The two necessary tasks you need to do get better at anything is to glean from experts in that field and then practice the skill yourself. The same goes for writing. We have talked about improving your writing by using dialogue, and crafting your testimony; but in this post, we would like to share several great biographies and autobiographies that will encourage you in two ways; first by showing how the author wrote their story, and second by reading about the tenacity and strength they used to get through their challenges in life.
The recommended books are a combination of faith based and secular writers. The stories shared are harrowing tales these individuals experienced; but they all were able to overcome and offer hope through their stories.
Be ready to be encouraged and grown your heart, your mind, and your writing skills!
by Eric Metaxas
A story of hope and suspense set during the time of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis as they seduced a nation, bullied a continent, and attempted to exterminate the Jews of Europe. A small number of brave individuals worked to dismantle the Third Reich from the inside.
In his blockbuster New York Times bestselling biography, Eric Metaxas shares both sides of Bonhoeffer’s life—the theologian and the spy—and draws them together to tell a compelling story of incredible courage and moral character in face of a great evil presence.
by Chanel Miller
A story that was heard by many, with the victim known as Emily Doe, Chanel Miller finds her voice to share her memoir. Her story goes beyond the crime of sexual assault, but also exposes how culture protects the perpertrators and the criminal justice system doesn’t always provide justice. Through it all, Miller has the courage to press through to experience triumph in her own life.
by Lecrae Moore
Lecrae, two-time Grammy winning rap artist, shares his journy of faith and freedom. Experiencing a life of challenges, including childhood abuse, addiction, rehab, an abortion, and an unsuccessful suicide attempt.
His road of challenges drew Lecrae into a relationship with Jesus and he began seeking God for affirmation, and not his critics. The rap artist holds nothing back as he shares shares his raw truth of what is it like to be a Christian in a secular world.
by Dave Pelzer
This book shares the heart wrenching tale of the most severe child abuse cases in California history. It is the story of Dave Pelzer, who was severely abused, starved, and tortured by his emotionally unstable mother. A story of a young boy who is able to hold onto hope and show what it looks like to be a true overcomer.
by Nabeel Qureshi
Join the faith journey with Nabeel Qureshi as he shares his thoughts and beliefs are transformed from his roots in a loving Muslim home to believing and accepting the ressurection of Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus unveils one man’s story of the clash between Islam and Christianity–and of the peace he eventually found in Jesus.
by Ann Frank
Revisit this classic and experience the trials of a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family as they hide from the evil of the Nazis in World War II. Entries from her diary recorded detailed descriptions of her experiences during this time. The contemplative, humorous, and powerful insights paint a picture of this courageous young woman whose promise was tragically cut short.
As you begin to read the testimonies of others, remember to not get in a place of comparison. Each one of our stories is uniquely crafted. Instead, use these stories as a source of hope, inspiration, and example of how to write and share about trials and wins in your life!
