I have to admit, it was the cover that drew me in first. Clean, crisp white with just a boxy armchair and an intriguing title. But once I read the snippet about the book, I knew I wanted to read it. Bender and Sterrett bring twenty stories to life, complete with photos and QR codes which link to videos on the I Am Second website. This book is a twenty-first century experience, multimedia, raw and real.
Each story was personal and honest, sometimes brutally so. From famous athletes to former drug addicts, wealthy businessmen to reality tv show participants, the stories have a wide variety of components but one core message. Jesus first, me second. For every story in the book, there are links to one or more other stories just like it. I did not take the time to explore the website, but it looks incredible at a quick glance.
I enjoyed this book, but more than that, I felt my faith was strengthened by it. I believe the church is built up when we share our stories of meeting Christ and that is what this book is about. It's not pretty or neat and it doesn't fit into the typical Christian box. But it's real and I appreciated that. I think others, Christians and nonChristians alike will appreciate it too.
