Franklin Graham

Content: The day Lacey Sturm planned to kill herself was the day her grandmother forced her to go to church, a place Lacey thought was filled with hypocrites, fakers, and simpletons. The screaming match she had with her grandmother was the reason she went to church. What she found there was the Reason she is alive today.

With raw vulnerability, this hard rock princess tells her own story of physical abuse, drug use, suicide attempts, and more--and her ultimate salvation. She asks the hard questions so many young people are asking--Why am I here? Why am I empty? Why should I go on living?--showing readers that beyond the temporary highs and the soul-crushing lows there is a reason they exist and a purpose for their lives. She not only gives readers a peek down the rocky path that led her to become a vocalist in a popular hardcore band, but she shows them that the same God is guiding their steps today.

Own Meaning: 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.  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.

Conclusion: 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.  

Quotes: “You are not a burden, an accident, or a mistake. You are meant for amazing things that you can't even imagine for yourself.”

“I would never have chosen that life for myself, I know. But God knew what he was doing. And everything I went through turned out to make songs like we write that touch people that have to go through the same kind of things. And if I hadn’t gone through what I went through I wouldn’t be right here right now. And I’m just talking about how God makes good out of bad, usually all the time, he can always do that. It’s just that God works everything together for the good of those who love him. And I’m glad I’ve gone through what I did.”