Honoring our Heroes at Cross Reference Library

Taking the High Ground - This book will make you even more proud to be an American! This powerful collection of stories captures the essence Americans’ response in the heat of adversity: a new patriotism and a groundswell of faith-searching, made even more relevant in the aftermath of the horrific terrorist attacks. Taking the High Ground, by Col. Jeff O’Leary, provides uplifting accounts of God’s intervention in the lives of military people, on and off the battlefield, from the American Revolution to Desert Storm. It pays tribute to men and women from all branches of the military—ordinary people who have served their nation and God with extraordinary honor, courage and faith. High Ground captures the faith that has made America a light to the nations. And these true stories are certain to shine hope and strength for all who read it, especially in times such as these. 

Grace Under Fire - The book of its kind, Grace Under Fire is an inspiring and spiritual collection of letters and emails by U.S. troops and their families from the American Revolution through the War on Terrorism. Andrew Carroll, editor of the best-selling War Letters, went through his massive archive of seventy-five thousand previously unpublished wartime correspondences to pick out some of the most intimate, dramatic, historic, and insightful letters and emails ever written about faith. The fifty best of these are featured in this incredible book, and they emphasize how extremely important a belief in God has been, and continues to be, in the lives of U.S. troops and their families. What is especially remarkable about Grace Under Fire is the sheer diversity of the collection, which includes several extraordinary letters by two brothers who fought on opposing sides of the Civil War; a harrowing account by a WWII soldier who survived being on a ship that was torpedoed; a surprising pen pal correspondence between a Marine who fought in Desert Storm and a woman who wrote to him simply to boost his morale—and then fell in love with him; and a profound and impassioned reply to the timeless question “Where is God in wartime?” by a doctor serving in Iraq.  

A Table in the Presence - As a chaplain to the Marines, Lieutenant Carey Cash heard the muttered prayers for courage from the thousand-plus men of the “Fightin’ Fifth,” the first ground force to cross Iraqi borders during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also heard their tear-filled prayers when one of their most beloved leaders became the war’s first American casualty. But more than anything, he heard prayers for protection, whispered by each Marine as the battalion moved into the presence of enemies. On April 10, 2003, the last Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment marched into downtown Baghdad to seize Saddam Hussein’s presidential palace, only to find themselves ambushed by militants hiding in mosques, storefronts, and homes. Hundreds of troops were caught face to face with a blitz of rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), gunfire, and sure defeat. Yet their reports tell a different story: a rocket splicing its way through an armored vehicle packed with marines hits no one; a Marine finds a bullet’s entrance and exit holes in his helmet, yet he has no injury; a squad of Marines watch in amazement as their enemies prepare to fire from point-blank range, then pause and drop their weapons, running away in terror; RPG, fired from only a few yards away, inexplicably swerves and misses its intended target. When the smoke of the April 10th battle cleared, only one American had lost his life. Not one Marine could deny God’s protection, not only on this day but in the months that led up to this moment as well. From a spiritual revival in the desert of Northern Kuwait, to miraculous escapes from death, to baptizing a Marine in Saddam Hussein’s palace, Lieutenant Cash recounts the remarkable events of this powerful story of God’s faithfulness.

Thank you to all of the men and women who have fought for our country. Your courage and bravery has not gone unnoticed. Through these three books, the authors illustrate that courage for their readers, giving them a behind-the-scenes look into the wonderful faith that helped push many of our soldiers through. So come on down to Cross Reference Library and check out these profound books!

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus…Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

—2 Timothy 2:1, 3

Celebrating the Graduating Classes of 2022!

Promises for Graduates - For every graduate, God offers direction, peace, and wisdom for the new road ahead. In this collection of inspirational verses taken from the New International Version Bible, over 1,500 Scriptures arranged into 130 topics such as guidance, prayer, and courage remind graduates of His promises. 

The Right to Lead - Renowned business writer and motivational speaker John C. Maxwell shares insight on what it takes to be a leader. The Right To Lead is a character study of outstanding men and women throughout history, focusing on the qualities that are consistent in the lives of these great leaders. An ideal follow-up to Success: One Day at a Time. Perfect for graduation, Father's Day, or as a year-round gift for business and church leaders.

Keeping God in the Small Stuff: Graduate’s Edition - Bruce and Stan's Keeping God in the Small Stuff has sold nearly 100,000 copies since its October 2000 release. The practical, accessible, and always biblical wisdom of Keeping God in the Small Stuff is ideal for young adults launching out into the world. Following in the footsteps of the God Is in the Small Stuff Graduate's Edition, this special graduate's edition features a handsome new binding, a presentation page, and a brand-new section just for the graduate.

It’s that time of year again! For those high school seniors to walk across that stage with confidence, knowing that they are about to take that next big step that’ll impact the rest of their lives. For some, there is no doubt in their minds what exactly they are going to do once they graduate. But for many, the pressure of choosing a future occupation feels easier said than done. They may feel discouraged or alone in their decision making. In these three books, graduates are reminded that these next big decisions are not too big for God. He has such great plans for that next step in all of our lives, graduating or not. So, even if you don’t reach that unspoken dream tomorrow, just remember that the Lord is cheering you on because He knows that you are getting closer to where you're supposed to be. 

There are far, far greater things ahead than you will ever leave behind.

—C.S. Lewis

What's New at Cross Reference Library? What God Knows About Us.

On Purpose -  Many Christian women are torn between how the church has taught traditional gender roles and the liberty they see secular society afford to women. But what if the church's conventional teachings on the place of women aren't really biblical at all? On Purpose is a serious study on the verses in the Bible that have often been interpreted to define the role of women in the church, at home, and in the workplace. Each chapter focuses on a single passage, considering what it meant to the original recipients, understanding each author’s intent, and applying its true meaning in today's cultural setting. With each chapter, Julie Coleman thoroughly reveals how the timeless principles in the Bible actually teach freedom for women. In fact, when rightly understood, these verses are a wake-up call that we are handicapping the church's role on earth by limiting women unnecessarily. Instead, men and women should be working side by side for the advancement of the kingdom of God. Written without anger or judgment, and with no agenda but to delve deep into the Bible, On Purpose is an enlightening study offering a fresh, scriptural perspective. It's time to set women free to answer God's call on their lives--and set the church free to function the way God truly desires.

Gay Girl, Good God - “I used to be a lesbian.” In Gay Girl, Good God, author Jackie Hill Perry shares her own story, offering practical tools that helped her in the process of finding wholeness. Jackie grew up fatherless, experienced gender confusion, embraced both masculinity and homosexuality with every fiber of her being. She knew that Christians had a lot to say about all of the above. But was she supposed to change herself? How was she supposed to stop loving women, when homosexuality felt more natural to her than heterosexuality ever could? At age nineteen, Jackie came face-to-face with what it meant to be made new. And not in a church, or through contact with Christians. God broke in and turned her heart toward Him right in her own bedroom in light of His gospel. Read in order to understand. Read in order to hope. Or read in order, like Jackie, to be made new. 

Country Soul - A wounded warrior who found wholeness in Christ…A coal miner’s daughter who met Jesus in a West Virginia holler…A horse whisperer who speaks healing to animals and humans. Through powerful real-life stories like these, along with stunning photography, horse farmer Cara Whitney—wife of “Larry the Cable Guy” Dan Whitney—reminds us that we never have to face our struggles alone. Each story in Country Soul draws us back to a God who cares for our smallest needs and deepest longings, reminding us of His promise to never let us go.

What does God know about us? Well, the answer to that is simple: He knows absolutely everything about every single one of us on this planet. And while I am sure that most of you know that, this week we are reminded through these new books that in today’s society it is easy to feel lost and neglected in this world. Gay Girl, Good God is one of those examples, as author Jackie Hill Perry walks us through her journey toward faith. Jackie faced lots of obstacles in order to get to where she is today, such as multiple forms of abuse and identity confusion. But God knew Jackie. From the moment He formed her in her mother’s womb and even up to the moment when she asked Him to be a part of her life. “Though accomplished through sinful lusts, He had given me to her. He was forming me in her womb. Unbeknownst to her, He had chosen me before the foundation of the world to know Him. And no one—not my mother, my father, or even me—would get in His way,” as said by Jackie Hill Perry in Gay Girl, Good God. Another new book that was added to our collection is, Country Soul by Cara Whitney, wife of “Larry the Cable Guy.” Through this book, Cara uses her love for horses and writing to encourage those who feel alone, such as: “God wants each of us to be exactly who we are—the special, one-of-a-kind person He created us to be.” We find quotes like that and so many more within the pages of Country Soul. In On Purpose, author Julie Coleman addresses how women are portrayed in the Bible, and how women today can use that as a way to push past the things that are holding them back. So, some of you might be wondering why I titled today’s post, “What God Knows About Us.” Well, I guess when I started to skim through each of these new books, I started to realize something very similar between them. Each author is trying to connect with the reader in a specific way, reaching out to women in the church, those who are experiencing identity confusion, and just anyone out there who needs to read words of encouragement. But they all commonly have this concept: You are not alone. God knows who you are, and He knows every amazing little detail about you. When you stumble and nobody seems to notice, there is always One who notices that moment of pain and vulnerability, and He loves you so much. So come on down to the Cross Reference Library and check out these eye-opening books.

Celebrating Mother's Day at Cross Reference Library!

A Confident Mom - As moms, we often doubt our ability to be the mom we want to be. Unpacking powerful lessons, biblical truths, and practical tools, bestselling author Renee Swope will help you take a deep breath of God’s grace and show you how to:

• Exchange the exhaustion of constantly correcting your child’s bad habits with meaningful and creative ways to connect with their hearts.

• Discover positive and encouraging daily practices that will help you notice and nurture your child’s character and unique God-given design.

• Let go of performance-based living and learn how to pursue relationship-driven parenting.

Discover simple ways to give your child what they need most through the power of heart-centered and character-focused parenting. This book will transform your perspective of parenting and change the way you see yourself as a mom and as a child of God. 

Living Well as a Single Mom - You are the most important person in the world…to your kids. No one can love and nurture them like you can. But it isn’t easy.

• Racing between your home, the day care, and your job, you remember another errand you need to squeeze into your already overloaded day.

• You need to make important decisions about your kids, your finances, your home, and your car, but you’re not sure when or how you can research all your options.

• You’d love to spend time with some people who are old enough to speak in full sentences, but most of your friends are either couples or just as busy as you.

This may not be the life you expected. Still, God’s promise to you and your kids hasn’t changed. He has a plan for your family, a future that is bright with hope. Your number one priority also hasn’t changed: to live well so you can help your kids live well too. Cynthia Yates, once a single mom herself, passionately wants you to do just that—with your relationship with God growing, your finances in order, and a team of friends and family ready to help. With straight talk, plenty of humor, and tons of compassion, she will guide you along your journey to Living Well as a Single Mom.

A Mom Just Like You - Let’s face it…the bulk of the everyday work of home schooling falls on Mom’s shoulders. As rewarding and fulfilling as it is, it is no easy task. No one knows this better than home schooling mother of ten, Vickie Farris. If you’ve ever wondered, “Okay, so how do you do it?” you just picked up the right book! Through her warm, practical style, Vickie will fill you with encouragement and practical suggestions for those days when the challenge seems overwhelming. And for those thinking of embarking on the home schooling adventure, she offers her insights gleaned from years of experience, giving confidence and resolve. After all, she’s a mom just like you. Hey Mom…you can do it!

In the Cross Reference Library, we have all kinds of Christian-based books. Among them, you can find several books on motherhood. And since Mother’s Day is coming up on Sunday, I thought we could celebrate by looking at books by authors, Renee Swope, Cynthia Yates, and also Vickie and Jayme Farris. Mainly, these authors (and mothers) seem to make one thing clear for all of us: being a mom is far from easy. Whether you’re a single mother, a homeschool mom, or a downright supermom, you are never without a challenge. In the first few chapters of Living Well as a Single Mom, author Cynthia Yates helps give moms (single or not), assurance through all the trials of motherhood. An example of that is the chapter titled, Leaning on Others. Through this chapter Cynthia explains to single moms, “You may be the only active parent, but trying to tackle this job alone would be ridiculous. Don’t buy into the notion that to be a strong woman, you should not ask for help.” So, if the responsibilities of motherhood are overwhelming and you are feeling stuck, don’t keep those feelings inside. Reach out for help. In our other two books this week, A Confident Mom and A Mom Just Like You, we get perspectives and advice from two extremely busy moms. I’ve met lots of moms who are just like them: Half of their daily to-do list is filled with the things that her husband and kids need, while the other half consists of things that she needs to complete within 24 hours. With that in mind, we can only imagine how crazy life is for author Vickie Farris, as she tackles being a writer and homeschooling her ten kids. To follow that thought, in the chapter titled, Dispelling the Myth of Supermom, when a store checker told Vickie, “I don’t know how you do it. I only have two children and they drive me crazy! You must be the most patient, organized woman in the world.” And Vickie simply answered with, “It’s not not that I’m all that patient or organized. It’s pretty much just the grace of God that gets me through.”

To finish this out, I know it wouldn’t be right to put together a Mother’s Day post without celebrating my amazing mom. She is a ranch wife, so when my siblings and I were still in school, she was always trying to balance the constant stress of ranch life with our school activities. She rarely missed a game or performance (unless we were in calving season!), and that meant so much to me. But what I am most grateful for is, even though she knew I was planning on leaving home right after graduation, she always checked to see if I knew where I was going and how I was going to get there. My mom Vicki, is my great example on how to live an amazing life for others. I know she isn’t perfect, but I wouldn’t ask for anyone else. So come on down to the Cross Reference Library and check out these amazing books. And don’t forget to tell your mom that you love her.

—Happy Mother’s Day from Cross Reference Library!

What's New at Cross Reference Library?

Beyond the Farthest Star - Adam Wells knows this move to small-town Leonard, Texas, is his last chance. How has he gone from the “Miracle Preacher Boy,” who shook hands with the American president, to two failed pastorates, all because of his daughter? Maurene, Adam’s weary, peace-keeping wife, aches for a second child, believing a baby will ease her husband’s bitterness. Can she dispel the secret hanging over her family like a choking cloud? Sixteen-year-old Anne feels hopeless and trapped after the third move in less than five years. She longs for the days when she knew what…or who…was beyond the farthest star. When had she lost her faith? And can Stephen, the confident cowboy who sees her scars, help her find it again? 

If I Were You - 1950: In the wake of war, Audrey Clarkson leaves her manor house in England for a fresh start in America with her young son. As a widowed war bride, Audrey needs the support of her American in-laws, whom she has never met. But she arrives to find that her longtime friend Eve Dawson has been impersonating her for the past four years. Unraveling this deception will force Audrey and Eve’s secrets—and the complicated history of their friendship—to the surface.    

1940: Eve and Audrey have been as different as two friends can be since the day they met at Wellingford Hall, where Eve’s mother served as a lady’s maid for Audrey’s mother. As young women, those differences force them apart until the threat of Nazi invasion and war bring them back together. An American stationed in England brings a chance at love for Audrey, and the collapse of the class system gives Eve hope for a future with Audrey’s brother. But in the wake of devastating loss, both women must make life-altering decisions that will set in motion a web of lies and push them both to the breaking point.                                                                                                                                      

Traces of Guilt - Evie Blackwell loves her life as an Illinois State Police detective…mostly. She’s very skilled at investigations and has steadily moved up through the ranks. She would like to find Mr. Right, but she has a hard time imagining how marriage could work, considering the demands of her job. Gabriel Thane grew up in Carin County and is now its sheriff, a job he loves. Gabe is committed to upholding the law and cares deeply for the residents he’s sworn to protect. He too would like to find a lifetime companion, a marriage like his parents have…When Evie arrives in Carin, Illinois, it’s to help launch a new task force focused on unsolved crimes across the state. She will work with the sheriff’s department on a couple of its most troubling missing-persons cases. As she studies old evidence to pull out a few tenuous new leads, she unearths surprising connections. One way or another, she knows Gabriel Thane and his family will be key to the answers she seeks.

What's New at Cross Reference Library? What's Next?

Meet Generation Z - Move over Boomers, Xers, and Millennials; there’s a new generation—making up more than 25% of the US population—on the scene that represents a seismic cultural shift. Born approximately between 1993 and 2012, Generation Z is poised to challenge every church to rethink its role in light of a rapidly changing culture. From the award-winning author of The Rise of the Nones comes this enlightening introduction to the youngest generation. James Emery White explains who this generation is, how it came to be, and the impact it is likely to have on the nation and the faith. Then he reintroduces us to the ancient countercultural model of the early church, arguing that this is the model Christian leaders must adopt and adapt if we are to reach members of Generation Z with the gospel. He helps us rethink our old evangelistic and apologetic methods, cultivate a culture of invitation, and communicate with this connected generation right where they are. 

Raising Them Ready - As parents, we either raise kids who are dependent on us or we raise kids who grow into confident and capable adults. It all comes down to helping them develop their mindsets, skill sets, and toolsets. In Raising Them Ready, seasoned parents and bestselling authors Jonathan and Erica Catherman share practical ways to prepare your kids for life on their own. They help you see how your kids view everyday demands of life as either threats to survive or challenges to thrive, then offer age-and ability-appropriate guidance on the real-world skills kids ages 2 to 22 need before flying solo. With the tools and wisdom found in this essential parenting resource, you will be able to stop worrying if your kids will make it on their own and start celebrating the phases and adventures of letting go as they mature into confident and capable young adults, ready to launch. 

Living Slower - In our increasingly complex and chaotic world, do you yearn to live a little slower? A little simpler? Do you long to feel more connected to your home, your family, your friends? Do you wish you had time, energy, and money to spare for what matters most in life? You’re not alone. Popular lifestyle blogger Merissa A. Alink has discovered the joy and freedom of living a slower, simpler life, and she wants to share the secrets with you. In the pages of this book, you’ll learn how living slower enables you to: 

• Declutter your home and mind

• Eat healthier, home-cooked meals

• Develop stronger relationships

• Save Money

• Reduce Screen Time

• Prioritize togetherness

• Seek God

• Embrace rest

• And more

If you are tired of feeling anxious, frenzied, or disconnected from the natural rhythms of life, join Merissa on the journey toward a life more in line with your values and dreams.

What's New at Cross Reference Library? Discover Jesus in the Darkness

Rediscover Jesus - I think about this often, and I always come to the same realization. I don’t know Jesus anywhere near as well as I would like to know Him. The desire is there, but life gets in the way. There are times when I seem to be making great progress, and other times when I wonder if I know Him at all. But I always arrive back at the same inspiring and haunting idea: If there is one person that we should each get to know in a deeply personal way, it is Jesus—the carpenter from Nazareth, the itinerant preacher, the Son of God, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, the Lamb of God, the new Adam, the Messiah, the Alpha and the Omega, the Chosen One, the Light of the World, the God-Man who wants goods things for us more than we want them for ourselves, the healer of our souls. The best time to rediscover Jesus is right now. I don’t know what God has in store for you, but I am excited for you. There are some questions that we all ask ourselves in different ways: Who am I? Who is God? What am I here for? What matters most? What matters least? What are my unique talents and abilities? What will my contribution be? We discover the answers to these questions most completely by encountering Jesus. He longs to help us discover deeply personal answers to our deeply personal questions. 

When Life Goes Dark - Depression strikes millions, across all demographic groups. Approximately one in eight will have a severe depressive episode at some point in their life. Women experience depression twice as often as men. And over 50 percent of people with serious depression do not get adequate help. What can be done? Richard Winter explores the complex medical, psychological and spiritual issues surrounding depression. He presents recent scientific research on its biochemical and genetic causes and examines social and cultural factors. Dispelling common Christian misunderstandings, Winter explores the dynamics of despair, loss, anger, guilt, shame and spiritual warfare. Even in the shadow of the valley of death, God can bring healing and deliverance. This book is a helpful guide for those who find themselves, their loved ones or those they counsel vulnerable to depression. Find here a framework for understanding depression and rediscovering hope. 

Get Out of Your Head - The greatest spiritual battle of our generation is taking place between our ears. Again and again, we allow false thoughts about who we are to influence our thoughts about who God is and how He is at work in our lives. But we have the opportunity to stop our spinning minds and escape toxic thinking patterns. In Get Out of Your Head, Jennie Allen helps you transform your life by renewing your mind as she explores: 

• How what you believe about God shapes how you think of yourself. 

• The negative thought patterns that are keeping you stuck

• How to hold space for silence and community—and why they matter. 

• The science behind why your thoughts can change your life.

• Your God-given power to confront and overcome your fears.

When you reclaim your thinking patterns from the lies of the enemy, you are set free to set others free. In a very real way, your thoughts can change the world. So join Jennie in the battle and step boldly into freedom. Change is possible. You can live free.

When you think of a war, what usually comes to mind? Well, for me, I think of two sides of a conflict fighting on a battlefield with the weapon of their choice, hoping to prove a point. But today I’m not going to talk about the physical battles that are fought on a mud, grass, or even cement battlefield. Instead I’m going to try and shed some light on the kind of war that this week’s authors commonly explain and I title as: The Innerworkings of a Dispirited Mind. In When Life Goes Dark, author Richard Winter thoroughly explains what depression is and how it has effected a large majority of people throughout the societies of the world. “Constant feelings of inadequacy, failure, worthlessness, shame, and guilt plague the mind, and it seems as though others are watching and are critical of every action, “ according to Winter, this is how most people with depression feel on a daily basis. The devil uses these deep dark moments in a person’s life to his advantage, hoping that he can successfully strip them of any hope, love, or faith. But he tends to forget that our Heavenly Father who loves us, knows that we are not worthless, and will stop at nothing to make sure all of his children know that they are loved by Him. In Get Out of Your Head, Jennie Allen gives her readers a way to step out of that overwhelming cloud of self-doubt and discouragement. “What we believe and what we think about matters, and the enemy knows it. And he is determined to get in your head to distract you from doing good and to sink you so deep that you feel helpless, overwhelmed, shut down, and incapable of rising to make a difference for the kingdom of God.” But you can make a difference for the kingdom of God! You were given a very unique personality that the Heavenly Father placed inside you, so you could go out into the world and proclaim His name and the name of His Son Jesus. And finally, as interesting and helpful as the other books are, Rediscover Jesus truly puts the cherry on top of this impactful stack of books. You’ve experienced life when it had all gone dark, and you’ve managed to get that darkness out of your head for a while. So now the most important and the only thing left to do is to rediscover Jesus and to keep Him in your life for eternity, letting His light chase that deep darkness away forever. So come on down to the Cross Reference Library and check out these serious but important reads for yourselves.

The greatest spiritual battle of our generation is being fought between our ears.

- Jennie Allen, Get Out of Your Head

What's New at Cross Reference Library? Alton Gansky Books

Enoch - An unusual message is popping up in unexpected places around the world—in radio commercials, movies, TV shows, even within the pages of the New York Times. Believing that someone is playing an elaborate prank, FCC agent Gene Manford and FBI agent Katherine Rooney begin an investigation. But nothing in their training has prepared them for what they are about to encounter…A contemporary novel dealing with real spiritual warfare issues, Enoch will take you on a mind-bending, fast-paced journey through a story of good versus evil. 

The Prodigy - Undeniable miracles are following a rusty station wagon on its journey west. But the person behind them is no charismatic religious figure. He’s the six-year-old son of a poor single mother and the possessor of a gift he can’t explain. To multitudes, however, Toby Matthews is about to become a New Age messiah—and to unscrupulous opportunists, a ticket to undreamed-of wealth. But one person besides his young mother will see Toby for who he really is. Thomas York, a gifted but searching divinity student, finds in Toby a kindred spirit—brilliant, intuitive, hungry for truth. And as an evil beyond their comprehension unfolds, Truth will become their only weapon against a terrifying enemy unseen by all except Toby. A taut supernatural thriller, The Prodigy probes the influence of the invisible realm on the world around us and the indomitable power of the Light that shines in the darkness. 

Wounds - A man’s lifeless body is found in the fresh soil of San Diego’s botanical garden. Cause of death is asphyxiation, an easy call for the medical examiner. More mysterious, however, are tiny drops of blood on the victim’s skin, resulting from hundreds of punctures. A rabbi leaving his house for work expects a regular day at the synagogue. That quickly changes when he discovers a dead man on his front lawn, clearly beaten to death. Motorcycle riders racing along the empty streets of an abandoned military base stumble across another man’s corpse, its skin revealing long, red-purple marks of a thrashing given with wood dowels. The numbers mount. Each week another victim and another mysterious clue in a game of mass murder the police don’t want to lose. The solution rests with Dr. Ellis Poe, a religious professor who only wishes to be left alone with his books and classes. But evil must be faced, and the choice is no longer his own.

What's New at Cross Reference Library? Men of the Past, Present, and Future

7 Men - How did George Washington resist the temptation to become the first king of America, and why did William Wilberforce give up the chance to be prime minister of England? What enabled Jackie Robinson to surrender his right to fight back against racists, or Dietrich Bonhoeffer to jeopardize his freedom and safety to defy the Nazis? In this stirring and inspiring new work, New York Times best-selling author Eric Metaxas reclaims a long-lost sense of heroic—the idea that certain lives are worthy of emulation. Get to know the seven men in this book, and your life will be immeasurably richer. 

The Men We Need - The world needs real men. But here’s the problem: While we know what men are not supposed to be, it’s not clear to us what masculinity looks like when men are at their absolute best. Into our cultural confusion, Brant Hansen paints a refreshingly specific, compelling picture of what men are designed to be: keepers of the garden. Combining depth and humor, he calls for men of all interests and backgrounds (including avid indoorsman like himself) to be ambitious about the right things and to see themselves as protectors and defenders of the vulnerable, with whatever resources they have at their disposal. The Men We Need is witty, challenging, bracingly honest, and perfect for any man who wants to know “Why am I here?”--and is ready to show up. 

Digital Winter - Twenty-two-year-old Donny Elton sat in his bedroom as he did every morning, writing line upon line of unintelligible computer code from his wheelchair. The helpless savant had never spoken more than a few words at a time, so Stanley Elton, Donny’s father, was shocked to hear a voice from his son’s room: “Shadow, shadow on my left; shadow, shadow on my right…” That was the day the lights went out. Colonel Jeremy Matisse of the US Cyber Command discovers that a computer worm has destroyed power stations around the country and is continuing to evolve. The race is on to determine its source before urban centers self-destruct without communication, transportation, and vital services. Can Jeremy stop the cyber attack? What is its endgame? And who—or what—prompted Donny Elton to write the code that is bringing the world to its knees?

What's New at Cross Reference Library? Facing the Future

The Last Days - Osama bin Laden is dead. Saddam’s regime is buried. Baghdad lies in ruins. Now the eyes of the world are on Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy, two senior White House advisors, as they arrive in the Middle East to offer a historic Arab-Israeli peace plan and the American president’s new vision of freedom and democracy. But in the shadows lie men whose hearts are filled with evil—men for whom the prospects of peace go against everything they believe. And soon, one terrifying scheme after another begins to unfold: 

• An Iranian plot to send suicide bombers into the U.S.

• A terrorist plot to assassinate the prime minister of Israel

• A Jewish plot to blow up the Dome of the Rock 

As Jon and Erin face a battle for control of Jerusalem, a battle for control of the Holy Land, and an Iraqi plan to rebuild ancient Babylon, they can’t help but wonder: Are such signs evidence that they are living in the last days before the return of Christ? 

Foster the Family -  There are great rewards that come along with being a foster parent, yet there are also great challenges that can leave you feeling depleted, alone, and discouraged. The many burdens of your day—struggling children, difficult biological parents, and a broken system—are only compounded by the many burdens of your heart—confusion, anxiety, heartache, anger, and fear. With the compassion and insight of a fellow foster parent, Jamie C. Finn helps you see your struggles through the lens of the gospel, bringing biblical truths to bear on your unique everyday realities. In these short easy-to-read chapters, you’ll find honest personal stories and practical lessons that provide encouragement and direction from God’s Word as you walk the journey of foster parenting. 

Know Yourself Know Your Money - You decide your money and your future by what you do: You’re too tired to cook, so grab takeout instead. You worry about retirement, but haven’t started saving. You want financial peace, but keep making the same money mistakes. That’s why you need more than a plan for your money. You need to understand why you make the choices you do. In Know Yourself Know Your Money, #1 New York Times bestselling author and financial expert Rachel Cruze helps you discover what’s at the root of your behavior: 

• How to overcome your biggest money fears

• How your childhood impacts your money decisions today

• What really motivates your spending, saving, giving, and more

Understanding why you handle money the way you do changes everything. It means you can use your strengths to get out of debt and build wealth. You can finally afford, and achieve, your biggest dreams. You can even improve your relationships. When you know yourself and your money, you can finally stop worrying about finances—and start living life on your terms.