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WORK TITLE: Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE: 22-Feb
WEBSITE: http://bobgoff.com/
CITY: San Diego
STATE: CA
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married; wife’s name, Maria; children: Lindsey, Richard, Adam.
EDUCATION:San Diego State University, B.S.; University of San Diego School of Law, J.D.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Author; founder, Restore International (nonprofit organization), 2003-16, renamed Love Does, 2016–; founder, Goff and DeWalt, LLP (law firm), Gig Harbor, WA, 1968–. Honorary consul, Republic of Uganda to the United States; adjunct professor, Pepperdine Law School and Point Loma Nazarene University.
WRITINGS
Also author of forewords to Jeff Shinabarger, More or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Excessive Generosity, David C. Cook (Colorado Springs, CO), 2013; Mike Foster, You Rise Glorious: A Wild Invitation to Live Fierce, Free, and Unstoppable in a World That Tries to Break You, Shame You, and Tell You That You’re Not Enough, WaterBrook (Colorado Springs, CO), 2018.
SIDELIGHTS
Bob Goff is a lawyer as well as an author, but he is even better known as the founder of the charity group Restore International, now known as Love Does. Love Does works to stop human trafficking and supports childhood education around the world, concentrating on places affected by violence such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia, or by high levels of poverty such as India, Nepal, and Uganda. Goff writes about the work of the organization in the books Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People, and Love Does for Kids, which he cowrote with his daughter Lindsey.
While the actions taken by Love Does are different from those of other charities with similar aims, Goff’s own life is itself out of the ordinary. “Bob’s start in law school certainly wasn’t typical,” wrote Marci Seither in Focus on the Family. In fact, he failed his entrance exams and only got into law school by sitting outside the dean’s office until he wore the dean down and got his consent. “He took a risk, hoping to be given the chance for a new adventure,” Seither continued. “Today, that same risk-taking, adventurous spirit has led Bob all around the world. He has come to the legal defense of children trapped in sex trafficking, taught tribal witch doctors in Uganda to read, traveled with food supplies to remote African villages and encouraged millions to live an extraordinary life through his book Love Does.” “The best part,” said the contributor of a biographical blurb to the author’s home page, the Bob Goff website, “has been connecting with so many people who are on a terrific adventure as well.” “The adventurous life is about being fully engaging in your world and with your family,” Seither continued, “and that looks different for each family.” “Bob Goff didn’t settle for the ordinary. He didn’t go halfway,” asserted Danielle Crowley in the Daily Runner. “He gives life everything, and he gives love everything. Some may say his actions are excessive, but for him, they are the norm. Through the book, readers will come to grasp that love is more than words: love does.” Goff, concluded a contributor to Publishers Weekly, “has charted his own optimistic and ebullient course for decades without veering anywhere near the beaten track.”
Love Does
Goff wrote about the mission of his charity in Love Does, which is part memoir and part encouragement for readers wanting to support the goals of the charity. “Love Does,” declared a contributor to Pete + Jordan, “is the story of Bob Goff and his ‘secretly incredible life in an ordinary world.’ It’s everything from insightful to hilarious to eye-opening all rolled up in one 218-page book. Bob lays out his life in little chapter-long snippets of stories that weave so seamlessly with the lessons and learnings that he shares. We have to say, it’s one of the most honest, authentic books we’ve ever read. In fact, he even includes his phone number in the back of the book just in case he could ever be of service to you. Talk about authenticity!”
“This is not your ordinary self-help book, this is not a 10-Step process or a How To,” observed a contributor to the Dream on Youth website. “It goes beyond your career or success, it encourages you to look within to find what you believe that you are meant to do while on this earth. It is a 215-page reminder, filled with stories, musings, encouragement, and words that love is the most important thing in this life.”
Everybody Always
In Everybody Always, stated a Publishers Weekly reviewer, Goff “laces together lively accounts of his casual and intimate interactions with people all over the world in … the essence of love.” The book’s premise connects the actions of the charity Love Does with biblical models. “I had been thinking about this book’s idea for a while,” Goff explained in the introduction to the volume. “A few years earlier, I had been with some dear friends at a large church in Chicago and gave a sermon where I said we need to love everybody, always. It made sense to me, so I decided to write a book about it.” “It’s hard to believe Jesus loves … all the difficult people we’ve met just the same as you and me,” the author continued. “Yet, the incredible message Love came to earth to give was that we’re all tied for first in God’s mind.”
“Bob Goff has a relaxed, conversational style of writing that makes you feel as if you are just sitting down to chat over coffee,” opined a contributor to By the Grace of God I Am. “He does a fantastic job of mixing deep truth with engaging stories from his own life. One minute you will be laughing out loud, before being brought to tears, followed closely by the need to stop reading to meditate and pray on the concepts presented.”
BIOCRIT
BOOKS
Goff, Bob, Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People, Nelson Books (Nashville, TN), 2018.
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, April 9, 2012, review of Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, p. 49; February 26, 2018, review of Everybody Always, p. 82; June 25, 2018, review of Everybody Always, p. 185.
ONLINE
By the Grace of God I Am, https://bythegraceofgodiam.com/ (February 28, 2018), review of Everybody Always.
Daily Runner, http://dailyrunneronline.com/ (February 2, 2017), Danielle Crowley, review of Love Does.
Dream on Youth, http://www.dreamonyouth.com/ (December 6, 2017), review of Love Does.
Faith Contender, https://faithcontenderblog.wordpress.com/ (May 28, 2018), C.T. Adams, review of Everybody Always.
Focus on the Family, https://www.focusonthefamily.com/ (August 29, 2018), Marci Seither, “Bob Goff’s Audacious Parenting Adventure.”
Love Does website, http://lovedoes.org/ (August 29, 2018), author profile.
Pete + Jordan, https://peteandjordan.com/ (May 27, 2015), review of Love Does.
Bob Goff is the founder of Love Does, a nonprofit organization that operates schools and pursues justice for children in conflict areas such as Uganda, Somalia, and Iraq. Bob is a lawyer and serves as the honorary consul for the Republic of Uganda to the United States. He is an adjunct professor at Pepperdine Law School and Point Loma Nazarene University and lives in San Diego with Sweet Maria, their kids, and extended family.
Bob Goff
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Bob Goff
Born
Robert Kendall Goff[1]
February 22
California
Residence
San Diego, CA
Education
B.S., San Diego State University; J.D., University of San Diego School of Law[2]
Occupation
Lawyer
Employer
Goff & DeWalt, Restore International
Spouse(s)
Maria Goff
Website
www.bobgoff.com
Bob Goff is the author of the New York Times Best-Selling book Love Does.[3] The U.S. Department of State recognizes Goff as a diplomat and he is known as an Honorary Consul for the Republic of Uganda due to his work with Love Does, formerly known as Restore International, a non-profit organization he founded.[4][5]
Philanthropic work[edit]
Goff founded Restore International in 2003, now known as Love Does, to “find daring, productive, and effective ways to fight the injustices committed against children.”[6] Love Does works to promote human rights and education in current and recovering conflict zones. Love Does currently works in Uganda, Iraq, Nepal, Somalia and India. [7]
Career[edit]
Goff founded Goff and Dewalt, LLP in 1968 as a construction defect attorney.[8] Located in Washington, the firm specializes in construction defect litigation, general counsel, and international rights (through Restore International).[9] Goff worked as an adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University where he taught a class in business law.[10] Goff similarly serves as an adjunct professor to Pepperdine University, in both the law school, and the graduate degree programs with courses such as Nonprofit Law in their Global Justice Program.
Goff is a writer and an international motivational speaker. In 2016 he launched the Dream Big Framework, a curriculum and workshop designed to motivate people to accomplish their biggest dreams and ambitions. [11]
Bob Goff's Audacious Parenting Adventure
By Marci Seither
0
Article About: Roles
courtesy of Bob Goff
To say Bob Goff did poorly on his law-school entrance exam is an understatement. Without an acceptance letter, Bob walked into the school of his choice a week before classes started and introduced himself to the dean. He acknowledged his poor LSAT score, but explained that he needed to become a lawyer to make a difference in the world. The dean politely turned him away, but Bob was persistent. He sat on the bench outside the dean’s office—and waited.
“You have the power to let me in,” Bob told the dean when the man passed by the bench. “All you have to tell me is, ‘Go buy your books.’” For two weeks Bob waited for a chance. Finally, the dean stopped in front of the bench and said, “Go buy your books.”
Bob’s start in law school certainly wasn’t typical. He took a risk, hoping to be given the chance for a new adventure. Today, that same risk-taking, adventurous spirit has led Bob all around the world. He has come to the legal defense of children trapped in sex trafficking, taught tribal witch doctors in Uganda to read, traveled with food supplies to remote African villages and encouraged millions to live an extraordinary life through his book Love Does.
Perhaps Bob’s greatest adventure, though, has been the daring and uncertain journey of parenting. As he has guided his kids through adolescence and into adulthood, he trained them to embrace healthy risks and fearlessly pursue their own life adventures.
Awesome failure
When the Goff children turned 10, they each got to choose an adventure with their dad. The oldest, Lindsey, chose to have high tea in London. Richard wanted to hike the back of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. The youngest, Adam, wanted to ride motorcycles across the Mojave desert, which included 700-foot-tall sand dunes.
His wife, Maria, thought this final trip was too risky.
“We’ll be fine!” Bob laughed, filling the truck with camping gear and two motorcycles. Taking risks was a good thing, though he appreciated his wife’s concern for him and their son.
Once out riding, father and son topped a few sand dunes together. As he lost track of Adam for a moment, he heard an engine at full throttle. Bob motored his bike over the next dune to find the source. There, he saw Adam intending to jump from one sand dune to another.
“No!” Bob yelled, as his son, now a yellow blur, launched himself from the dune’s peak. In mid-air, Adam lost his grip on the handlebars and fell 120 feet before landing near the wreckage of his motorcycle.
Bob raced to his son, expecting the worst.
But when he arrived, Adam grinned beneath a dirt-smudged face. “That was awesome.”
Later, as Bob thought about this adventure, he agreed that it was indeed an awesome experience. Although the trip with Adam didn’t go as planned, his son left the desert a wiser young man. This was Adam’s first step toward appreciating the difference between healthy, calculated risks and impulsive, life-threatening ones. And the opportunity to test his limits—to try the impossible and to greet epic failure with delight rather than despair—gave him a confidence that he could gain no other way.
Independence with oversight
Sometimes going the extra mile to be fully engaged with your children can be literal. The Goffs’ daughter, Lindsey, and her eighth-grade class were set to tour Washington, D.C., in November, two months after 9/11.
Bob and Maria worried about their daughter’s safety, yet they waved goodbye at the airport. Then Bob booked a flight to D.C. The whole trip, he followed the group at a distance, without being intrusive or getting in the way. As Lindsey grew in independence, Bob remained near, in case he was needed.
The Goffs believe the purpose of parenting is to work your way out of a job by allowing kids to take responsibility and learn lessons for themselves—with parental oversight. Maria says, “I grew up seeing adventure and responsibility as two ideas that were in disagreement with each other. I’ve come to realize that they don’t just coexist, they actually complement one another.”
The cost of adventure
After the tragic events of Sep. 11, Bob and his kids talked about what questions they would ask if they had five minutes with foreign leaders to discuss what was happening in the world. After sharing a number of ideas, their children compiled a letter requesting a face-to-face meeting with dozens of world leaders. Bob and Maria promised that if any leaders responded, they would find a way for the kids to meet with them. As expected, they received many polite rejections—until the State House in Bulgaria accepted their request.
The invitations kept arriving. Bob had not expected any acceptances, and certainly not 29 of them. He and Maria decided to keep their commitment to their children, even if it meant selling off one of their vehicles. Among the leaders they met with were the prime ministers of Bulgaria and Israel and the president of Switzerland.
At one meeting, they were in a building across from the former Communist Party Headquarters. Walking past grim soldiers, they entered a stately room. Soon a stout man came into the room. One of the first things he said in Russian, which was translated, was that he was nervous to meet them. And when he was nervous, he got hungry. He clapped his hands, and the room filled with wonderful foods by waiting servants. After the feast, they talked about what it means to be a good friend.
At the end of each meeting, the children gave the leader a simple red box. Inside was a key to their home, extending an invitation to visit.
Being you
Bob’s sense of adventure filled the lives of the Goff family as his children grew to adulthood, but Maria says this lifestyle worked for them because that is who Bob is. She encourages others to boldly engage in life in ways that work for them. “Be your family,” she says, “not someone else’s.” The adventurous life is about being fully engaging in your world and with your family, and that looks different for each family.
“I want to be engaged to life and with life,” Bob says. This intentionality allows him to love others, especially his family, with Jesus’ love, which continues to find ways to express itself in a world ripe for adventure.
Bob is a New York Times best selling author and was a recognized lawyer for over 25 years. In 2001 he saw a need in India and founded what is now known as Love Does.
Meet Bob!
Bob calls himself a "recovering lawyer" because after practicing law for 25 years, then becoming the Hon. Consul to Uganda, he gave up his law firm to pursue writing and speaking full time. The best part has been connecting with so many people who are on a terrific adventure as well.
Change up your life
Bob has inspired millions to dream big and make life more awesome. He is driven by a desire to help others unlock their potential to love and be loved greater. What goals and dreams have you been putting off out of fear or the thought that you can't do it, that it's too hard? Chances are, Bob could talk you out of those thoughts and send you charging into your next adventure.
Bob Goff
Bob is the Chief of Fun & Whimsy around here! He's a New York Times Best-Selling Author of Love Does and Everybody Always, as well the founder of Love Does, a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India, Iraq, Nepal, Afghanistan and Somalia. Bob is a sought after speaker for conferences, churches, and universities, inspiring current and future influencers.
Email: bobgoff@bobgoff.com
Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People
Publishers Weekly. 265.26 (June 25, 2018): p185.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People
Bob Goff, read by the author. Thomas Nelson, unabridged, 5 CDs, 6 hrs., $21.99 ISBN 978-1978620-53-7
In delivering the audio edition of the follow-up to his 2012 inspirational self-help guide, Love Does, Goff--a human-rights activist, attorney, and speaker--brings an affable and casual style that befits his laid-back San Diego surfer persona. Goff tackles some weighty topics related to the Christian commandment to love the unlovable, particularly with regard to his encounters with the perpetrators of child sacrifice in Uganda. Yet, he manages to project a natural sense of ease and calm without coming across as flippant. Goff's voice sounds both sincere and humble when recounting the more personal anecdotes in the narrative--most notably, one about an encounter with a slow-moving rental car agent who strains Goff's patience. His delivery is conversational, varied enough in tone and pitch to keep listeners engaged but not as intense as his charged motivational talks. Goff's earnest rendering of memorable catchphrases--such as the recurring reference to his wife as "Sweet Maria"--provides a human touch that accentuates the warm tones of the message. Fans of Goff will flock to this audiobook. A Thomas Nelson hardcover. (Apr.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People." Publishers Weekly, 25 June 2018, p. 185. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A545023478/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=6bd867d0. Accessed 28 July 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A545023478
Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People
Publishers Weekly. 265.9 (Feb. 26, 2018): p82.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People
Bob Goff. Thomas Nelson, $16.99 trade paper (240p) ISBN 978-0-7180-7813-3
Goff--founder of Love Does, an NGO that provides educational services to children in conflict zones--laces together lively accounts of his casual and intimate interactions with people all over the world in this primer on becoming the essence of love. To Goff, "becoming love" is a central principle that directs his actions and service toward others. "People who are becoming love see the beauty in others even when their off-putting behavior makes for a pretty weird mask," he says. Goff writes of his neighbor Carol, who, after she developed cancer, started chatting with him on a walkie-talkie each day to help her cope with her fears; an airport employee (Goff is also a pilot) whom he has helped with adoptions; and the Yazidi children he teaches in Northern Iraq. Readers will laugh at Goff's antics and musings amid his tireless work on behalf of others ("We agreed if Sweet Maria ever decides to leave me, she has to take me with her," he writes of his wife while describing the rocky start to their marriage), and skydiving trips with his son between welcome parties for refugees whom he helps to settle within the U.S. The remarkable breadth of Goff's experiences and humility of his approach will help his call for becoming love resonate with readers. (Apr.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Everybody Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People." Publishers Weekly, 26 Feb. 2018, p. 82. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A530637488/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=f2ea683d. Accessed 28 July 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A530637488
Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World
Publishers Weekly. 259.15 (Apr. 9, 2012): p49.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2012 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World
Bob Goff. Thomas Nelson, $15.99 trade paper (240p) ISBN 978-1-4002-0375-8
It's not every author who puts his or her phone number in the front of a book, inviting readers to call if any ideas "ping" them. But judging by the breadth of experiences retailed in this volume of autobiographical stories, Golf, a successful lawyer and founder of the international child advocacy group Restore International, has charted his own optimistic and ebullient course for decades without veering anywhere near the beaten track. In a folksy and candid style that sometimes seems to beg for editorial ministrations, the writer spins some fascinating yarns, from the winsome sit-in that won him a place in law school to a family world tour prompted by questions his children sent global leaders after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Paired with reflections on God's purposes and faithful living, the stories are engaging and often funny. However, a reader is left satiated, questioning whether perhaps a writer with a wider-angled lens and a tauter style could have tied the various strands together in a way that truly does this eccentric and apparently eternally hopeful man the justice he probably deserves. (May)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World." Publishers Weekly, 9 Apr. 2012, p. 49. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A292367231/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=16982641. Accessed 28 July 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A292367231
REVIEW: "Love Does" by Bob Goff
December 06, 2017
Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, by Bob Goff is a real game changer.
If you have ever been in a place where you feel like you are in an existential rut, this is the book for you. If you have ever felt like your faith in humanity is fading swiftly, this is the book for you. If you have ever felt like your life has little impact, this is the book for you. If you have ever wanted to know more about what love really looks like, this is the book for you.
This is not your ordinary self-help book, this is not a 10-Step process or a How To. It goes beyond your career or success, it encourages you to look within to find what you believe that you are meant to do while on this earth. It is a 215-page reminder, filled with stories, musings, encouragement, and words that love is the most important thing in this life.
It is hard to believe that a man like Goff even exists, especially in times such as these. How could so much good and light remain in a person? Through his stories, you can see that he is a man who has had his share of trials and troubles but does not let that keep him from doing what he believes he is born to do.
When you read his words, he does not sound like a therapist or preacher, but more like a friend or a guardian angel. He does not want to change who you are, he wants to change how you think about how you see life and yourself. It is almost like he found a huge pot of gold, only he has the intention of sharing it with every soul that he possibly can.
His words are not written in vain, or for gain, but as a gift to others so that they may see the rich and fullness of life that has been revealed to him.
Here are just a few nuggets, from Goff’s pot of gold book, “Love Does”.
“I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I'm more afraid of succeeding at things that don't matter."
“I used to want to fix people, but now I just want to be with them.”
“You don't need a plan; you just need to be present.”
“I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes.”
“If we only do what we’re familiar with, we might miss what we’ve been made for.”
“While you’re figuring out what God wants you to do next — go love everybody.”
“It has always seemed to me that broken things, just like broken people, get used more; it's probably because God has more pieces to work with.”
“Being engaged is a way of doing life, a way of living and loving. It's about going to extremes and expressing the bright hope that life offers us, a hope that makes us brave and expels darkness with light. That's what I want my life to be all about - full of abandon, whimsy, and in love.”
“Love is never stationary. In the end, love doesn’t just keep thinking about it or keep planning for it. Simply put: love does.”
_
As a post-grad who has been struggling with job searching, figuring out what I want to do with my life, learning to value and love myself as an individual, this book couldn’t have come into my life at a more appropriate time.
His words are a breath of fresh air in a world that often seems to be burning all around. Goff is a reminder that people are still capable of kindness and goodness. One of the most inspiring things is that he is only human, but he has never let that stop him from doing amazing things.
My fellow creatives, girl bosses, artists, heck – humans: this life will never be easy, nothing we will ever do in this life will be perfect and that is okay. Whoever we have been created to be, we are capable of amazing things, the only thing that is in your way is ourselves. So we must keep writing, creating, trying, working, and loving one another as much as we possibly can.
There won't always be outright answers, but there are resources. When you feel like you cannot produce anything, consider some positive and productive consumption. Find books that teach you something you want to know more about, make you think, encourage, uplift you.
It also makes the perfect gift for the holiday season. It is a book that leaves you better than you were before it, it is a gift that continues to give.
One of my favorite things Bob says at the end of the book is in order to find out what's next for us, we must simply take the first step.
Words are simply not enough, love DOES.
Book Review 25: “Everybody Always” by Bob Goff
Posted on May 28, 2018 by C.T. Adams
In a book with no Bible verses cited anywhere, Bob Goff (an honorary consul for the Republic of Uganda to the United States, in addition to being a lawyer and adjunct professor) writes a simple, entertaining but doctrinally deficient read with Everybody Always. A person who finds my posts helpful asked me to review this book, hence this review.
SOMETHING TO NOTE
Bob Goff is not a pastor. That being said, he has spoken at many churches, including two recent conferences (Thrive and Hillsong), said conferences taking place at churches (in Hillsong’s case it is more a corporation than a church). Pastors do come under stricter judgment (James 3:1). Goff has actually spoken during church services (a.k.a., sermon time, a time when God’s Word is supposed to be opened and rightly exegeted; when Law and Gospel get preached, etc.). As a result, it was a bit difficult for me to review this book without thinking of Goff as a pastor. One thing is for certain: he does have much influence in the world (and a phone number/email available to all; more on that later). Therefore, it is important to see what this book says and how it compares with biblical Christianity.
THE REVIEW
In the prologue, Goff notes what he did with the money from his first book, Love Does (p. vii). In concluding the prologue, he makes a statement that basically gives a preview for the rest of his book (p. ix):
It’s hard to believe Jesus loves…all the difficult people we’ve met just the same as you and me. Yet, the incredible message Love came to earth to give was that we’re all tied for first in God’s mind. While we’re still trying to get our arms around this idea, God doesn’t want us to just study Him like He’s an academic project. He wants us to become love.
Goff’s statement needs some adjusting. First, “Love” (I’m thinking he meant Jesus here) did not come to earth to give the message “that we’re all tied for first in God’s mind.” Instead, Jesus Christ came to earth to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15; Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; see also Romans 5:8 and 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). Second, Goff gives no reason for why Jesus wants us to become love. This is basically law with no Gospel. Unfortunately, this is a theme that occurs throughout the book.
After the prologue come twenty-two chapters, and epilogue and some acknowledgements. The book is not divided into parts (not a bad thing; this is simply matter of fact). The chapter titles do not really have any unifying theme. They basically result from illustrations/stories that Goff tells (and he is a good storyteller).
In the first chapter (titled “Creepy People), the reader finds Goff’s (essentially) idea behind the title of his book, as follows (p. 3):
“God’s idea isn’t that we would just give and receive love but that we could actually become love. People who are becoming love see the beauty in others even when their off-putting behavior makes for a pretty weird mask. What Jesus told His friends can be summed up in this way: He wants us to love everybody, always — and start with the people who creep us out.”
It is important to understand who Jesus’ friends are. Jesus states in John 15:14, “You are My friends if you do what I command you” (NASB). It is also important to understand that Goff’s statement is a summation statement. While I do not believe Jesus told His friends verbatim to start loving the people that “creep us out”, Jesus does emphasize “love” throughout Scripture (Matthew 5:43-48, 22:37-39; Mark 12:30-33; Luke 6:20-45; John 13-15; see also Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5; Ephesians 5; 1 Thessalonians 5; 1 Timothy, 1 & 2 John and Jude, to name a few). It is of my understanding that Goff’s audience in this book consists of born-again believers (penitent believers trusting in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins), a.k.a. friends of God (Acts 4:12, 16:31; John 14:6; Isaiah 43:11; Romans 10:1-21; Galatians 3:2; Romans 6:23; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Ephesians 2:8-10; Matthew 3:8; Titus 3:8; John 3:3-21). This is important to understand because much of what Goff states can definitely be misinterpreted if the reader thinks Goff is addressing both the regenerate and the unregenerate. While Goff does not state verbatim who his audience is, it is of my opinion he is addressing the regenerate based on his summation statement of what Jesus told His friends (said friends obviously being regenerate). This book review has that framework in mind.
The first eighteen chapters of this book basically stand on their own as individual chapters stories. The last six are basically one story (and a good one). Goff tells about his personal experiences very well, using good details in simple language. Doctrinally, this book falls short of what biblical Christianity says. I divide the rest of this review into three parts. First, I note some noteworthy things from the first eighteen chapters. Second, I note some noteworthy things in the rest of the book. I then offer a concluding paragraph for the review.
CHAPTERS 1-18 (PP. 1-176)
One thing worth noting (among a few) in this book is Goff’s not using Bible verses anywhere while, at the same time, talking about stuff Jesus did or said. For example, in chapter one, Goff states, “Jesus talked to His friends a lot about how we should identify ourselves” (p. 2). Where is the biblical text to back this? Also, Goff states, “Jesus came to earth and declared He would turn God’s enemies into His friends” (p. 8). Again, where is the text to back this? At face value, one cannot tell if Goff is being serious, making this up, or deriving his thoughts from a faulty view of Scripture.
Another thing worth noting is Goff’s claiming to receive direct revelation from God (it’s either that or his promoting the false “still small voice” doctrine). In chapter one he states, “We make loving people a lot more complicated than Jesus did. Every time I try to protect myself by telling somebody about one of my opinions, God whispers to me and asks about my heart. Why are you so afraid? Who are you trying to impress?” (p. 4). Given God speaks to us via His Word and not direct revelation (Hebrews 1:1-4), I doubt God whispers that to Goff. Goff’s statement here is too problematic to ignore.
In chapter three, Goff states, “We’re not supposed to love only our neighbors, but Jesus thought we should start with them” (p. 20). Goff’s not citing a Bible verse to back this (specifically the part about starting with the neighbor) weakens his claim. Unfortunately, this continues to be a habit in the rest of this book (it did not just stop in chapter one, the first time the reader sees this type of thing).
In chapter five, Goff uses some language regarding kingdom-building that seemingly oozes of the verbiage used by the New Apostolic Reformation, a non-Christian movement that distorts the Gospel (p. 41). Later in the chapter, in the context of valuing the practice of telling people what are they are becoming (which is basically a subtle version of scratching itching ears), Goff states our job is (pp. 47-48):
“to just love the people in front of us. We’re the ones who tell them who they are. We don’t need to spend as much time as we do telling people what we think about what they’re doing. Loving people doesn’t mean we need to control their conduct. There’s a big difference between the two. Loving people means caring without an agenda. As soon as we have an agenda, it’s not love anymore. It’s acting like you care to get someone to do what you want or what you think God wants them to do. Do less of that, and people will see a lot less of you and more of Jesus.”
It is definitely important to love the people in front of us. However, for the unbeliever dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-3), we do need to spend at least some time telling the unbeliever what God’s Word says and where he/she would go if he/she continued in an unrepentant life in rebellion to God (Romans 2:8-10; Revelation 9:2; 19-20; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:14-46 Mark 9:43; Isaiah 66:24; Luke 13:22-35; 16:19-31). Simply affirming the unbeliever and telling him/her what he/she is becoming is far from loving, especially if no Gospel is preached.
In chapter twelve, Goff states, “The beautiful message of Jesus is His invitation to everyone that they can trade in who they used to be for who God sees them becoming” (p. 112). No biblical text states that verbatim. Furthermore, 1 Timothy 1:15 states clearly that Jesus Christ came to save sinners. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Finally, this beautiful message is summed up perfectly in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (NASB):
Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; 7 then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also.
Some would see Goff’s statements compared with Scripture and say that Goff is essentially preaching a different gospel, given his emphasis. Furthermore, nowhere in this book did I find anything about repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
In chapter fourteen, Goff states a few things that are problematic to say the least (p. 136):
“What we actually want is that extra nudge of confidence from God and the opportunity to move forward courageously to do those things we already know how to do. What a shame it would be if we were waiting for God to say something while He’s been waiting on us to do something. He speaks to me the loudest on the way. Simply put, if we want more faith, we need to do more stuff.”
I have to ask the question; if God is waiting on me to do something in order for Him to say something, wouldn’t that make me more powerful than God? Wouldn’t this limit what God can say all because of my not doing something? Goff’s statement is nothing short of heretical. God is not limited by what we do or do not do. He is in heaven and does what He pleases (Psalm 115:3).
Also, where is the biblical text that states we must do more stuff in order to get more faith? Once again, Goff’s making statements without citing a biblical text represents his achilles heel throughout the entire book. When he does quote a biblical phrase (as he does on p. 137 with Zechariah 4:10, without citing the passage), he does so in a narcigetical, out-of-context way (like he does in that instance).
Chapter fifteen features Goff’s misunderstanding (if not twisting) of Matthew 25:31-46 (a passage he discusses in the chapter while, at the same time, not citing it). The passage reads as follows:
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’37 Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? 39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ 41 “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ 44 Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Notice the bolded words in that passage. Jesus is referring to a specific type of people in this passage (brothers of His, or more specifically His disciples). Goff, however, does not see this specification. As a result, he applies it to ALL hungry, thirsty and sick people (as opposed to just the disciples that fit that criteria; pp. 143-144). Furthermore, he adds to God’s Word when, speaking of the aforementioned people, he states, “Jesus knew this, and He said if we wanted to be with Him, we’d stop playing it safe and go talk to them instead of talking about them” (p. 144). Jesus says no such words in Scripture. What Goff has done is no light matter. Proverbs 30:6 states, “Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.” This is a clear instance of “law with no Gospel” with an unfortunate side of adding to God’s Word.
In chapter eighteen, Goff often refers to the church as “our church.” However, the church is Jesus’ church, not ours (Matthew 16:13-20). Goff also gives a stance on judging that needs some….well….judging (p. 175):
What I saw when I was young was a church wide open in my palms. All the wiggling fingers pointed out toward the world. What is a huge turnoff to the world is when it sees under the steeple a lot of fingers pointing at each other. Every time we go to church and point fingers at each other, we betray Jesus with another kiss. At “our” church, we go there to meet Him, not to critique each other.
It is true that believers should not be pointing fingers at the outside world. After all, people dead in trespasses and sins are going to do what people dead in trespasses and sins do (Ephesians 2:1-3), They will sin like crazy. This means they will lie, cheat, murder and/or commit other various sins. They most definitely need the Gospel preached to them more than they need fingers pointed at them.
As it pertains to believers, however, believers do need to be critiquing what they see in church (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Jude 3; 1 John 4:1; Romans 16:17; Titus 1:5-16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Matthew 7:1-6; John 7:24; 1 Corinthians 5:9-15; James 5:19-20; 2 Peter 2:1-3). This may involve naming the names of false teachers (2 Timothy 1:15, 2:15-18, 3:8, 4:10; 3 John 9; Galatians 2:11-14; 1 Timothy 5:20). As Todd Friel notes in this book I reviewed, Jesus contradicted Himself if indeed “we are not to judge anything” (p. 22). Given that all Scripture is inspired of God, who cannot lie (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Psalm 12:6; Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6; Titus 1:2), there is no way Jesus contradicted Himself.
CHAPTERS 19-24 (pp. 177-219)
The last six chapters of this book basically represent a standalone story. In this section, Goff recalls his time with some witch doctors in Uganda. Specifically, he basically tells them he and those with Goff are not afraid of these witch doctors anymore (p. 186). He then tells of a boy named Charlie, a boy who was essentially left for dead (p. 187). Goff tells the story beautifully and with great detail. While he still engages in some of the things that make this book problematic (law with no Gospel, statements about what Jesus said without providing a biblical text, etc.), the story itself in these chapters is a good one.
Goff concludes the book with an epilogue showing another instance of his claiming to get direct revelation from God (pp. 221-223). He then gives some acknowledgements and a short “About The Author” page (p. 224-229). Finally, he leaves his phone number (yes, his actual phone number), email and other ways to follow/contact him on social media on the last page of the book titled “Connect With Bob” (p. 230). Not many authors leave a phone number at the end of a book (if any at all, aside from Goff, of course). This is rather commendable of him and consistent with his having a passion for people (said consistency demonstrated throughout the book).
CONCLUSION
As it pertains to storytelling, simplicity and clarity, Everybody Always is a hit out of the park. As it pertains to doctrine, this book is a dud leaving much to be desired (especially with its themes of “much law and no Gospel”, “statements of what Jesus said without any biblical backing”, “Goff’s claiming to get direct revelation from God”, etc.). Then again, Goff, as mentioned earlier, is not a pastor. While he has spoken during church services and at church conferences (something that pastors usually do, especially in the case of the former), it is possible he is not as well-versed doctrinally as the typical pastor who writes a book (or perhaps he is just as well-versed as the one with the title of pastor, which is bad-looking for the pastor). He is certainly well-versed in walking in the good works Christians are called to do (i.e., serving neighbor, visiting orphans, etc.). If he was as well-versed in watching his doctrine closely (1 Timothy 4:16), I would have no problem recommending this book. Instead, I cannot recommend it because doctrinally, it has too many problems.
GRADE: 2.5 out of 5
May 27, 2015
Love Does – Book Review
This past month, we announced our first ever book club in our monthly newsletter (*if you want the inside scoop, subscribe to the The Top Secret Survival Guide to the Real World here!). Going along with May’s theme of New Beginnings, we kicked it off with one of our all-time favorite books: Love Does.
Love Does is the story of Bob Goff and his “secretly incredible life in an ordinary world.” It’s everything from insightful to hilarious to eye-opening all rolled up in one 218-page book. Bob lays out his life in little chapter-long snippets of stories that weave so seamlessly with the lessons and learnings that he shares. We have to say, it’s one of the most honest, authentic books we’ve ever read. In fact, he even includes his phone number in the back of the book just in case he could ever be of service to you. Talk about authenticity!
As a whole, the book is all about Bob’s believe that Love does – that love isn’t a noun or a verb even, it’s a way of life. Throughout his book, he puts this belief into action over and over again. And while the book is strongly based in his faith and passion of “leaking Jesus” (a phrase that we happen to think is pretty genius), it is so well intwined into his unbelievable and adventurous stories that we truly believe anyone of any faith background could find immense value in this book. Better yet – you might just walk away with a fresh, new perspective on life.
Since we could rave about Love Does for quite a while, we decided to each share our most memorable lesson or takeaway. If you joined us in this month’s book club, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Jordan’s Love Does moment:
“God invites us to be new creations, original art, and to live a life of engagement. He says to leave the cheap imitation in a closet somewhere. He doesn’t say when you hang the real you out there – the priceless one – that things will go great either. It’s pretty clear from watching Jesus’ followers past and present that when you risk the real you, you’ll probably take a hit.”
This part reached out to my core. These past few years have been a huge transformation for me, and many times that translates into some unwelcome struggles. But at my core, I know that I am on the right path, trying to serve and honor God by becoming the best version of myself. And while I couldn’t be more grateful for how far I’ve come and how much I’ve learned about my true self, it hasn’t been the smoothest ride. It’s hard to leave parts of you behind to grow into who you were meant to be. But that’s life. We grow, we learn, and we change. Others won’t always understand, and they will always continue to question what’s different. But if you take a second to think about those who decided to act a little differently in life – who listened to their heart, who redefined success, who lived life on their own terms, who took risks and dreamed big – well then, I think we’re in pretty good company. Besides, what could be more worthwhile than becoming the best version of yourself? Bob’s got this one right.
Pete’s Love Does moment
“I liked that these guys were talking about going off road with their lives rather than arriving at safe places on the map, places that seemed typical to them.”
Bob Goff goes on to say that he doesn’t think people aim to be typical but “Like the circular rails of a train at an amusement park, the scripts we know offer a brand of security, of predictability, of safety, for us. But the problem is, they only take us to where we’ve already been.” I read this over and over and over again because it’s this simple truth that tells us whether we are truly living or truly settling. To be a true liver, you must accept being different and in doing so, you will make some of those closest to you uncomfortable. Why? Because we’re trained to take the path of least resistance with road signs guiding us along the way. It’s safe, predictable and not hard to follow. When you decide to redirect and change course, you most certainly will cause some heads to turn. It’s this passage that most accurately describes the disconnect between myself and others but is also what gives me comfort. I’m comforted because I know I’m on the right track – on my track. People still continue to tell me to get back on the highway and to live typically. But for me, I’d rather go off road with my life than arrive at a safe place on the map.
Sara’s Love Does moment
“Palms up means you have nothing to hide and nothing to gain or lose. Palms up means you are strong enough to be vulnerable, even with you enemies. Even if you have been tremendously wronged.”
I never realized how many days I go through with my fists clenched, or rather feeling so on edge and defensive. I feel like I’m solely responsible for everything that happens in my life and like I have to keep it all from fallen apart. Some days, I’m just trying to rush through until I can crawl in bed and pull the covers back up. Other days, I want to really take in and enjoy everything around me. Goff’s “palms up” theory was a wake up call to me–God is in control, regardless of how helpless, scared, or uncertain I may feel. He is in control when I feel empowered, excited, and hopeful, too. The act of putting my palms face up is a wonderful reminder that I am here to receive and carry out the plan he has laid out just for me.
What’s your Love Does moment?
*Be sure to sign up for The Top Secret Guide to Surviving the Real World & join us in reading June’s book!
Book Review of Bob Goff’s “Love Does”
February 2, 2017 Danielle Crowley
Love is about more than words or feelings: It’s actions, and almost no one, except for Jesus, shows love through actions more than Bob Goff.
Love, wild stories , and a life of adventure
In his anecdotal New York Times bestseller, “Love Does,” Goff goes walks through the different events in his life which have shaped him and in which he’s learned something about God. These events range in everything from accidentally eating a package of Crisco, to becoming a consul of Uganda because of a prank call. Goff shows readers what it’s like to live an incredible life, take crazy opportunities that come along, and to see God through it all.
Reading this book feels is like learning about a new friend. Imagine having dinner with someone you don’t know very well, but are trying become more familiar with. You exchange interesting and unique stories about yourself giving one another deep, personal insights. That’s what reading “Love Does” is like. Goff’s writing is personal and funny, and gives you an opening into a life that’s hard to believe is truly a reality.
The book is structured with each chapter beginning with an anecdote from Goff’s life, which he then connects to a spiritual truth. Because of this layout, readers find themselves becoming quite invested in it. They not only learn about him, but also see how it connects to them and their personal walk with God. It feels like a conversation in that way: one listens to what he has to say and then responds by connecting what they intake with their own experiences.
The content is what really makes this book even more incredible. Each chapter contains a story full of life and adventure. Readers learn that Goff took his daughter to England for less than 24 hours because she wanted to have a tea party for her tenth birthday, and that a random stranger asked if he could propose to his girlfriend on their back porch, which Goff agreed to, and added a dinner, dance party, boat ride, and water-canons. He got into law school, after failing the LSAT, by sitting outside the dean’s office for two weeks until the dean finally let him into the program. When his kids wanted to talk with government leaders all over the world after 9/11, he and his wife took them to every leader who agreed to meet with them (29 in total.) Goff works as a successful lawyer, but views it simply as his day job so he can continue working with children in Uganda and India, saving and helping those who have been trafficked. He also started a school for children who formerly had no access to education, and continually jumps at opportunities that most of us would feel uncomfortable over if even considering doing.
He lives a life where his love is backed by action.
Throughout the book, one of the most prominent themes is God’s love for us involving action. God doesn’t just say He loves us; He shows it. And the biggest way He’s shown it is through sending Jesus to die for us.
Bob Goff didn’t settle for the ordinary. He didn’t go halfway. He gives life everything, and he gives love everything. Some may say his actions are excessive, but for him, they are the norm.
Through the book, readers will come to grasp that love is more than words: love does.
Danielle Crowley is a staff writer for the Daily Runner.
Book Review: Everybody Always by Bob Goff
Posted on February 28, 2018 by amberwp
This post may contain affiliate links and ads, you can learn more about this by viewing my full disclaimer here.
I was blessed with the opportunity to be on the launch team for Bob Goff’s new book, Everybody Always. The book doesn’t release until April 17th, however I received the first five chapters early. Bob Goff’s first book Love Does was remarkable. There are few books that I can say this about, but it truly changed the way I live my life and my perspective on the world. It was powerful, convicting, and inspiring. If you have not read it, I recommend that you go ahead and read it immediately before the release of this new book. If you have never heard of Bob, click here to learn more about him.
When I received these first few chapters, I braced myself (okay, honestly, I did a happy dance, then I braced myself). Afterall, this book had a lot to live up to. It was either going to be a complete let down or God was going to use it, like He did Love Does, to speak to me in a powerful way. It did not disappoint! I was already highlighting and stopping to pray through the ideas presented in the prologue. The prologue, y’all! I usually don’t even consider that to be part of the “real book”.
Bob Goff has a relaxed, conversational style of writing that makes you feel as if you are just sitting down to chat over coffee. He does a fantastic job of mixing deep truth with engaging stories from his own life. One minute you will be laughing out loud, before being brought to tears, followed closely by the need to stop reading to meditate and pray on the concepts presented.
My big take-aways in the first five chapters:
We have to take the commandment to love others seriously.
Most Christians, of course, say that they do this, but when we take a close look at our lives, most of us will find that we are very selective about who our “others” are. However, the commandment is not to love the “others” we feel comfortable with. It is to love others – all people. The people that weird us out, the ones that we need an extra dose of Jesus just to be around, the ones that take advantage of us, the ones that make us uncomfortable, the ones that scare us, the people we disagree with, the pure idiots, the ones living in blatant and unrepented sin, the ones on the other side of the political spectrum – those are the people we are called to love.
If we are going to love others well, we have got to lighten up.
Loving others well requires us to step outside our comfort zone, not only to reach the “others” that we wouldn’t typically interact with, but to show them real, genuine love. Love is fun, joyful, and whimsical, but most of us would not use those words to describe the way we live our lives. Bob gives examples of getting a set of walkie-talkies for him and one of his neighbors who was going through a difficult time. They could have easily talked on the phone, but it was more fun to turn back to the childhood whimsy of walkie-talkies, like two cans on a string. He gives another example of a neighborhood parade he has every year, just for fun. If we live our life full of intentional joy, love will be a natural overflow from that joy.
Loving someone does not mean controlling them.
We are called to share Christ’s love with everyone. This means we need to love everyone as Christ loved us, which means we can love someone and not agree with them. Love does not control others. Think about it…Christ loves everyone, not just Christians. He loves us even when He knows we’re going to mess up, and then He loves us through that mess. As Christians, we like to put conditions on the love we give and try to justify it with scripture, but that is not an accurate depiction of how God loves us. He loves us unconditionally and that is how we need to love others.
All of this from the first five chapters alone! And I had trouble narrowing down what to include here. Bob has lived a life full of adventure, whimsy, and pure joy – all in pursuit of loving Christ and loving others well. Reading this book will encourage and inspire you to do the same.