Book Review: Take the Leap of Faith to Achieve your Life of Abundance, by Steve Harvey.

Steve Harvey’s message of happiness flows onto each of the 272 pages. Harvey stresses that we can achieve happiness, reach our dreams and become fulfilled, but we first must be willing to “jump.”

Harvey candidly tells the reader that life is about setbacks. At times, we may find ourselves in the dark where we cannot seem to find an exit. At that point, he encourages us to seek the silver lining in the situation, because every setback leads to a comeback.

His hope and his faith in his Divine power allow him to take risks, work beyond fatigue and endure rejections without resentment. The negativity he has encountered allowed him to turn in a positive direction and keep moving past his immediate situation toward his hopes and dreams.

The author’s message of happiness resonates through his life’s trials and struggles. No matter what his adversity –not his homelessness, his two divorces, his IRS financial struggles, his Miss Universe embarrassment — he confesses that through it all he believes that there is always a helping hand to guide you through your challenges.

Harvey puts his morality and Christian upbringing on display, frequently quoting his parents and the Bible. He also shares lessons learned from his parents and strangers and his own mistakes. The author tells us we can dream and have a vision, but we must put some muscle into our desires. If you want a job, turn off the video games, write a resume or a post on LinkedIn, ask a friend for help. We must “WORK” to achieve. The scripture says, “Faith without works is dead James 2:14.”

In this poignant, practical and inspirational book, the author uses his own personal anecdotes to demonstrate his results when he “jumps” to reach his desire. Inevitably there are times when we fail and want to give up. You can almost hear an echo of Harvey’s voice, telling you not to give up, but instead to “Jump,” as he advises.

Harvey lives a victorious life: financially sound, happy relationships, empowered career, inspired love, family fulfillment. Yet adversity still finds him. When those adverse circumstances arise, Harvey uses his faith to help him move in the direction of right decision to continue his life’s joyous fulfillment.

Through most of Harvey’s books, he gives the advice to change your circumstances. In Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man he gives relationship advice; In Act like a Success, Think Like a Success, he gives career advice; and in Jump, he gives advice in both these categories, along with advice to transform our individual selves.

Harvey’s books are written with vigor and passion. He speaks candidly to his readers. It feels as though he’s your uncle or your buddy offering the compelling advice to “Jump” and take a leap of faith. He writes with conviction, motivating you to turn your dreams into realities. Please beware, though:  Jump is targeted to a population of people wanting to change either their circumstances, themselves or both. If that sounds like what you are looking for, you will not be disappointed when you complete the last page. Go ahead…Take action…Read Jump.

In addition to being an author, Steve Harvey is also a standup comedian, TV personality, and philanthropist as a co-founder of the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation.

Pursuing Victory

victory quot pay the price

Pursuing Victory

We want a Victory. When striving in a struggle against difficulty it is easy to give up or give in, and there will be plenty of naysayers to support you in acclimating to defeat.

Yet your yearning to accomplish your dream is threatening to make this your last desire. But your inner winner nags you to bring home the Victory. It persists, consistently challenging you to stretch yourself, be brave, be courageous and be strong. You have what it takes to combat and defeat the turbulence that usurps your power on your path to Victory.

Make no mistake, turbulence will visit in the making of your Victory. This is the price we pay in advance. In spite of the turbulence, we must stay steadfast, believing that, we are not victims of adversity — We are Victorious.

9 Things Victorious People Have in Common:

  1. The deep-seated desire to Win.
  2. A belief that the Impossible can be Possible.
  3. They Pay the Price in advance—work.
  4. Relentless work ethic — Persistence — Never give up.
  5. Early to Rise.
  6. Focus on Solutions.
  7. Responsible for their Actions and Outcomes.
  8. A gift for viewing Problems as Opportunities.
  9. Neutralizing both the Complainer and Blamer.

 

Angels in Action Excerpt and Reflection

Be Still and Know That I Am God

I applied for an apartment with “B” credit, no job and no money. Both the landlord and a friend thought I was foolish—and I probably would have agreed with them if I hadn’t spotted a certain scripture in the Bible. “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10.

The landlord told me that someone took a chance on him when he decided to become an investor; and that “chance” increased his financial stability tenfold. Then he gave me the keys and told me it was time to Pay It Forward.

Reflection: Practice Obedience. Through I wanted to debate and plead, I continuously reminded myself to practice obedience: “Be Still and Know That I am God”— I spoke again to say only “thank you” for the apartment keys.