Endorsements
Rashawn Copeland takes the reader on a personal journey to experience the love of the Fathera wonderful book for anyone searching for home.
Eric Metaxas , New York Times bestselling author and host of the nationally syndicated Eric Metaxas Radio Show
We dont have to impress, perform for, or prove ourselves to God, and Rashawn Copelands life tells that story well. With a huge heart and deep conviction, Start Where You Are is a simple, straightforward anthem about the love God has for all of us, and Rashawn is a joyful guide pointing the way.
Emily P. Freeman , Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Next Right Thing
Compelling, poetic, and inspiring, Rashawn Copelands Start Where You Are encourages us to embrace the greatest need in human lifea chance to start again, right where we are! I cant imagine someone picking up this book and regretting it. Rashawn is a passionate storyteller, sharing his painful and broken moments with fearless vulnerability.
Trent Shelton , founder of Rehab Time and author of The Greatest You
Real, convicting, transparent. This book brings hope of a second chance, a clean slate, and divine appointments with a merciful God and invites you to grow deeper in your relationship with God and better understand His character. Rashawn writes with passion, vulnerability, and honest humor. The joy many see on his face is depicted in this book and is a result of Gods sweet mercies!
Alena Pitts , age thirteen, actress ( War Room ) and cousin of Priscilla Shirer
For a guy who understands the feeling of being written off, Rashawn shares a fresh reminder on how Jesus says, I want him no matter how messy he is. You may feel unworthy, useless, and upset; this book will push you to refocus your life and energy back on the Source of life, Jesus Christ. This isnt just a book. Its an invitation to Gods best for your life. Start where you are and get excited about the outrageous role you can play in Gods unfolding love story of grace and hope.
Darryl Strawberry , New York Times bestselling author, evangelist, and four-time World Series champ
A refreshing encouragement. Start Where You Are has deep potential to bring healing and peace to those who are broken and hurting.
Carey Nieuwhof , bestselling author of Didn t See It Coming and founding pastor of Connexus Church
Start Where You Are is filled with fresh hope for anyone who feels stagnant in their spiritual journey. The transparency and vulnerability of this book are refreshing and empowering. This book will meet every reader right where there are and right where they need it most!
Bobby Gruenewald , founder of the YouVersion Bible app and innovation pastor of Life.Church
Start Where You Are is a poetic, powerful, and practical book that opens our eyes to what it means to be love in a sometimes hateful world. My friend Rashawn gives truthful insights into the social trends of today and shares how God longs to meet us right there, on the ever-constant timelines of Tik-Tok and Twitterand brings His timeless love that never changes. This book is a must-read we all need!
Meredith Foster , author of Fostering Your Best Self , YouTuber, and influencer
Rashawn Copeland writes from a place of deep conviction and touches lives in many ways. Start Where You Are is a call to celebrate Gods love and mercy and move forward with Him out of our messy past. As Rashawns friends, we joyfully recommend this book wholeheartedly.
Cole and Sav Labrant , influencers and authors of Cole and Sav
Rashawn has an amazing story. I hope you will grab this incredible book.
Greg Laurie , pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship, author, and founder of Harvest America
Title Page
Copyright Page
2020 by Rashawn Copeland
Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2020
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-2773-4
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.
Scripture quotations labeled ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2016
Scripture quotations labeled MSG are from THE MESSAGE, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Scripture quotations labeled NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled NLT are from the Holy Bible , New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations labeled TLB are from The Living Bible, copyright 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The author is represented by MacGregor & Luedeke Literary.
Illustrations 2020 by Emily Mills. Used by permission.
Some names and details have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
Dedication
TO MY DAD.
This book is for you because I know God is calling you.
A yearning cry is reaching out from His heart telling you to Start where you are.
You taught me what it means to love and lead a family, the importance of living a life of integrity, and love that makes life worth living.
I love you more than words can say.
Im so thankful to be Rodney Copelands son.
Contents
Cover
Endorsements
Title page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Foreword by Manny Pacquiao
Just Start Here
From Dirty to Worthy
Where I Started
Peace
Conviction
Faithfulness
Patience
Joy
Kindness
Goodness
Love
Start Where You Are but Dont Look Back
Today Is the Day
Shout Out
Notes
Back Ads
Back Cover
Foreword
I will never forget where I came from. When my boxing career began to soar, my moral standards started to nosedive. I gave in to one too many temptationsand because of the heaviness of my sin I became shackled with shame. I found myself overwhelmed and overworked by great darkness with no sense of hope. Despite the glamour of the spotlight, I found myself quite often lost in the shadows of a lukewarm Christian life. Although I had strong drive and a noble dream, sadly God wasnt my priority. I went to church on Sunday morning, but by Monday night I was right back in my routine of getting drunk and gambling. I never took a moment to reflect on who I was hurting. I was simply stuck in my mess . I was immoral and drunk many nights before I ever felt any sorrow or remorse about it. I knew that none of it would ever satisfy the deepest longings of my soul. I just found myself more confused about what the true meaning of life was. Being one of the highest-paid athletes in the world in 2012 still didnt help light up the darkness in my soul. The old saying is true: money cant buy happiness.