Russell J. Levenson

From a high profile author, a series of interviews with extraordinary people to explore the reasons for and impact of their faith in their lives. Through interviews with twelve remarkable and renowned people of various Christian faiths, Levenson explores different ways people come to faith, sustain it, and how it impacts their daily lives. The subjects share intimate details of their lives that are rarely seen by the public. For instance, Secretary Rice noted that she knelt down to pray every night when she worked in Washington, but often was so tired she fell asleep during prayer time; Denzel Washington asked to begin and end the interview for this book in prayer with Levenson; and Amy Grant shared that because of a brain injury she now has trouble reciting scripture, so she sings it instead. Each interview delves into the private, spiritual side of public figures and reveals that behind success and fame there is often a vibrant, personal faith in God that sustains them. Other interviewees include Jim Nantz, Dr. Francis Collins, Sam Waterston, Gary Sinise, Brit Hume, James A. Baker III, Admiral William McRaven, Jane Goodall, and Nikki Haley. Praise for Russell J. Levenson Jr.’s Witness to Dignity “To whom much is given, the scriptures teach us, much is expected, and George and Barbara Bush always sought to keep this injunction in mind. They were not perfect, but as Russell Levenson’s personal and pastoral memoir tells us, they strove to be faithful people of God. Which is, when you think about it, am illuminating lesson for the rest of us.”-Jon Meacham, Canon Historian for Washington National Cathedral, Pulitzer Prize Winning Author and Historian “Reverend Levenson was a dear friend and spiritual mentor to both my beloved grandparents. His stories of friendship will fill you with hope and inspire grace.”-Jenna Bush Hager, Co-Host, NBC News’ TODAY with Hoda & Jenna "Congratulations to my friend Russ Levenson. He has captured a compelling story of faith, family, love, and leadership. Because of his unique relationship with President George and First Lady Barbara Bush, he can describe the principles and priorities which defined their lives. Readers will be informed and inspired. Thank you, Russ!"-Max Lucado, Minister, Oak Hills Church, San Antonio “It was truly an honor and privilege to work side by side with our 41st president. Like Russ Levenson, I too was blessed to be a “witness to dignity.” As Americans we are searching for the values that made this country great. George and Barbara Bush lived a life of grace, honor, determination, and doing what is best for their country. Russ has a unique perspective to this wonderful and respected couple who served our country for decades. This book captures the real personalities of the Bushes and reveals some untold vignettes which makes this book a must read.”-The Honorable Dan Quayle, 44th Vice President of the United States

A unique and insightful guide to encourage readers to reflect on their spiritual journeys using the tenets of golf as a medium. An homage to legendary golfer Ben Hogan’s Five Lessons, In God’s Grip examines how a life of faith can mirror the game of golf. Through inspirational reflections, Russ Levenson parallels the grip of the golf club, the stance, the backswing, and the downswing with facets of Christian life, and helps you understand how to review your spiritual journey (and your golf game) with patience and grace. Filled with wisdom from Ben Hogan and important biblical passages, In God's Grip encourages readers to use their love of golf as a catalyst to think more deeply about their relationship with God.

For those seeking inspiration and devotion for Lent and beyond, A Path to Wholeness is an invitation to Lenten observance through Biblical passages and reflections. The ache of the human heart has always been to be made whole. The thrust of the Christian hope is that it can only come to that wholeness by way of a personal relationship with God, through Christ. This book is intentionally written as an avenue towards deepening, strengthening, and for some, beginning such a relationship during the forty days of Lent. This thoughtful book, focusing on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, is part of a four-part series on seasonal observances and devotions.

Explore the biblical context for Advent in this series of contemplations. The pieces of the beginning of the Christian story come together, not from one set of hands, but many. For instance, in the four Gospels, Mark makes no mention of the events leading up to and surrounding the birth of Jesus. John, for the most part, points back to Genesis. Most of the historical pieces come to us primarily from Matthew and Luke. The scriptures together are the key to telling the story of the season. Allusions and references to other scriptures are accompanied by brief meditations so that readers may step more deeply into the Advent story and find its meaning and impact for their own lives.

Short, accessible meditations and photography to guide you through the season Author and pastor Russ Levenson invites readers to “find shelter” in time each day with Jesus. Forty meditations, scripture passages, reflections for contemplation, and prayers fill this volume designed to accompany and encourage readers throughout autumn. Each daily devotional entry includes a concluding thought and closing prayer. Every meditation includes photographs taken by the author. This thoughtful volume is part of a series.

Short, accessible meditations and photography to guide you through the season Author Russ Levenson invites readers to slow down, “toward that stillness that, in a particular way, reveals not only the nature of God but our own nature and God’s calling to us.” These and other thoughtful insights seem most appropriate during the summer season. Bits of Heaven provides devotional readings that are companions to the sunlight, opportunities for relaxation, and growth that surround us during the summer. Forty meditations, reflections for contemplation, and prayers fill this volume designed to accompany and encourage readers throughout the season. This thoughtful book is part of a series by this well-known author.