Slower summer months lend themselves to curling up with a good book at the beach or on a shady patio chair. Good News Wants to Know… If you were to write a book, what would it be about?

If I were to write a book (which is on the launchpad for next year), it would be called Nonconformist. I have spent my life in the US Marine Corps, the US Secret Service, and now in full-time ministry, pushing back against the enemy. It is the same enemy, whether pulling a trigger, breaking up marriages, or conflicting our children’s identities. Men and women “fitting into” this world do not kick down gates and certainly don’t threaten the enemy. At some point, Christians need to get comfortable being “outsiders.” 

Christopher C. Simpson, President & CEO, CBMC International

If I was led to write a book, it would feature principles that would address and encourage believers to inoculate themselves from idols that are in the heart.

Bernard King, Jr., Pastor, Cornerstone Bible Fellowship

I would write a book about my beard. Why I grew it (to hide my double chin). Also chapters on the challenging parts of facial hair: Spousal disapproval and beard dandruff.

Bob Denison, President, Denison Yachting

I would love to sound spiritual and say something like: “I would write a book about the fulfilled prophecies and how we are on the verge of Jesus coming back at any moment,” but I will leave that to my friend, Omar. Realistically, I would write a book about the heroism, skill and bravery of navy fighter pilots landing a jet airplane going 185 mph on a deck the size of a postage stamp in the fog or middle of the night. 

William “Bill” C. Davell, Director, Tripp Scott

Ohhh the tales I could tell. Years ago I was in the process of writing a book about my various sayings a la “There are two sides to stories and one side to facts.” I paused that project and may one day pick it back up again. The far juicier book I may one day write would be based on my work as a political analyst – though that would only happen at a time in which I could do so without compromising sources. 

Brian Mudd, Program Director/Host of The Brian Mudd Show, iHeartMedia

Aligning with God’s Will, the Power of the Holy Spirit  

I think concepts are best shared through personal stories. Having been a non-believer most of my life, I can clearly recall my perceptions from the other side of faith. I would love to share the story and how the Holy Spirit helps us along the way.

Char Talmadge, Director, Rescue Upstream

If I was to write a book, it would have to be about the people that I have met in the political process, from the City of Lighthouse Point to Washington, DC. The book would be centered on the successes and failures of Broward County… starting with the name of our county. Details to come…

Chip LaMarca, State Representative, Florida House District 100

My book would be about my family history. My grandparents were pioneers in South Florida who came to Fort Lauderdale by train in 1910. I would tell of their experiences, triumphs and tragedies, and then how they and their two sons helped shape the civilization of Broward County.

H. Collins Forman, Jr., P.A.

If I were to write a book, it would be about helping people realize how valuable they are in God’s eyes – worth dying for. In today’s wild world of unhealthy comparisons and curated perfect lives online, it’s way too easy to feel “less than” and forget that God uniquely and perfectly creates us to be just who we are. That, in turn, frees us up to love others – as just who they are made to be – with no silly strings attached. 

Craig Huston, Huston Consulting Group, LLC

Interesting that you should ask if we were to write a book… I have just written a book. With a target pre-saved audience of ages 14-30, it is my testimony of experiencing all the best the world offers; love, money, education, travel, moments of fame, glamour, and adventure, yet the God-shaped vacuum in my heart remained. It includes my exploration and comparison of the world’s cultures and major religions. Ultimately, I tell of encountering the true, lifesaving God on a mountain climbing expedition in Alaska where I survived a charging grizzly, an avalanche, and experienced my companion safely guiding us (by receiving moment by moment guidance from the Holy Spirit) around sleeping mother grizzlies. Publication should be complete by September. Please pray with me that my experiences will serve as a warning and a witness to help our hurting, hopeless young people find healing and the Truth in Jesus. SEARCHING EARTH, FINDING HEAVEN–A Quest for the Meaning of Life

Deborah Cusick, FAU Campus Volunteer, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship

I have three books I’d like to write and have started on the research for one of them. One involves the role of women in ministry, one utilizes my journalism training to produce an interview-style book on varying topics of Christian interest, and the other is a fiction book compiled from a collection of past stories and characters into a full novel.  

Dolores King St. George, President, GraceNetRadio.com and King Management Group

I have written a book… Journey for the Heart – Hope When Life’s Unfair

It’s all about the hope we can have when life is totally unfair. It’s all about clinging to Jesus since nothing else can hold you through hard times and life’s disappointments.

Elizabeth Mitchell, Speaker, Author, Boca Raton Community Church

I’ve actually just finished writing a book entitled, God, are you kidding me? I’m looking to publish it now. It’s the story of us being called to leave Las Vegas to come to Florida to start Calvary Chapel Ft. lauderdale. I’m hoping to inspire readers that God can use anyone who is willing to be used. It’s proof the God equips the called not so much calls the equipped. I pray it inspires others.

Fidel Gomez, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale

I did write a book, It’s Not About You, that delt with the fact that we don’t live a life that is about us. Our lives are about God! What did the “Creator of the Universe” want us to do for Him?! When we live our life for God, He is able to bless us abundantly. Then we can truly live a “JOY” filled life!

Fred Scarbrough, DVM, Founder, Scarbrough Animal Hospital and HOPE South Florida

That Life’s Lessons are always learned in the Valley’s and not on the Mountain Tops. Embrace all your mistakes as learning opportunities.

Gregg Wallick, Best Roofing, Inc.

Since publishing my first book last year, Minister Well: 52 Tools for Ministry Leaders, my mind is full of more book outlines! My next book will challenge and encourage Christians to choose to live abundantly in every circumstance (à la John 10:10).

Heather Clark, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, speaker, author

Reading history and factual accounts about people including biographies as well as countries is one of my favorite pastimes. My life story is already in the process. It’s difficult to write. I pray it will be a help for others who are or have experienced similar things. God is so good, and He has blessed me!! That is why I want to share!!

Helen Wayner P.A., Century 21 Hansen Realty

I would like to share the lessons that God has taught me through the adventures of my life. For example, God is more qualified to run your life than you are.

Jesse Carroccio, Station Manager, WRMB Moody Radio

God has made our world an incredible place, and as part of that, there are lots of things we don’t fully understand. I’d probably lean into the unknown and write an imaginative sci-fi story that combines lots of fringe science and strange accounts from across the world.

Justus Martin, Photographer, Justus Martin Photo

My title would be Life!

I would write about the simple joys that we are blessed with (marriage, children, health). I’d also write about the “turbulence” we face as well. Through it all, the Lord brings us through.

Larry Lacy, Pastor, The Answer Church

If I were to write a book it would be entitled Why do Christians self-destruct?  I have seen what I call “shooting stars” in the body of Christ.  They start out strong but do not make it to the finish line. Over the years I have seen Christians not seek “wise counsel” and make decisions that will have adverse consequences in their lives. It is important that we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit, follow the Word of God, and seek wise counsel for important decisions that we make over the course of our lives. 

Dr. Mary Drabik, President, South Florida Bible College & Theological Seminary

I have always been fascinated by the years immediately leading up to WWII, the war itself, and the aftermath, which included the founding of Israel as a nation. Herman Wouk wrote Winds of War and War and Remembrance, and Leon Uris wrote Exodus. Those books covered that very pivotal period in history most excellently. I could only hope to do so half as well, if I were an author.

Mike McDermott, PA, Seniors Real Estate Specialist, The Keyes Company

If I were to write a book, it would be about Jesus and how He did not come to save us “in” the world, but “from” this world. Christians are the only people on earth who fight from a position of victory. Who else can play a game and say, “the details of this game are not extremely important to me, because in the end, I already know I win.” Just reminding myself of that very fact, gets me fired up!

Dr. Mike Rozenblum, Genesis Physical Medicine & Chiropractic

My book would be about leading in a God-honoring manner. Everything rises and falls on leadership, so learning how to lead from our best example, Jesus Christ, is a recipe for success. It will result in success as a husband/wife, father/mother, businessperson, member of our society, or in any scenario we are facing.

Milan Stefanovic, Chief Operations & Personal Lines Officer, Bass Underwriters

If I were to write a book it would most likely be a historical novel or fictional book with clearly defined characters embarking upon a great journey. It would be full of adventure, filled with twists and turns, laced with humor, love and ending with a redemptive conclusion.

Oksana Horton, Artistic Director, Torch and Trumpet Theatre Company

If I were to write a book this summer, it would be the next book that I already planned to write in the very near future, which would be titled, The Role Of The Church In The 21st Century; which is cited in Matthew 28:19-20, where Christ Jesus told the church to “Go ye therefore and teach (instruct and make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

And when the church does this, that is to say, make disciples of the people for Christ Jesus’ sake, the people would with the help of the Holy Spirit stop sinning. They would come out of homosexuality, fornication, adultery, lying and all other sins. They would even stop aborting their babies. The church must understand that it is the church’s job, not the politicians, to help God maintain His righteousness in the earth. When the politicians attempt to do it, it causes much division and strife in the nation. The church’s role can never be and should not be delegated to the politicians and the government.

O’Neal Dozier, Pastor, The Worldwide Christian Center

If I had time to write a book, I would write about the amazing adventures and challenges that God has given me throughout my life. Some of what I would include would be to be married to the love of my life for 47 years, having the blessing of both an adopted child and a biological child that has so deeply enriched my life. I would have to include all the many humorous events, the poignantly sad and awe inspiringly beautiful times, and the continuous reading and learning about such a wide variety of subjects. I have been extremely grateful for the many times I have been able to lead in missions, ecumenical, corporate, and educational situations.

Pat Colangelo, EdS, Lecturer, Professor, Trinity International University – Florida

If I were to write a book, the title would be What I’ve Learned From Being One of 11 Children. I have learned lots of Prayer, lots of love for God, lots of love for one-another, lots of patience, lots of grace, lots of laughs, lots of waiting your turn, lots of sharing, shoes, laundry, dishes, bunkbeds, and lots of gratitude for my Mom and Dad!!! And as for me, being the 10th child, I have learned a lot about being loved as a little boy… (and hopefully how to “pay that forward”).

And if I were to write a sequel to that book, (*even though you didn’t ask) the Title would be What I’ve Learned After 38+ Years of Working With Children. I have learned lots of Prayer, lots of love for God, lots of love for one-another, lots of patience, lots of grace, lots of laughs… you get the picture!!!

Coach Rick Andreassen, Founder and President, Saints Homeschool P.E. and Saints International Sports Ministry

If I were to write a book, I would write it about Jesus’ regeneration work, which is more than just a self-help regeneration. It’s about equipping the Saint to partner with the Father bringing the Kingdom of Heaven to hand, now in the present day.

Rev. Rick Aspden, CEO, Faith Farm Ministries

I always like to read biographies and family is really important to me, so I think writing about my two grandfathers would be the topic of the book.  My dad’s father started our law firm in 1925 where I practiced with my dad and now my son Cam is practicing with me.  Later, Dwight L. Rogers Sr. got into politics. He was both a Florida State Representative as well as the first Congressman from Fort Lauderdale, who after he died, the Las Olas bridge was named after him as was a middle school. 

I was named after my mom’s dad who was a Vice President of New York Life Insurance Company. He ended his career in the home office in New York City, and when he retired, they replaced him with five different VP’s. I barely knew Grandfather Rogers before he died, but I read lots of things about him, including his authorship of the Florida Homestead Exemption law when he was in the Florida House.

I spent lots of summers with my grandfather Campbell and he taught me lots of life lessons. Most importantly, both grandfathers were men of strong faith and family was the most important thing to them after their relationship with Jesus. That is always a story worth telling. 

Romney C. Rogers, Managing Partner, Rogers, Morris & Ziegler, LLP

The title of my book…The Kid from New York in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. My favorite summer memories were those spent with my mom’s side of the family in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where my mom was from. Fishing and swimming on Lake Superior, cookouts, staying over at all my cousins’ houses, riding horses, and playing ball… all summer. It was a different life for a Kid from New York!

Steve Solomon, CBMC, Area Director, CBMC South Florida

If I were to write a book, it would be about the underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. It would provide a background on the building of strong STEM identity in early years and our role as Christian parents, teachers and mentors.  

Susie M. Cohen, PhD, Associate Dean, Assistant Professor of Education, Trinity International University – Florida

I am currently writing a Bible study that goes with the Guard Your Heart – don’t give it away book I revised in 2020. The ministry’s focus is on building healthy, Christ-centered relationships. Too many women, including myself, spent years in ungodly relationships. Our ability to be accepted and loved caused us to cling to individuals who only caused more brokenness and heartache. But today is a new day. As we meditate on His truths, the Word enables and empowers us to seek after Him with our whole heart. The Holy Spirit empowers individuals to break fee, enabling them to live a life sold-out for Christ. I am one of them. And, I have seen it happen again and again. I give Him all the praise. I am excited to see the doors He will open to bring messages of hope and healing to those needing to understand their true value in Christ.   

Tewannah Aman, Executive Director, Broward Right to Life

I could easily write a “Bad Dad/Grandad” joke book. But on a serious note, I would like to, one day, write a book about what God has done in South Florida to mobilize the Body of Christ around the foster care issue in our community.

Tom Lukasik, Vice President – Engagement, 4KIDS

Read last month’s GNWTK at: https://www.goodnewsfl.org/good-news-wants-to-know-skill/