Running with the Giants: What Old Testament Heroes Want You to Know about Life and Leadership

Amazon.com
Himself an inspiration to millions through his motivational speeches and bestselling books, John C. Maxwell reaches out to the leading icons of the Old Testament for the life and leadership lessons conveyed in his thought-provoking albeit slim Running with the Giants. Maxwell, author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and a half-dozen other books on the topic, writes here that biblical personalities like Abraham, Joseph, and Moses can provide us with the real "inspiration, wisdom, and empowerment" we need to lead. For example, Maxwell explains, Noah's actions teach us that "one person can make a difference"; he then fleshes out relevant maxims like "Don't be afraid to stand out in a crowd" and "Don't be afraid to do something for the first time" to bring this concept into the 21st century. Likewise, the servant girl from the book of Kings shows us how "one small act can make a big difference," but for it to happen today one must be confident and credible and "speak to people's needs." Those committed to the sources from which Maxwell draws will particularly appreciate his take on the lessons they impart, as well as his athletically inspired theme and contemporary presentation. --Howard Rothman


From Publishers Weekly
Leadership guru Maxwell, who successfully bridged secular and Christian markets with such motivational titles as The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and Developing the Leader Within You, draws on Old Testament paragons in this gifty inspirational hardback. Maxwell asks readers to envision the great "cloud of witnesses" (Heb. 12:1) said to surround us as we run the marathon of life, imagining that this cloud includes "the giants of the faith"-biblical heroes whose lives impart meaningful lessons. He includes the usual suspects: the David-tackles-Goliath tale demonstrates how people can rise above their limitations, while Noah exemplifies a willingness to take new risks (i.e., build a boat when no one had seen rain before). But there are bolder moments, too. Maxwell uses Rebekah as a model of generous giving (a welcome and underutilized virtue in business titles) and provides some gee-whiz facts to drive the point home: he estimates that to water Jacob's 10 camels, Rebekah needed about 200 gallons of water, requiring 40 trips to the well with a five-gallon jug. Such specificity helps to put a face on the virtues extolled here and offers readers a bit of insight into the Bible. Despite Maxwell's overarching metaphor of a marathon, though, the book as a whole feels more like a breathless sprint-intriguing points are raised throughout, but these promising gems lack development. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
Maxwell, a motivational speaker and bestselling author, uses the lives of a number of Old Testament characters (Rebekah, Joseph, Abraham, and Jonathan, among others) to illustrate various traits needed to succeed in the "race of faith," as described in Hebrews 12:1. Among the traits described are stamina, endurance, and faith. Using the foot-race metaphor, Maxwell imagines the listener participating in a race in which each of the characters comes alongside to describe an action he/she performed that illustrates each trait. These characters seem almost to be "spirit guides." Maxwell's skills as a speaker are apparent as he reads his own work. His polished reading is done with great confidence. M.T.F. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Book Description
How would the legendary figures in the Bible advise us today? We're running the race of our lives and it's a long one. We need encouragement along the way-a cheering grandstand or a personal trainer or two. John Maxwell reminds us that even in a modern world, the greatest inspiration is still found within the pages of the Old Testament. In RUNNING WITH THE GIANTS, Maxwell brings those great personalities to life. David would remind us how to overcome adversity. Noah would tell us not to fear doing the impossible. And Rebekah would urge us to give and serve generously. Each of these and the many other biblical figures Maxwell examines can motivate believers toward their personal best in the marathon of life.


About the Author
John C. Maxwell is the founder of INJOY Group, and organization dedicated to helping people maximize their leadership potential. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.


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Maxwell, a motivational speaker and bestselling author, uses the lives of a number of Old Testament characters (Rebekah, Joseph, Abraham, and Jonathan, among others) to illustrate various traits needed to succeed in the "race of faith," as described in Hebrews 12:1. Among the traits described are stamina, endurance, and faith. Using the foot-race metaphor, Maxwell imagines the listener participating in a race in which each of the characters comes alongside to describe an action he/she performed that illustrates each trait. These characters seem almost to be "spirit guides." Maxwell's skills as a speaker are apparent as he reads his own work. His polished reading is done with great confidence. M.T.F. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine


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