delves into the often-avoided topic of death, offering readers a guide to navigate the complexities of both practical and emotional aspects of end-of-life planning. Rusty's wisdom and heartfelt way of guiding her readers make this book unique among the other end-of-life planning workbooks available online.

Two Envelopes is not a workbook or a filing system! Rusty tells groups she talks with nationwide. This book is a guide to personal reflections and conversations you'll have with your loved ones. As you prepare your envelopes, you will be ensuring that your voice, your wishes, continue to guide your loved ones after your death. Her book includes an invitation to connect with Rusty to talk with your group as well.

Missy Buchanan, the best-selling author of many of her own books on faith and aging, writes the book's Foreword, recommending it for individuals, community groups and small groups in congregations nationwide. Two Envelopes is not just another end-of-life planning workbook. It is a uniquely personal resource, like sitting at the kitchen table with a dear friend sharing coffee and conversation about hard decisions. The steps are practical and uncomplicated, yet when completed, the Two Envelope plan will provide your family members a clear and concise way to recognize and honor your late-life decisions. Most of all, Two Envelopes offers an opportunity to give peace of mind and comfort to your dearest loved ones in a season that is riddled with deep grief and uncertainty.

This is a valuable book for individuals and congregations of all faiths, writes Rabbi Joseph Krakoff in the book's Preface. As Rusty Rosman shows us, it is never too soon to gather our loved ones and pose the hard questions that will ensure our wishes are honored both in life and in death, writes Krakoff, who is CEO of the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network.

Finally, Lauren Rosman O'Desky affirms Rusty's warmth and wisdom in the book's Introduction. Lauren is Rusty's daughter and a Certified Senior Advisor who is a specialist in running a number of senior care services. Lauren describes Rusty's long experience in helping families, which Lauren values both as a professional in this growing field and a daughter who has watched Rusty at work through the generations of their own family.

While caring for someone by being present and providing for their needs is a noble endeavor, demonstrating the forethought and care to ease the transition after your own passing is an immeasurable gift, Lauren writes. Two Envelopes stands as an indispensable roadmap for this journey. ... I implore you to do yourself and your family a favor by delving into the pages of this book and completing the journey it outlines.

A comprehensive one-stop manual on what it means to live Christianly.

Peter Enns, author of The Bible Tells Me So

What does it mean to be a Christian in today's turbulent world? After every disillusionment and debate, what convictions survive? Dr. David P. Gushee is an influential voice in American religious life as an ethicist, pastor, and activist. He's advocated on issues ranging from torture and climate change to truth in politics and LGBTQ inclusion. He co-authored the pivotal Kingdom Ethics, a Jesus-based ethics textbook, and has written numerous books and hundreds of opinion pieces on what Christianity has to say about how we should live. Now, in this ambitious new book, Gushee sums up his many years of teaching and experience to provide a definitive, comprehensive vision of the Christian moral life.

With twenty-five easy-to-digest chapters, plus audio and video versions that readers can access from links in each chapter, Introducing Christian Ethics offers readers a way to understand how to situate moral reasoning not only in scripture, but also in tradition and human reasoning. It offers a focus on Jesus and the disinherited, and a nuanced rethinking of the kingdom of God and its meaning for Christian ethics. Drawing on Gushee's own work and life story but also a richly diverse set of sources, it covers general principles like virtues, truthfulness, love, and justice. And it discusses issues like creation, patriarchy, white supremacy, abortion, sexuality, marriage, politics, crime, and more.

This new book is groundbreaking in its breadth. Written for seminary students, educators, pastors, small groups, and Christians everywhere, this is the first time in his long publishing career that Gushee has offered both audio and video versions along with each copy of the book. The multimedia elements were recorded at the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University, where Gushee is the Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics. The book also includes a complete discussion guide with questions conveniently organized by chapter.

Early reviewers around the world are describing Introducing Christian Ethics as an inspiring guide to finding core Christian convictions in a post-evangelical world.

Gushee has distilled a lifetime of learning, thinking, and teaching Christian ethics in universities, seminaries, churches, and other settings into a comprehensive yet very readable book, writes Rubén Rosario Rodríguez, Professor of Systematic Theology at Saint Louis University, in the book's Foreword. Drawing on his own extraordinary journey as a practicing Christian and professional ethicist who has engaged all the major moral dilemmas confronting the Christian faith in the postmodern world, Introducing Christian Ethics serves as both a practical manual for how one ought to live the Christian life and an encyclopedic introduction to the academic discipline of Christian ethics. Throughout the text Gushee's considerable genius manages to interject a pastoral focus without sacrificing intellectual rigor, explore contemporary challenges to Christian faith without disregarding the vast resources of the Christian tradition, and give preference to marginalized and silenced voices ... without losing sight of the fact that Jesus's good news of liberation extends to both the oppressed and their oppressors.

Sanctuary is the inspiring story of a church that left evangelical exclusion behind to become fully inclusive and wound up healthier, happier, and more deeply faithful than before. As they welcomed LGBTQ+ members, this Iowa congregation transformed into a more loving and caring Christian community.

As thousands of congregations nationwide are moving toward inclusion, the real-life story in Sanctuary is a unique companion for pastors, church leaders and members who are trying to reach out in welcoming ways, as well as all members of the queer community who long for a safe church home.

The Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker-Lewis, a United Methodist Elder from the Michigan Conference, is urging people to read this book and learn from the example of these Christian friends in Iowa. In endorsing the book to her friends, Parker-Lewis writes, Set aside the 'How To' guides and experience an authentic narrative from those who led their church to thrive in full inclusion. Wassink, Imborek, and Wassink share deep self-examination, as well as biblical and theological reflection. In this story of celebration, readers will find a model to lead a congregation to lovingly welcome all people.

Among the other nationally known Christian leaders encouraging readers to learn from this book is bestselling author Brian McLaren, who writes: I am so grateful for churches like Sanctuary and for pastors like Adey and Tom Wassink, and for sincere and insightful people like Katie Imborek. They're telling us honestly about the intimate pain that has been and is still being inflicted on people whose only crime is being sexual. And thank God, Adey, Tom, and Katie also are telling stories of healing that pain, because they are living those stories. They're modeling what religion should have always been good at, but too seldom is: repenting, which means rethinking or changing our minds.

In addition to sharing their transformative journey in this inspiring, often humbling and sometimes downright funny memoir, the Wassinks and Imborek continue in active ministry in Iowa. Their congregation is easy to find and they welcome visitors, as well as inquiries from readers who may want to request a Zoom or personal appearance in the future. This book welcomes both church leaders and members of the queer community to be a part of this timely national conversation about the future of Christian churches.

In turbulent times, King David united a nation--and his hard-earned wisdom can bring us together today. This new 30 Days With book offers a month of readings plus ideas for small-group discussion. David ranks among the world's greatest heroes for defeating Goliath and best-selling authors for writing Psalms. He is honored by Jews, Christians and Muslims. In this book, pastor, educator and leadership coach Larry Buxton shows us how David embodies 14 crucial values shared by effective leaders to this day.

Just as the first volume in this series invites readers to spend 30 Days With Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest unifying figures in American history, Buxton's book is a call for all of us to remember values that unite us. Buxton dedicates this book to everyone who believes that the character of any leader is of critical importance to our nation, our institutions, our congregations and our homes; and to all those who seek to let God shape their character as more virtuous human beings, that their influence may spread to heal our world.

Answering that call in the opening pages are two nationally known political leaders--one a Democrat and one a Republican, who came together in these pages to urge all of us to read these 30 short stories drawn from David's often tragically learned lessons about life.

In his Foreword, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine writes: From the blockbuster arc of David's life, Larry Buxton assembles 30 short chapters on key leadership traits--patience, vision, humility, integrity, openness, tenderness, forgiveness, courage, gratitude, self-control, surrender, perseverance, calmness, justice. Buxton helps us see how David either exhibited these values or catastrophically failed to achieve them. The chapters are probing and conversational--with references from the worlds of literature, sports, politics and entertainment to illustrate how to apply these lessons to our everyday challenges.

In his Preface, Andrew H. Card, who served in Washington D.C. during two Bush administrations, writes: No matter what your faith or tradition of worship--and, no matter your role in business, management, philanthropy, sports, politics, government or family--you will find the adventures in these 30 daily readings extremely relevant and highly motivating. We need to meet David again through Larry Buxton's wise retelling of these stories--so that we all can lift up the best values in leadership in our institutions, our nation and our world.

In Torah Tutor, Rabbi Lenore Bohm draws on a lifetime of teaching about the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, starting with Genesis. Early reviewers of the book praise the timeliness of the themes lifted up in this contemporary self-guided study, which is ideal for individual seekers and group discussions.

Reading this may become one of the most meaningful parts of your week, renewing, enriching and energizing you, says the Foreword by Rabbi Sally J. Priesand, America's first woman ordained as a rabbi.

Priesand calls Torah Tutor a well-researched volume relying on the wisdom of diverse scholars. Torah Tutor is organized according to the weekly portion, or parasha. After summarizing the parasha's basic events, Bohm draws our attention to verses that stand out, some of which we may not have realized originate in the Torah. This is followed by ideas to think or talk about, making the portion easy to approach for individual study or group discussion. Finally, Rabbi Bohm offers a focus phrase to strengthen our spiritual awareness during the week.

Whether reading as an individual or discussing the weekly readings with others, Priesand says these reflections will lead to moral, spiritual and intellectual growth. Each reader is likely to uncover different treasures in these pages. Where we are in our own lives at a particular moment enriches the search and the discovery, she writes.

Christian reviewers find the same is true as they also seek to study these shared sacred books. As a Christian, I have always loved the stories and wisdom in the Bible. Rabbi Bohm expresses that same love in Torah Tutor. With each portion of the Torah, she lovingly crafts questions and insights that draw us into the heart of God, says the Rev. Sharon Buttry, an author and peace activist in American Baptist Churches.

Scholars praise the breadth and depth of the book. Jessica Pressman, Professor of English and Comparative Literature, San Diego State University, writes: Rabbi Lenore Bohm offers her heart and wisdom but also, importantly, her expertise in arranging, managing, and navigating the immensity of Torah study. In this short, brilliantly organized book, Rabbi Bohm provides scaffolding for accessing Torah, for learning to talk about, think, and focus on Torah. This is a gift of a book by a very gifted rabbi.

High school coaches shape millions of lives. These 30 short and inspiring stories show the diversity of approaches by coaches nationwide in building athletes' hearts, minds and bodies to form successful teams, strong individuals and future leaders. The coaches profiled in this book come from every corner of the nation and every socio-economic setting, highlighting how they combine imagination, a selfless commitment to their athletes and a strong internal compass. In this book, you will find true stories of coaches who lead male and female athletes in a wide variety of sports.

From these interviews and vignettes come narratives that will keep coaches going-even on days when players are ready to quit. They will quench the thirsts of professionals eager to drink from a well of peers' stories. They pack practical insights for how to build the trust and confidence that teenagers deeply crave and need, writes veteran journalist G. Jeffrey MacDonald in this book's Foreword. Although the book is explicitly about coaching high school sports, it delivers many a transferable insight for parents, teachers, pastors and others who'd like to engage the teens in their lives more effectively. Who couldn't use more of that?

Duncan Newcomer, the Lincoln scholar who wrote the first volume in this series, Thirty Days with Abraham Lincoln, also emphasizes this book's broad and timely appeal. There is an audience of good people doing deep work with young people, their bodies and their spirits, that is character building, virtue raising and soul-making. They will find in this book and its stories the truths they live and would want told, and they will tell others.

That's because Martin Davis so thoroughly understands the challenges high school coaches, players and their families face every day, writes University of Denver professor Brian Gearity in his Preface to this new book. I'm a hardcore professor of sport coaching. I write a lot of long research papers with big words, which most people don't read. For over a dozen years now, I've taught college students what, why and how to coach. Now, I'll be using the stories in this book to show what sport coaching is all about. We will discuss the culture, time period, and psychology of the coaches and the storytellers in this book.

Thirty Days with America's High School Coaches also comes with a complete Discussion Guide, which breaks down the book into themes and sections readers can discuss with friends, colleagues in sports, and people across the community.

Effective leaders are good communicators. In Critical Conversations as Leadership, Dr. William A. Donohue describes conversation as a card game called Card Talk. The key to successful business communication and interpersonal communication is to select the right Talk Cards in the right situations to accomplish your communication goals. Critical Conversations as Leadership will walk you through the process of selecting the right card or cards, so that you can think strategically about how to get your points across. Card Talk teaches communicators to think strategically and to think ahead of critical conversations and to not 'think behind' or reactively.

The Leader Card is fundamental to playing and winning conversation games, as is learning when and how it should be played. In addition to the Leader Card, business professionals need a large deck of both personal and professional cards to give them the flexibility they need to play communication games effectively. Casual conversation creates the foundation upon which problem-solving and conflict evolves. Knowing which cards to use in the Casual Conversation Game is an important factor in successful conversation.

Playing the Decision-making Game, especially in a group situation, requires many different cards to be played. Critical Conversations as Leadership teaches when to use the Leadership Card, the Colleague card, The Expert Card and many others to promote a team atmosphere and allow individuals to freely exchange information.

Negotiating is often adversarial, it does not have to be. Learning how to resolve conflict allows effective leaders to communicate in a collaborative and successful way. Performance appraisals often dreaded by both the employer and the employee. Playing The Performance Appraisal Game effectively will allow leaders to painlessly inspire and energize their team members in order to get the most out of each employee.

Effective presentations require multiple cards be played along with the right combination of digital and personal media to reach and acquire an audience's attention. Learning the five rules for structuring the Presenting Game allow presenters make an effective presentation that will assist with problem-solving and generate a discussion about effective solutions.

The most important expectation that followers have of leaders is that they lay out a vision for the organization. Readers will learn how to play the Vision Game, the communication effort needed to sell and sustain their vision. Thanks in part to the internet, today's customers expect to interact with companies. Customers play a variety of cards and companies need to know how to respond effectively. Playing the Customer Engagement Game requires a wide range of personal and professional cards so that customers feel welcomed and that their input is valued. Effective communication requires learning what an out-side-in company is and what the key cultural elements are that must be addressed to become more customer-centric.

Finally, realizing that mistakes happen to even the most seasoned veterans of critical conversations, it is important to be aware of the most common mistakes that can happen during tense interactions. The final chapter of Critical Conversations as Leadership will walk you through these common mistakes and prepare you for successful critical conversations.

July 26, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of Executive Order 9981, issued on July 26, 1948, by President Harry S. Truman. This executive order abolished discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin in the United States Armed Forces, and led to the re-integration of the services during the Korean War (1950-1953).

Retired Colonel Clifford Worthy is the oldest living Black graduate of The United States Military Academy--West Point. Clifford Worthy is a great grandson of slaves, he was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Hamtramck, Michigan. Worthy was one of the few African American men of his generation who was accepted and excelled as a Black Knight of the Hudson, the traditional nickname for West Point cadets. Clifford Worthy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point on June 2, 1953. He married Lillian Elizabeth Davis on the day after his graduation and went on to serve as an officer in the U.S. Army from 1953 through 1975. He served as an artillery officer in American posts, in Germany during the Cold War and in Vietnam just after the Tet Offensive. He participated in Operation Gyroscope after World War II and served as Battalion Commander and Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Army.

In the late 1940s, the doors to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point were closed to most young African American men. The few who had attended the prestigious military academy before that were subjected to relentless abuse and few survived. Why would Worthy even consider such an impossible dream? At a crossroads in his young life, Worthy took the chance of reaching out to U.S. Rep. John Dingell Sr., who had been a proud part of the New Deal in Washington D.C. and was ready to unlock closed doors.

We need to keep opening doors for other families, former U.S. Rep. John Dingell, Jr., wrote in the book's Foreword. If my father had not taken that chance in the 1940s of sending a young African American student from Detroit to West Point--Cliff would not have had his remarkable career. ... As it was in the past, our country once again is deeply divided. I love this country. Cliff Worthy loves this country. I hope that this memoir will remind you of what it truly means to be an American.

In his memoir, The Black Knight: An African-American Family's Journey from West Point--a Life of Duty, Honor and Country Worthy describes his journey to West Point, the many challenges he overcame both in his family and in the U.S. Army, including service in the front lines of Vietnam.

Worthy's commitment to faith, family and service included his loving support of his son Mark, who was born with developmental disabilities at a time when the boy's disabilities were not widely understood. That part of this memoir inspires readers who share that long journey with loved ones who live with disabilities.

In praising this memoir, Cheryl Loveday, Executive Director of Angels' Place in Michigan, urges families facing these challenges to read this book. As the father of three remarkable children, it was the life and specialness of his son Mark that led Cliff to dedicate his time and his wisdom to the Angels' Place mission--helping to provide homes and hope to hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Rick Forzano, former Head Coach of the Detroit Lions, praises Worthy's memoir and his example to all of us. He has fought his way through virtually every stage in life with his faith in God giving him the necessary strength and courage, Forzano writes.

James B. Hayes, former Publisher of FORTUNE magazine, writes of The Black Knight: Stories of certain lives deserve to be told and preserved. They serve as inspiration for all of us and for generations that follow. Colonel Cliff Worthy's is one of those lives.

How can Christianity continue to bring good news into the world? That's the inspiring message readers will find in The Word Made Fresh.

In recommending the Rev. Dr. George A. Mason's new book to readers, the best-selling Christian author and theologian Brian McLaren says, In the struggle for the future of Christianity in America, George Mason embodies great courage and graciousness as he continues to preach that we must welcome the most vulnerable among us.

For three decades, Mason's weekly messages have inspired those who attend Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, as well as George's followers nationwide. Now, this unique multimedia book collects 80 of George's most memorable and thought-provoking sermons along with links to videos of many of them. This collection covers timely themes ranging from the welcoming love of God and the basics of the Christian faith to such vital issues as the stewardship of our planet, the importance of interfaith relationships, the need to include the most vulnerable in our community life, and the importance of peacemaking.

Greg Garrett, another best-selling Christian author, writes in his preface, George Mason is one of the Christian world's most accomplished preachers and pastors. A writer, teacher, activist, and media figure, during thirty-plus years as senior pastor at Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, he modeled a Christian love of and advocacy for the marginalized, the disdained, the set aside, that feels absolutely like the Jesus I know, love, and serve.

In these pages you'll see a master at work, a preacher weaving together some teaching, some storytelling, some pushing the limits to make us think, writes Amy Butler, founder of Invested Faith and author of Beautiful and Terrible Things.

Half of the sermons in this collection include QR codes so readers can opt to view and listen to videos of Mason's original delivery of these messages.

Readers and viewers will be glad they encountered Mason's mastery, writes Allen Walworth, Teaching Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Bonita Springs, Florida. George carefully selects words like jewels, and then polishes and sets them in sentences designed to reflect light into the secret places of the heart. Sometimes his words of invitation to faith are a warm embrace, and at other times they are a poke in the ribs.

Week after week, year after year, George's sermons proclaim our sacred interdependence, writes Nancy Kasten, Reform rabbi and Jewish Mindfulness Meditation teacher.

In his introduction, George asks readers the simple question that he asks himself as he approaches preaching: Can you find the good news in each sermon? His goal is to engage all of us in spreading hope throughout our communities. As you read these pages and watch these videos, please consider passing along that potent message of hope by recommending this book to friends.

In Shining Brightly, Silicon Valley pioneer, cancer survivor and interfaith peacemaker Howard Brown shares keys to resilience for successful entrepreneurs, patient advocates and community leaders. He shows us how to reach out through our families, our communities and around the world to form truly supportive connections and friendships. From Howard's career as a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, to his conquering metastatic stage IV cancer twice, to his compassionate outreach as a peacemaker, to his love of sports -- this ultimately is not one man's story. Shining Brightly is a story shared by countless men and women -- and may wind up changing your life as well. With each true story he tells in the pages, Howard invites readers to picture how they might join him in shining more light in our world.

Howard Brown -- like one of his mentors, Roger Babson -- is truly an 'angelic troublemaker' in this work. He seeks to have us face our lives with complete clarity and kindness. Much good can be gained from reading Shining Brightly.

From the Foreword by Robert J. Wicks, author of Bounce: Living the Resilient Life

Howard is a wonderful example of a most worthy descendant of Abraham, showing genuine care and hospitality, serving the well-being of his community and other communities, connecting these to one another in mutual respect and bringing blessing to humanity at large.

From the Afterword by Rabbi David Rosen, International Director of Interreligious Affairs of the American Jewish Committee

Shining Brightly is a testimony to storytelling as the most effective way to teach and learn. Howard Brown shares a triumphant journey of overcoming challenges and creating a better world.

Stephen Spinelli, Jr., President of Babson College

As a mentor in our American Association for Cancer Research Scientist-Survivor Program, Howard motivates everyone to build mutually beneficial relationships that educate, inspire and ultimately heal. Shining Brightly offers a compelling landscape of possibilities for cancer patients, survivors and indeed anyone who wants to become their best self!

Anna D. Barker, Co-Founder, AACR Scientist-Survivor Program

Shining Brightly is Howard's testament to the transformative power of mentorship. Howard exemplifies the efforts our mentors make to transform the lives of youth, and how in some special cases they go above and beyond and become family for life.

Cari Uslan, CEO of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles

'Together we can shape history.' That's a core belief that animates longtime interfaith bridge-builder par excellence, Howard Brown. The global challenges are so profound that we need all hands-on deck. Shining Brightly, shows how one person, despite facing life-threatening challenges, can help to heal our troubled world by reaching out to other communities at home and abroad. That makes this book such timely and valuable reading.

David Harris, CEO of the American Jewish Committee

Does a preacher from the previous century have anything to say to this generation? Yes! His clarion call to justice and loving community was shaped by his friendship with Mahatma Gandhi and influenced the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In one of his famous appeals, Jones wrote: Let us go out to stimulate everybody and throw open the doors of equal opportunity to every single person. We must galvanize beaten down people with a faith in God, in themselves and in the future. ... And this faith in humanity would apply to people outside our own borders.

In his day, E. Stanley Jones (1884-1973) was described as the greatest missionary since Saint Paul. More than an evangelist, he was the author of 27 books that sold millions of copies. He also was a statesman, the founder of Christian ashrams, an interfaith leader as well as a spokesman for peace, racial inclusion and social justice. He was a confidant of presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry Truman. Twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, his ministry in India brought him into close contact with that country's leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, and Mahatma Gandhi. His writings from India influenced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s own nonviolent approach to injustice.

The crystal clarity and the warm hospitality of Jones' Christian message formed working relationships with leaders of other world religions and often startled his own American evangelical colleagues, especially when he prophetically condemned racism as spiritual treason against God.

As challenging as his preaching sometimes was in confronting injustice, Jones was best known for inspirational Christian messages of hope and refreshment for the millions of people from every walk of life who he addressed either in person or through his writings.

Now, a widespread movement is reviving Jones' spiritual wisdom in the midst of global tensions over faith, ethnicity and race. The Rev. Dr. John E. Harnish, himself a noted Christian educator, writer and pastor, has written 30 short, inspiring true stories from Jones' life and the people that he touched, that illustrate the timeless, loving wisdom that he believed lay at the core of Christianity.

The stories can be read as daily devotionals or could be discussed with friends or within small groups, Sunday schools and congregations. The book includes a complete discussion guide as well as links to introductory videos by Harnish that can be used to spark discussion in your group.

In his introduction to these 30 stories, Harnish writes, From Jones' life and work, we can hear a word which is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago. In a day when tensions between races and religions are on the rise globally and the message of the Christian faith seems to be either weak or aligned with a political agenda, the voice of a true World Christian needs to be heard once again.

December 17, 2021, marks the 40th anniversary of the kidnapping of then Brigadier General James Lee Dozier in Verona, Italy by Red Brigade terrorists. Dozier was held captive for 42 days before being rescued by a special operations team -- a news story that made front-page headlines around the world. At the moment news of his rescue broke, everyone was asking: How did he manage to survive this?

The source of that resilience is the compelling story that unfolds in Finding My Pole Star, an inspiring message as timely today as it was four decades ago.

Major General James Lee Dozier retired from military service after serving 35 years with the U.S. Army and NATO in the United States, Europe and Asia. In his new memoir, Finding My Pole Star, this American hero recalls the traumatic kidnapping, his military leadership career, his civilian life as a successful business executive and his active community volunteerism. He inspires us with the timeless values that have guided his life of duty, honor, country and faith -- values that can help each of us as we thrive while facing our own fears.

This book is a must-read account of a highly accomplished and effective leader in both military and community pursuits, Rear Admiral A. Scott Logan, U.S. Navy (retired) writes in endorsing the book. It provides a road map for all individuals who desire to develop and pursue their own life-long Pole Star as their guiding light for an ethical, meaningful and successful life of service to God, community and all mankind.

Rock solid integrity and common-sense advice, sprinkled with a sense of humor, define this superb soldier, writes Brigadier General John Doc Bahnsen, U.S. Army (retired).

Among the stories General Dozier tells in this book are his journey from a tiny high school and junior college eventually to the halls of West Point; his service in Vietnam with Col. George S. Patton III, the son of the famous World War II general; his appearance on the front cover of the inspirational magazine Guideposts; and his later-in-life career in agriculture as a citrus grower in Florida.

Through it all, General Dozier tells us, he was guided by his pole star, a reference to the ability of mariners since ancient times to navigate using the stars in the heavens to guide them. As it gave comfort to the mariner, it is also a directional pointer to one's life and ... represents ethics, morality, and religious values and beliefs, Dozier's friend and editor Commander Douglas B. Quelch, U.S. Navy (retired) writes in the book's opening pages.

In his endorsement of Finding My Pole Star, Admiral Logan concludes simply This is a book for these times!

People and churches across America are discovering that their secular friends and neighbors have been unknowingly waiting for the chance to experience the good God. Blue Ocean Faith is a network of churches that have seen thousands of secular people--from Harvard deans to public housing residents--connect with God. Blue Ocean founder Dave Schmelzer details six profound paradigm shifts that unlock a depth of connection to God that's new for many churchgoers and that's unprecedented for their secular neighbors. Embracing centered-set faith, becoming solus Jesus, and taking a third-way approach to LGBTQ congregants are among the game-changers that empower this rich life of faith. Rather than retreating from or drawing lines against our increasingly secular world, people of faith can join Jesus--as followers like Saint Francis of Assisi have done for millennia--in joyfully entering the world around them with profound wonder and an equally-profound offer of a life that really is life.

Blue Ocean Faith is a riveting book about an exciting new movement of churches emerging out of the ashes of American evangelicalism/fundamentalism. This could be a charter document for a new kind of Jesus movement. Everyone should read it, writes David P. Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics and Director of the Center for Theology and Public Life at Mercer University.

With plenty of engaging storytelling, Schmelzer brings together ancient and cutting-edge insights in a book that might revitalize your experience of God, open up your connection to your neighbors and your city ... and maybe even kick off a new Jesus movement.

Sanctuary is the inspiring story of a church that left evangelical exclusion behind to become fully inclusive and wound up healthier, happier, and more deeply faithful than before. As they welcomed LGBTQ+ members, this Iowa congregation transformed into a more loving and caring Christian community.

As thousands of congregations nationwide are moving toward inclusion, the real-life story in Sanctuary is a unique companion for pastors, church leaders and members who are trying to reach out in welcoming ways, as well as all members of the queer community who long for a safe church home.

The Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker-Lewis, a United Methodist Elder from the Michigan Conference, is urging people to read this book and learn from the example of these Christian friends in Iowa. In endorsing the book to her friends, Parker-Lewis writes, Set aside the 'How To' guides and experience an authentic narrative from those who led their church to thrive in full inclusion. Wassink, Imborek, and Wassink share deep self-examination, as well as biblical and theological reflection. In this story of celebration, readers will find a model to lead a congregation to lovingly welcome all people.

Among the other nationally known Christian leaders encouraging readers to learn from this book is bestselling author Brian McLaren, who writes: I am so grateful for churches like Sanctuary and for pastors like Adey and Tom Wassink, and for sincere and insightful people like Katie Imborek. They're telling us honestly about the intimate pain that has been and is still being inflicted on people whose only crime is being sexual. And thank God, Adey, Tom, and Katie also are telling stories of healing that pain, because they are living those stories. They're modeling what religion should have always been good at, but too seldom is: repenting, which means rethinking or changing our minds.

In addition to sharing their transformative journey in this inspiring, often humbling and sometimes downright funny memoir, the Wassinks and Imborek continue in active ministry in Iowa. Their congregation is easy to find and they welcome visitors, as well as inquiries from readers who may want to request a Zoom or personal appearance in the future. This book welcomes both church leaders and members of the queer community to be a part of this timely national conversation about the future of Christian churches.

In Shining Brightly, Silicon Valley pioneer, cancer survivor and interfaith peacemaker Howard Brown shares keys to resilience for successful entrepreneurs, patient advocates and community leaders. He shows us how to reach out through our families, our communities and around the world to form truly supportive connections and friendships. From Howard's career as a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, to his conquering metastatic stage IV cancer twice, to his compassionate outreach as a peacemaker, to his love of sports -- this ultimately is not one man's story. Shining Brightly is a story shared by countless men and women -- and may wind up changing your life as well. With each true story he tells in the pages, Howard invites readers to picture how they might join him in shining more light in our world.

Howard Brown -- like one of his mentors, Roger Babson -- is truly an 'angelic troublemaker' in this work. He seeks to have us face our lives with complete clarity and kindness. Much good can be gained from reading Shining Brightly.

From the Foreword by Robert J. Wicks, author of Bounce: Living the Resilient Life

Howard is a wonderful example of a most worthy descendant of Abraham, showing genuine care and hospitality, serving the well-being of his community and other communities, connecting these to one another in mutual respect and bringing blessing to humanity at large.

From the Afterword by Rabbi David Rosen, International Director of Interreligious Affairs of the American Jewish Committee

Shining Brightly is a testimony to storytelling as the most effective way to teach and learn. Howard Brown shares a triumphant journey of overcoming challenges and creating a better world.

Stephen Spinelli, Jr., President of Babson College

As a mentor in our American Association for Cancer Research Scientist-Survivor Program, Howard motivates everyone to build mutually beneficial relationships that educate, inspire and ultimately heal. Shining Brightly offers a compelling landscape of possibilities for cancer patients, survivors and indeed anyone who wants to become their best self!

Anna D. Barker, Co-Founder, AACR Scientist-Survivor Program

Shining Brightly is Howard's testament to the transformative power of mentorship. Howard exemplifies the efforts our mentors make to transform the lives of youth, and how in some special cases they go above and beyond and become family for life.

Cari Uslan, CEO of Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles

'Together we can shape history.' That's a core belief that animates longtime interfaith bridge-builder par excellence, Howard Brown. The global challenges are so profound that we need all hands-on deck. Shining Brightly, shows how one person, despite facing life-threatening challenges, can help to heal our troubled world by reaching out to other communities at home and abroad. That makes this book such timely and valuable reading.

David Harris, CEO of the American Jewish Committee

July 26, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of Executive Order 9981, issued on July 26, 1948, by President Harry S. Truman. This executive order abolished discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin in the United States Armed Forces, and led to the re-integration of the services during the Korean War (1950-1953).

Retired Colonel Clifford Worthy is the oldest living Black graduate of The United States Military Academy--West Point. Clifford Worthy is a great grandson of slaves, he was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Hamtramck, Michigan. Worthy was one of the few African American men of his generation who was accepted and excelled as a Black Knight of the Hudson, the traditional nickname for West Point cadets. Clifford Worthy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point on June 2, 1953. He married Lillian Elizabeth Davis on the day after his graduation and went on to serve as an officer in the U.S. Army from 1953 through 1975. He served as an artillery officer in American posts, in Germany during the Cold War and in Vietnam just after the Tet Offensive. He participated in Operation Gyroscope after World War II and served as Battalion Commander and Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of the Army.

In the late 1940s, the doors to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point were closed to most young African American men. The few who had attended the prestigious military academy before that were subjected to relentless abuse and few survived. Why would Worthy even consider such an impossible dream? At a crossroads in his young life, Worthy took the chance of reaching out to U.S. Rep. John Dingell Sr., who had been a proud part of the New Deal in Washington D.C. and was ready to unlock closed doors.

We need to keep opening doors for other families, former U.S. Rep. John Dingell, Jr., wrote in the book's Foreword. If my father had not taken that chance in the 1940s of sending a young African American student from Detroit to West Point--Cliff would not have had his remarkable career. ... As it was in the past, our country once again is deeply divided. I love this country. Cliff Worthy loves this country. I hope that this memoir will remind you of what it truly means to be an American.

In his memoir, The Black Knight: An African-American Family's Journey from West Point--a Life of Duty, Honor and Country Worthy describes his journey to West Point, the many challenges he overcame both in his family and in the U.S. Army, including service in the front lines of Vietnam.

Worthy's commitment to faith, family and service included his loving support of his son Mark, who was born with developmental disabilities at a time when the boy's disabilities were not widely understood. That part of this memoir inspires readers who share that long journey with loved ones who live with disabilities.

In praising this memoir, Cheryl Loveday, Executive Director of Angels' Place in Michigan, urges families facing these challenges to read this book. As the father of three remarkable children, it was the life and specialness of his son Mark that led Cliff to dedicate his time and his wisdom to the Angels' Place mission--helping to provide homes and hope to hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Rick Forzano, former Head Coach of the Detroit Lions, praises Worthy's memoir and his example to all of us. He has fought his way through virtually every stage in life with his faith in God giving him the necessary strength and courage, Forzano writes.

James B. Hayes, former Publisher of FORTUNE magazine, writes of The Black Knight: Stories of certain lives deserve to be told and preserved. They serve as inspiration for all of us and for generations that follow. Colonel Cliff Worthy's is one of those lives.

In a world ravaged by crises, this inspiring biography of Nicaraguan public health pioneer and peacemaker Gustavo Parajón encourages readers to courageously reach out to the world's neediest people. From his family, Parajón inherited a deep Christian faith that made him a fearless example of how to navigate dangerous conflicts and public health crises.

Gustavo described his mission as simply following the example of Jesus, but he did so in such a unique, tireless and effective way that his admirers included former President Jimmy Carter and U2's Bono.

This doctor, pastor, health care visionary, prophetic voice and peacemaker was a leader in developing disaster-relief and development programs. His work lives on through organizations he founded. Those who follow his example now circle the world.

Gustavo Adolfo Parajón Domínguez was born November 22, 1935, in Managua, Nicaragua. He often shortened his name to initials GAPD in the voluminous letters and messages he sent to colleagues around the globe. This book is so important because Gustavo always downplayed his own achievements. ​​A London media personality interviewing him before a live audience was unable to get much about his personal life, only about current news from Nicaragua. The interviewer turned to the audience and said, It's difficult to interview the most humble man in the world. Now, you can learn about Gustavo's life and work.

Those who knew Gustavo understood the importance of his life, his teachings and the programs he established. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by former President Carter. He also was awarded the Francisco Morazán Medallion from the Central American Parliament in a special ceremony held at his church, First Baptist of Managua, an unprecedented action in this predominantly Catholic region of the world.

Among his core missions was training and sending ordinary people to become health promoters and vaccine providers in poor communities beyond regular health systems, setting up the structures and trainers to provide that care.

This man with a limp from a childhood bout of polio launched a massive campaign to eliminate the disease from his country. In the ruins of a massive earthquake that shattered his city, he gathered church leaders under a mango tree to initiate an organization that would have a deep and lasting impact on the poor of Nicaragua. As a reconciliation effort during a war turned into a riot, he formed a ring of church leaders to protect the political leaders and led them through the hostile crowd to safety. He went unarmed into front-line regions to meet with insurgent leaders to explore paths to peace. The global rock star Bono of U2 once put on a disguise so he could slip into a British Christian rock and justice festival to hear this man speak.

Now, you can read Gustavo's inspiring story. The book is also ideal for small-group discussions in your congregation or community.

When you die, there are so many things your family and loved ones immediately need to know. Two Envelopes is your voice, conveying your wishes regarding your death and your estate.

With a unique blend of wisdom, humor and empathetic storytelling, Rusty Rosman delves into the often-avoided topic of death, offering readers a guide to navigate the complexities of both practical and emotional aspects of end-of-life planning. Rusty's wisdom and heartfelt way of guiding her readers make this book unique among the other end-of-life planning workbooks available online.

Two Envelopes is not a workbook or a filing system! Rusty tells groups she talks with nationwide. This book is a guide to personal reflections and conversations you'll have with your loved ones. As you prepare your envelopes, you will be ensuring that your voice, your wishes, continue to guide your loved ones after your death. Her book includes an invitation to connect with Rusty to talk with your group as well.

Missy Buchanan, the best-selling author of many of her own books on faith and aging, writes the book's Foreword, recommending it for individuals, community groups and small groups in congregations nationwide. Two Envelopes is not just another end-of-life planning workbook. It is a uniquely personal resource, like sitting at the kitchen table with a dear friend sharing coffee and conversation about hard decisions. The steps are practical and uncomplicated, yet when completed, the Two Envelope plan will provide your family members a clear and concise way to recognize and honor your late-life decisions. Most of all, Two Envelopes offers an opportunity to give peace of mind and comfort to your dearest loved ones in a season that is riddled with deep grief and uncertainty.

This is a valuable book for individuals and congregations of all faiths, writes Rabbi Joseph Krakoff in the book's Preface. As Rusty Rosman shows us, it is never too soon to gather our loved ones and pose the hard questions that will ensure our wishes are honored both in life and in death, writes Krakoff, who is CEO of the Jewish Hospice and Chaplaincy Network.

Finally, Lauren Rosman O'Desky affirms Rusty's warmth and wisdom in the book's Introduction. Lauren is Rusty's daughter and a Certified Senior Advisor who is a specialist in running a number of senior care services. Lauren describes Rusty's long experience in helping families, which Lauren values both as a professional in this growing field and a daughter who has watched Rusty at work through the generations of their own family.

While caring for someone by being present and providing for their needs is a noble endeavor, demonstrating the forethought and care to ease the transition after your own passing is an immeasurable gift, Lauren writes. Two Envelopes stands as an indispensable roadmap for this journey. ... I implore you to do yourself and your family a favor by delving into the pages of this book and completing the journey it outlines.