The Reason: How I Discovered a Life Worth Living

I'll be honest, I bought this on an impulse after downing half of an eight pack of bud light hurricanes. I then proceeded to down two more drinks while contently reading the kindle version of this book. Minutes turned to hours and after a quick trip to the bathroom where I proceeded to feel death come for me in the usual over dramatized fashion of the human body saying "STOP, SERIOUS DUDE. STOP" I went back and cried silently as I continued to read.This book has a lot of heart and offers it in a well presented formatting of paragraphs and chapter layout along with minor illustrations that help convey an emotion from the reader. The book begins with some background information of Lacey and is presented with several memories of hers that go from beautiful moments of childhood wonder and the struggles of growing up along with a different perspective of growing up. There's some moments that go along the lines of "my mother was great" and then you have that sweet attitude that speaks up from time to time, a personal accenting of an idea by the author herself that adds a rich texture to her story that is so relatable and engrossing while never going too far or giving too little. It's the right amount of love, like a mothers apple pie. Sweet and plentiful but, the baker herself exercises tactful moderation not to give her children false assumptions but instead merely to show the extent of her love for not only herself.Ideally, this is the book to read if you want to read a journey of a young girl becoming a modest woman who defines herself while still loving and respecting the lord above.I'm not a Christian, I still can't look at a church without gagging but, this book made me want to reconsider my blind hatred. That's something that none of my friends or outsiders have given me. I would highly recommend this book to any list of mom and pop approved reading material for young adults and even grown adults alike.

I highly recommend this book. It has touched my life in such a beautiful way, and her love for God and her love for people is absolutely contagious and breathtaking!

While on deployment and feeling nostalgic, I was pulling up music videos. I like to look at different types of music queries before bed.A couple nights ago I was checking out videos of rock bands with a female lead singer. I came across Flyleaf's All Around Me. I had not heard of them before, I am 54 and was more into classic rock. Anyway the video hit me hard, I did not know the lyrics and I was not picking up the lyrics on that viewing the other night, but something grabbed me. I felt something so much tugging at me as I watched. I can't explain it. I dug deeper into the group and then Lacey Sturm. Like I said it was pulling me unlike anything before.I found out she had this book and I bought the kindle version. I could not put it down. This is such a powerful book. I will buy copies when I get home. This book needs to be shared. Thank you Lacey for these past two days of reading your story.

Definitely a good read for teens and young adults

Lacey has such a beautiful style of writing that bleeds into her music and this book. You can feel that she is speaking from her heart throughout this. She wants to make the world better because she felt as if she was saved by God. That people were created in God's image and they are all individually beautiful. No matter what, they are loved. This book helped me feel closer to my spirituality than ever before. I have been through similar events in my life as Lacey and reading how she overcame those problems was such a beautiful experience. I definitely recommend this book to Flyleaf/Lacey Sturm fans, those who are spiritual, or just want to read about overcoming the hurdles life throws at you.

Lacey transcends the false divide between the secular and the sacred. Her journey is one about living in victory, while facing the shadows of brokenness and the dangers of dealing with abuse through self-medication, music and placing our identity and worth in things or people that will only temporarily satisfy, fade and fail.This is a package of reflections that moves towards gratitude through loss, confusion, hope and restoration. One of the most surprising aspects of this book is Lacey's theology of worship. It is deep and well stated, arguing for a distinction between 'emotionalism and awe'; between just putting on a show and performing with a heart towards God, for people.Emerging from the tragedy of abuse, Lacey explains her unexpected "yes" to the God who in Jesus Christ, through relationship, decisively reaches to grasp us. Her story is another reminder that, although we may not see it right away, we are all indeed 'held and firmly supported by a pillar of grace above the abyss.' (Tolstoy, A Confession)

This is such a powerful book. I could not put it down. There is so much wisdom in it. Lacey Sturm is honest and open about her life. Her story and testimony of God's grace touched me deeply, and I am much older than Lacey. I have not experienced everything that she did; I am not of her generation. But the book really convicted me about how I look at others. Lacey has shown us that we must see people through the eyes of Jesus and look beyond outward appearance, which often hides the desperation, anger, and hurt. Even though we may not be able to relate to everything someone is going through, we are nevertheless called by our Lord to show love and compassion toward those who are in pain.I pray that Lacey's book would be used greatly in helping those who came from similar, painful backgrounds. I pray that it will help us recognize the hurt of those who are struggling with so many issues, those who have no father, those who have experienced abuse, and those who believe their lives are hopeless.I pray that Lacey's book would also impact those of us who have not come from a background such as hers, to give us a heart for those who are hurting.

Wonderful story of transformation told by a humble heart.

I really enjoyed to read Laceys Story. I was deeply moved. The book is written wonderfully and in such a colorful way, that you can really dive into the Story. I have read it several times by now.

Excelente servicio. Llego en buenas condiciones, temprano para disfrutar lo. Lo esperaba que llegara un poco antes pero porque venia de EEUU llego despues

Lacey's history is such an inspiration for all of us. She helped me a lot through some tough years of my live. Lived it!

Wonderful book. I have since passed it on to someone else and bought it for another friend to read. It's just brilliant. They way Lacey describes things and manages to make sense of God is wonderful. Truly admirable story of God's amazing grace written in an understandable and relatable way. Well done Lacey, on your book and on your life and all you have achieved with God. As a side note, I bought this book for a non Christian and she enjoyed it and rated it 4/5 stars, so whether you know God or not - give it a go :)