I am very proud of my brother for writing this book. Ive always said you heal as you reveal, and this book expresses his experiences regarding his faith walk honestly, and in humility. If you want to understand how to transform your life experiences into a personal catalyst for your growth, look no further.
Kirk Franklin
The layers of Lecraes writings stretch down below the surface where most of us tend to live. His work does what good books and music shouldrequire a reckoning for individuals like us, for the churches we attend, and for whole communities, like the ones we live in. With the staggering transparency that weve come to respect him for, Lecrae writes about his wrestling and brings his whole soul to bear in the pages that you are holding in your hands. Then, with unapologetic clarity, he points toward real solutions for the toxic circumstances weve been running from our whole lives. He poses the questions weve been too busy or too disinterested or too inarticulate to ask, and then he unearths perspective and insights weve been too myopic to clearly see. This book helps us. It has helped me. Write on, Lecrae. Your words are healing us.
Priscilla Shirer, Bible teacher and New York Times bestselling author
Our world is desperate to learn how a true trailblazer like Lecrae manages to keep living, loving, and creating amid personal and cultural chaos. This book is a beacon of light for anyone wanting to live a life of true impact and significance. If thats you, read this book and follow Lecraes lead.
Joel Marion, bestselling author, cofounder of BioTrust Nutrition, and host of the Born to Impact podcast
Lecrae has an incredible capacity to inspire those around him in everything he does: his music, his conversations, his friendship, his writings, his lifestyle. Nowhere is that more obvious than in his book I Am Restored. It is a powerful, authentic story, not just of the trauma that invades our lives but of the strength and life that God gives us amid the chaos. His story is at times heartbreaking, but always filled with hopeand that is why it will resonate so strongly with anyone who reads it.
Judah Smith, lead pastor of Churchome
There is always a powerful story behind any great artist. Lecrae shares his personal journey of challenges and victories with honesty and hope in his book I Am Restored. You will be encouraged and inspired by the life he continues to live out loud for the glory of Jesus.
Rich Wilkerson, lead pastor of VOUS Church
Lecrae continues to inspire and influence millions through his bestselling albums and books, and now he has delivered again with his new book, I Am Restored, as he details his journey like never before, reflecting on his personal tragedies and triumphs, and the lessons he has learned while walking on the road to restoration with God. If youre looking to be filled with hope and encouragement as you journey with God, then this is a must-read book for you.
Albert Tate, founding pastor of Fellowship Church
Sharing the facts of an event is one matter. Sharing how those facts have shaped the arc of your life and the need to be made whole from them is another. This is true vulnerability. In our culture, particularly for men, this measure of being exposed ranges from rare to nonexistent. Yet, herein my brother Lecrae lays himself bare, revealing before us a man willingafter what is often the most arduous journey of navigating our own internal world and associated traumasto be truly seen. Laying aside celebrity, reputation, and self-protection, he does, through his story, invite us to do the sameto be truly seen. It is only when we have faced ourselves and taken all before Him who heals that we can truly experience restoration. I am so grateful for the signposts and path Lecrae has laid before us all.
Pastor Lonce B. Crump Jr., author, Renovate: Changing Who You Are by Loving Where You Are, founder of Renovation Church
ZONDERVAN BOOKS
I Am Restored
Copyright 2020 by Lecrae Moore
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Epub Edition August 2020 9780310358046
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Dedication
Thank you to all the women who have poured into my life. Boys need fathers, but you women stepped in and wrapped your arms around me in wondrous ways. Big Mama, Mom, Granna, aunties, cousins... I love you. God sent you into my life. Darragh, only God could give you the strength you need to wrestle with the likes of me. Your grace, love, and wisdom have made me stronger.
Contents
Guide
A t the end of my book Unashamed, I had arrived. Well, not really, but thats probably what some people believed when they read it. Maybe its how I felt when I wrote it. Its easy to hear the story of that period of my life and believe that I had reached the pinnacle of my life and career. Sure, I had experienced life difficulties during my childhood and stared down the reality of abuse. I had encountered critics and detractors from my attempts to adjust who I was reaching with my artistry. I hadnt fully faced myself yet.
I had answered questions about my ministry authenticity and artistic legitimacy, or so I thought. My songs were being played on mainstream radio stations. I had connections in the very spheres I felt I had been called to. I had won countless awards, peaking with a coveted Grammy. I had it all, right?
Thats how it looked from the outside. By all accounts, I was doing well, at the top of my game and ready to reach new heights. Even those who have been to the peak of their professions gave me acknowledgment and respect. But something was happening. An uncomfortable shift was taking place in my life and threatened to derail all the greatness I had achieved. All the awards and accolades cant hide the weaknesses of the heart.