Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Book Nook: The Jesus I Know - Honest Conversations and Diverse Opinions About Who He Is

 Former Today show host Kathie Lee Gifford has, for decades, had deep conversations about her faith with anyone who is interested in talking about it. What she discovered early on is that most people want to talk about Jesus: atheists, agnostics, Scientologists, Catholics, Baptists, Pentecostals, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Hindus alike. While some do not share her belief that Jesus is the Messiah, they nonetheless have a universal fascination with Him.

 

In The Jesus I Know: Honest Conversations and Diverse Opinions About Who He Is, Kathie Lee has assembled a diverse collection of conversations about Jesus, ranging from avowed Christians to those more casually interested in Jesus’ example of living. She begins The Jesus I Know by sharing her earliest memories of Jesus’ role in her life, and often returns to the topic as she asks artists, actors, and faith leaders about their relationship with Him, including such names as journalist Megyn Kelly, actress Kristin Chenoweth, and musician Brian Welch.

 

“Many are still struggling, just like I am, to overcome our weaknesses, unhealthy dependencies, bitter memories, or deep- seated disappointments,” said Gifford. “Some have suffered through trials and tribulations. Others have dreams that have not yet come true, and many of their questions remain unanswered. No matter where my friends are in their own spiritual journeys, they joined me in my favorite cozy chairs while I asked them, ‘What does Jesus look like to you right now?’

 

Publishers Weekly notes that, “Gifford emphasizes the individuality of each person’s story and stresses the diversity of God’s kingdom. She discusses with architect Roger Charles how his  attempts to affirm atheism led to a surprise faith, how ‘trying to keep God in my life’ allowed Kris Jenner to overcome the death of her husband, and the long-term process of healing from sexual abuse with actress Cynthia Garrett. Gifford’s probing interviews consistently surprise, entertain, and do a great job of locating themes of personal faith among figures working in industries known for secularism.”

 

In The Jesus I Know, Kathie Lee presents captivating conversations about a singular Man who lived more than two thousand years ago, never traveled more than one hundred miles from where He was born… and yet managed to change the entire world in His short thirty-three years of life.

 

“These are people God brought into my life, and they mean a great deal to me for many reasons,” said Gifford.  “Each one has a profoundly personal and powerful story to tell about Jesus, a story that cannot be tied up neatly with a bow. Why? Because their stories aren’t finished yet. Neither is mine, and neither is yours. If we are still breathing, we’re not done yet; it’s as simple as that!”

 

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

Kathie Lee Gifford is the four-time Emmy award winning former co-host of the fourth hour of “TODAY,” alongside Hoda Kotb. After 11 years, Gifford stepped down from that role to pursue other creative endeavors.

 

Prior to “TODAY”, Gifford served as the co-host of “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” for 15 years. In 2015 Gifford was inducted into the Broadcast & Cable Hall of Fame. Earlier this year she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 

A playwright, producer, singer, songwriter and actress, Gifford has starred in numerous television programs and movies in her 45-year career. She has written musicals including Broadway’s SCANDALOUS, which received a Tony nomination for Best Actress in 2012.  Gifford also starred on Broadway in “Putting it Together” and “Annie.” In the fall of 2020 she released “Then Came You,” a film she wrote, produced and starred in alongside Craig Ferguson. Gifford co-wrote the score for the film with Brett James. In April of 2019 she made her directorial debut with THE GOD WHO SEES oratorio, shot in Israel and based on a song she co-wrote with Grammy-nominated Nicole C. Mullen.


 

Gifford lends support to numerous children’s organizations including Childhelp, the International Justice Mission, and the Association to Benefit Children. She received an honorary degree from Marymount University for her humanitarian work in labor relations.

 

Facebook: @KathieLeeGiffordsPage

Twitter: @KathieLGifford

Instagram: @kathielgifford

 

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

No comments:

Post a Comment