Coming Back Stronger By Drew Brees

Coming Back Stronger is a memoir written by author and Moody Radio personality Chris Fabry. This account of Drew Brees truly had it all. Athlete, husband, father, a man professing faith in God, as well as star quarterback for the New Orleans Saints. Page 14 seems to usher in the life change for Mr. Brees in which he realized he wanted to live for God. I quote, "As I sat there thinking about those deep, huge questions  that everyone faces at some point, the pastor, Dr. Browning Ware, was preaching about what God desires us to be. As an illustration in his message, he mentioned the movie A Few Good Men. He said that God is looking for a few good men to carry on his teachings and to walk the walk with Christ. That's when the lightbulb came on for me. He's talking to me. I want to be one of God's few good men."

And so begins this man's search to glorify God and inspire others in the process. He met Brittany in his 20s. They married and had son Baylen. I enjoyed the accounts of the baby being born as well as their struggles with his family and the trials they endured while he was injured. I also enjoyed the triumphs. I appreciated hearing his heart regarding being a husband.

Also interesting was the contrasting accounts of New Orleans vs. Miami and his decision-making process of whom to join. And shortly thereafter hearing about the devastation still in New Orleans years after Katrina. The color photos in the center of the book were quite nice.

However, I have a few criticisms directly related to the fact that this book though written about and by a true believer in Christ was a watered-down attempt at evangelism. Yes, there were many mentions of God, a few mentions of Christ, a half-hearted attempt at the salvation message on page 244 as well as a few biblical inaccuracies (specifically pages 90 and 192). I would not be so critical of this fact if this were a book aimed solely at the secular market with a slant toward morality or religion. However, Chris Fabry I hold accountable for these inaccuracies as well as many missed opportunities to actually include actual Scripture with references and explanations.

Because I review for the Christian market I was disappointed to know for example, that the author was referring to the Refiners Fire on page 90 but did not go deeper than the casual comments about our hearts (which are deceitful above all). Also, we cannot try to do anything apart from God but can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13). Lastly, a missed opportunity to reach the lost was in the admission of Mr. Brees that he is less outspoken that others might be. I was sad to hear this but my thoughts were confirmed that this book would do very well in the secular market as it was inspiring and not "preachy" at all.

I did enjoy the book and I am happy to know Mr. Brees truly did come back stronger. His story is amazing and inspirational. He is doing wonderful things for children with his Brees Dream Foundation. I would not buy this book for a born again believer but I would buy this book for a football fan or someone looking for a great ending to a tough beginning.

In my opinion, Coming Back Stronger would have deserved five stars if it had been solely marketed as a secular work.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
 

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