Endorsements
Chris Browns story is one of disappointment, poverty, heartbreak, and pain. But through it all, he found hope and restoration in Jesus and is living proof that your past doesnt define who you can become. If you or someone you know has lost hope, this book has the power to help you become restored.
Craig Groeschel , pastor of Life.Church and New York Times bestselling author
Telling our story gives others permission to enter and read the pages of our heart. Chris Brown has done exactly that. From his acknowledgments to his afterword, not only will you be welcomed in like a trusted friend; you will be stirred toward possible change in the hurtful places of your own history. Restored is full of healing insights and hopeful instructions. Wrap up in this vulnerable offering and experience God at work.
Patsy Clairmont , speaker, author, and coach
None of us get to choose what kind of upbringing well have, but we do get to choose what we do with it. Chris chose to face his painful past and allow God to restore what was broken. This isnt just an encouraging example; this is hope for us all!
Dave Ramsey , bestselling author and radio host
There is no gold in pain and trauma, but there is something in our pain and trauma that can be turned into gold. Chris Brown gets this concept. If you have pain in your past, youll find a guide to redeem that pain in this book.
Donald Miller , bestselling author of Building a StoryBrand and CEO of StoryBrand
I have watched Chriss inspiring ministry journey for years and have always appreciated how he connects with others with genuine authenticity and wisdom while also faithfully leading his family with love and integrity. I continue to be touched by his eternal perspective about all the unfortunate and even tragic events from his past. There is no doubt that Restored will not only inspire you but also equip and encourage you.
Darryl Strawberry , evangelist and four-time World Series champion
Chris Brown had my attention with the title of this book! Restoration is a desire of every human being on the planet (well, the ones who are honest!). Restoration to Jesus and others is the only path to peace worth pursuing. And while a lot of people may say this is true, Chris doesnt just dive into theological and philosophical rabbit holes but rather, through storytelling and biblical application, shows practical ways for anyone (no matter where they are in their spiritual journey) to begin their journey to restoration.
Perry Noble , senior pastor at Second Chance Church
Chriss vulnerability in sharing his story, and the lessons learned from it, paint an amazing picture of how God can breathe hope into any situation. Chriss approach looks beyond the pain of his past to the hope and victory in Jesus and encourages us to do the same.
J. Todd Mullins , senior pastor at Christ Fellowship Church
This book is more than a compilation of pages filled with information; its actually a blueprint for transformation. Chris masterfully uses parts of his life as a picture of possibility for ours. He shows us that although there may be seasons when our life seems to be in ruins, it doesnt have to ruin us. Why settle for ruins when we can be restored?
Dr. Dharius Daniels , lead pastor at Change Church and author of Relational Intelligence
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
2022 by Christopher Brown
Published by Revell
a division of Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.revellbooks.com
Printed in the United States of America
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 978-1-4934-3440-4
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. All rights reserved worldwide.
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 NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Some of the names and details of the people and situations described in this book have been changed or presented in composite form in order to ensure the privacy of those involved.
Published in association with The Bindery Agency, www.TheBinderyAgency.com.
Baker Publishing Group publications use paper produced from sustainable forestry practices and post-consumer waste whenever possible.
Contents
Endorsements
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Acknowledgments
1. An Invitation
2. Past Heartache, Present Empathy
3. Broke and Busted
4. Show Up, Be a Danny
5. Feeling Stuck
6. Shame Off You
7. Rejection to Acceptance
8. His Fingerprints
9. He Is the Father to the Fatherless
10. Defeating Depression
11. Fewer Victims, More Heroes
12. The Beauty in Brokenness
13. Giving Loss Meaning
14. Past Regret, Todays Freedom
15. Unfair Blame
17. The Power of Focus
18. A Call to Restoration
Afterword
About the Author
Back Ads
Cover Flaps
Back Cover
Acknowledgments
First and foremost, I am thankful to God. I am eternally grateful for your grace, your protection, your guidance, and your trust in me to steward so much opportunity for your glory. This life is a supernatural gift from you that I am resolved not to get too familiar with or accustomed to. Thank you, Lord.
Holly Christine Brown, Im incredibly grateful that you took a risk on the mysterious college kid with the sketchy past. I know there is real-life baggage that comes with a story like mine, and you have been so patient and graceful. You truly are a Proverbs 31 wife. And a deep heartfelt thank you for your help on this book project. Your writing gift and your ability to mine deep into my guarded heart for the raw emotion are gifts that I pray people will get to enjoy for years to come. There is nobody on this planet who has developed the depth of my faith like you have, and I couldnt imagine doing life with anyone else.
Patricia Ann Brown, I know you did the best you could. At the end of the day, you stayed. You fought the fight. Your kids are thriving now, and despite all the pain, we know deep down that you loved us the best you knew how to. We still love you deeply. You will always be Mom, and we look forward to being reunited someday when were worshiping the King together... forever.
And all the pastors, coaches, leaders, and teachers, there were some major gaps in my life that desperately needed to be filled. Thank you so much for not only filling those gaps but also going above and beyond to love me and to speak life into me throughout the years. Dont for one second ever doubt the impact you are having. Each of you impacted me in a very significant way. I brag about each of you often, and God and I have very intentional conversations about how to steward all the deposits you have made in my life for decades.
An Invitation
T here I was, sitting in the boardroom with my boss, my bosss boss, and several of my colleagues as they reviewed my most recent speech to thousands of people. The speech was titled Stewardship Changes Everything. It was about how to handle money. Dont freak out or throw this book aside; I promise this is not a money management book. My wife, Holly, tells me I have spent far too much time teaching about money when it can all be summed up in these five words: spend less than you make. She says, We get it. We get it. Understanding this is not the problem; the problem is none of us want to do it.