New Releases by Cecil Murphey

Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning educator and the highly-praised author of I Choose to Stay, has helped hundreds of troubled children get into magnet high schools, major colleges, and universities. Yet he still finds himself devastated by the long-ago death of a promising student named Willow Briggs. Salome worked with and consistently encouraged this troubled boy, who ultimately became one of the school''s top chess players and students. But when Willow moved on to high school, he found no real positive influences. He struggled academically and was murdered on a street corner at the age of sixteen. More than any other factor, Willow''s death launched Salome Thomas-EL on his mission to be a positive influence, and to encourage all of us to set the best example possible for the young people in our lives. The Immortality of Influence is a refreshing, common-sense roadmap to helping kids achieve their dreams in which Thomas-EL movingly describes the methods he has used to help his students succeed. It all started in Vaux Middle School, where he began a chess club to teach boys and girls how to think critically and resolve conflicts with their minds instead of their fists. Not only did his students win eight national championships and become local heroes, they also scored high on the SATs and got into top colleges. When Thomas-EL found himself faced with kids who didn''t exercise or eat well, he started a summer program in which the students walked to museums and other cultural events around the city. Recognizing the importance of exposing kids to the world outside their own neighborhoods, he took fifteen African-American students to rural Vermont, where they interacted with white children their age and discovered how much they had in common. All of these students were later accepted to the best magnet high schools. These are just a few examples of what can happen when kids are mentored in a positive way--not only at home, but in the community at large. For parents, guardians, educators--anyone who wants the best for kids, this book is an essential, inspirational reference. It''s all about making a difference--not just for today, but forever. Sometimes, it only takes one special person to set a child on the right path, but more often, it does indeed take a village. The Immortality of Influence will inspire you to band together with other caring adults and start making a difference--now.

The pastor of Atlanta’s New Birth Missionary Baptist Church will show you how to live a life of God-filled greatness and experience success—spiritually, personally, and financially. Captured in these pages is his wisdom on how to be everything that God wants us to become. And it can begin in 60 seconds. Every minute of your life can bring you one step closer to God, who promises great things. Bishop Long challenges you to prepare for the coming of these promises. Pray for and expect prosperity—and, with his Strategic Life Plan, you can create a blueprint for success in every area of life: work, family, finances, and self-fulfillment. And the greatest gift of all: the realization of God’s plan for your life. Full of 60-second exercises, quizzes, and affirmations, Bishop Long’s breakthrough book will challenge everything you thought you knew about transforming your life. Long shows how to take cues from inspirational Biblical figures—from the prophet Nehemiah’s right mindset to Joseph’s work ethic. And just as Jacob and Esther did, you too can move from mediocrity to magnificence in God’s eyes. Now you can make the most of your minutes, by being everything God wants you to be. And you can start your journey to greatness in 60 seconds. “Bishop Eddie Long is a leader who can help you transform your life. Let him teach you how to unblock the blessings in your life and open the doors of opportunity. Greatness can be yours!”—Bishop T. D. Jakes, The Potter’s House of Dallas, Inc. “To connect with Bishop Long in any way will make you a stronger person. He is one of our greatest voices.”—Lou Gossett, Jr., Golden Globe and Academy Award–winning actor “60 Seconds to Greatness is the blueprint that shows you how to travel the road to greatness. This should be a required reading everywhere . . . ”—Warren Ballentine, nationally syndicated radio personality, author, and youth activist “60 Seconds to Greatness is the playbook on not just how to live a better life, but the best life you can, by maximizing every minute and seizing every opportunity.”—Ray Buchanan, All-Pro NFL star

Through great personal loss, authors Cecil Murphey and Liz Allison have gained insight to share with others who are going through uncertainty, depression, and loneliness after losing a loved one. They also offer advice for those comforting someone who is grieving. Among comforting paintings by artist Michal Sparks, brief stories, personal experiences, and prayers offer a meaningful path toward healing for readers when they: feel alone and lost in their grief and want to reconnect with others and to life seek to make sense of their loss alongside their sense of faith, purpose, and God want to honor their loved one without clinging to the past in unhealthy ways Readers are given gentle permission to grapple with doubt, seek peace, and reflect on their loss in their own way without judgment and with understanding and hope. A perfect gift for a loved one dealing with loss.

For all women who know and love a survivor of sexual assault, best-selling author Cecil Murphey has penned an honest and forthright book about helping the man in your life survive--and thrive--despite past abuses.

Contains photographs with messages of encouragement and hope. This book shares life-changing insights about the importance of journeying from old endings to new beginnings, crying and laughing, and holding on and letting go and can be used by those who need comfort, renewal, inspiration, and the promise of a new day.

Killed by an 18-wheeler, Piper went to heaven. Ninety minutes later, he returned to life. He tells us his experience and his road to healing.

Celebrate the season of hope and miracles with these inspiring true stories that will warm the heart and touch the soul... A man lies gravely ill in the hospital on Christmas when he hears angels singing and immediately makes a full recovery. A little boy with dyslexia sits down to read a Christmas book and realizes that his disability has vanished. And a woman''s faith is renewed by the chance discovery of a simple nativity set. Many ordinary people experience God''s grace during those special moments when Christmas becomes more than just a holiday, but a time for miracles. Cecil Murphey and Marley Gibson bring you the real-life stories of everyday people who have experienced these life-changing moments of hope, comfort, and transformation—all during the most wonderful time of the year.

Every devoted Christian experiences periods of time when God seems far away, when the light of his face seems to have turned away and left his child to fumble in the darkness. During periods of spiritual blackout, when God seems to be silent, we feel as if we''ve been put on hold. We wait and wait for God to get back on the line. We know it will be wonderful when the light comes back on and drives away the darkness, but we want it now--not later. Award-winning writer Cecil Murphey has journeyed through this darkness three different times during his many years following Christ, and each time was more difficult than the last. He suggests that believers have three choices when the lights go out: (1) give up, (2) examine ourselves for sin or failure, or (3) accept that God''s face is hidden with his purpose in mind. In When God Turned Off the Lights, readers will learn how to make the most of their time on hold by pondering the mysteries of God''s character, confident that he will turn the lights on once again.

"Everybody" will love these well-crafted romantic mysteries set in Georgia locales-and scenic points beyond.

It''s sometimes difficult to know how to respond to the unexpected twists and turns that accompany a devastating diagnosis. This comforting book inspires caregivers to seek peace and understanding in their loved one''s situation, learn the importance of active listening, and explore their own feelings of confusion and unrest.

Providing loving care to the elderly can be a financial and emotional minefield. Learn how to maneuver through sensitive issues from Registered Nurse, caregiver, and daughter, Virginia Garberding. Discover ways to bring dignity, safety, relevance and comfort to your parent''s last years.

A riverboat explosion offers a welcome escape. A notorious riverboat gambler killed Rosaleen Archer''s husband and Has taken her captive, forcing her to do unspeakable things. Convinced God hates her, Rosaleen looks to luck for help as she attempts to escape when the riverboat explodes. She awakens in the arms of a stranger who carries her from the riverbank to a new life and a fresh start, outwardly free of her past. Reverend Jacob Hale senses Rosaleen''s innate distrust of God, but as she reveals her past to him, he understands. He finds himself irresistibly drawn to this lovely creature, but can love survive between them despite their differences? Can Jacob convince Rosaleen that God loves even her? Can Rosaleen ever escape the pain and shame of her past?

When Psychologist Julie West arrives at Cartledge Inn in response to an urgent call from Stefan Lauber, a supposedly reformed criminal recently released from prison, a near-hysterical desk clerk tells her that Lauber has been murdered in his room--room 623. According to the clerk, everybody keeps asking for that room. The police have already examined the scene, but others have broken in and ransacked the place. Still others want to book a reservation for this particular room number. Pastor James Burton, whom Julie West secretly loves, teams with her to solve the mystery of room 623. In the proves, they encounter another murder, meet a strange detective, and learn about missing diamonds.

Terwyl hy een oggend ná ’n konferensie huis toe ry, sterf dominee Don Piper in ’n motorongeluk nadat hy teen ’n vragmotor bots wat in sy baan ingery het. Vir die volgende 90 minute ervaar Don die wonder van die hemel waar hy die mense ontmoet wat sy geestelike lewe beïnvloed het. Hy hoor pragtige musiek en voel die wonderlikste vrede aan. Op aarde word ’n leraar, wat ook die konferensie bygewoon het en verby die ongelukstoneel ry, deur God gedring om vir Don te bid, hoewel hy weet dat Don dood is. Op wonderbaarlike wyse keer Don terug uit die dood en word die saligheid wat hy in die hemel ervaar het, vervang met die ongelooflike lang en pynvolle pad na herstel. 90 MINUTE IN DIE HEMEL is ’n wonderlik inspirerende ware verhaal wat mense wêreldwyd ’n kykie gee op die onnoembare hemelse saligheid.

So how should we spend our time on Earth? Don Piper, the Minister of Hope who spent 90 minutes in Heaven, brings us God''s message. Hope for the here and now from the multimillion-selling author of 90 Minutes in Heaven. Millions believe in Heaven. Don Piper''s been there. He was pronounced dead after a car accident on January 18, 1989. Ninety minutes later, Piper came back to life with an extraordinary story. His 90 Minutes in Heaven has strengthened the faith of countless people. When Piper returned to this life, he had a long road back to health, dealing with painful treatments and physical disabilities-the "new normal," as Piper calls it. Still, he had been transformed spiritually and this allowed him not only to cope with his suffering, but to transcend it. Piper found purpose in his pain, he found the message in the mess, and so can anyone else who embraces God''s grace in the here and now-as well as the Hereafter. Don Piper did not return from Heaven alone-he brought the gift of hope back with him. Those who read Heaven Is Real can use what he learned to live the lives God has called them to live.

The NFLs Most Valuable Player for 2005 shares the amazing journey God has prepared for him. He recounts the years that led up to his success on and off the field, and how God gave him the dream of his achievements.

From the authors of the inspiring true story 90 Minutes in Heaven In 1989, Don Piper died in a car accident. Ninety minutes later, as a minister prayed over him, he returned to life-and remembered... For millions of readers around the world, Don Piper''s account of his experience, 90 Minutes in Heaven, offers an inspirational, exciting, and fulfilling message of hope-and has become an international phenomenon. Now, he continues his message of hope and faith with a book of devotionals for all of those who want to experience the joy and contentment of his message every day. With ninety devotionals within, this unique collection directly addresses the everyday hardships we all endure, offering solace and guidance for all those who wish to lead happier, more virtuous lives.

Ahora disponible en español. 90 minutos en el Cielo es el éxito de librería que relata la experiencia de un hombre ante la muerte y la vida. Cuando el ministro bautista Don Piper conducía de regreso a casa luego de una conferencia, su auto chocó con un camión que se cruzó de carril. Lo declararon muerto en la escena del accidente. Durante los siguientes 90 minutos Piper vivió las glorias del cielo, donde vinieron a saludarle quienes habían influido en su vida espiritual, y allí experimentó la verdadera paz. Debajo, en la tierra, un ministro que pasaba y que también había asistido a la conferencia, se sintió guiado a orar por la víctima aunque le dijeron que Don estaba muerto. Milagrosamente Piper volvió a la vida y el placer del cielo fue reemplazado por una recuperación larga y dolorosa. Durante años Don Piper guardó el secreto de su experiencia en el cielo. Finalmente, amigos y familiares le convencieron para que compartiera su historia. Un relato inspirador y alentador, 90 minutos en el Cielo seguirá llegando y consolando a cientos de miles de personas del mundo, ofreciendo un vistazo de la inexpresable dicha celestial.

This title offers daily words of hope for people who have a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer''s disease.

The challenges of working in an urban school are not for every teacher. Some get burnt out fast. Some lose sight of why they started teaching in the first place. Some find their calling in other neighborhoods...with other kids. But not Salome Thomas-El. A Teacher at Roberts Vaux Middle School in Philadelphia''s inner city, he chose to stay. Gripping, poignant, and homest, this is his blistering real-life tale of mentoring and making a difference—and how the reformation of America''s educational system can start with just one school. Praise for I Choose To Stay "An intensely moving story of loyalty and courage and a deeply pewrsonal tribute to the great potential of our inner-city kids, so frequently dismissed and denigrated by American society. The redemptive power of a teacher''s love shines through these pages with prophetic grace. I am grateful to the author for the lesson of essential decency he teaches us" --Jonathan Kozol "This book is about courage. It is a story about determination, about compassion, love and the ultimate fight. This is the fight against the odds, against the ''system'' and years of cultural, social and economic factors that would have allowed this group of inner-city kids to become nothing more than a set of statistics. But Salome Thomas-El would not let that happen. He would not give up. He saw the potential in them and he fought for them. he used a board game as a weapon in this figth." --From the forward by Arnold Schwarzenegger "A powerful story about what an inspirational teacher can do to open new horizons for economically disadvantaged young people" --William H. Gray, III, President, United Negro College Fund "This book shows how one dedicated educator who believes in th potential of all our kids can make a huge difference and how, under teh proper circumstances, urban education can work." --Edward G. Rendell, former mayor of Philadelphia, Chairman of the Democratic National Convention "An eloquent example of how commitment and innovation can better the lives of inner-city children." --Kirkus Reviews

Cecil Murphey writes of his ongoing hunger for more of God in his life. During the first years after his conversion, he yearned for a closer relationship. He practiced all the standard methods of spiritual growth, such as Bible reading, prayer, and active involvement with other Christians. Yet the hunger persisted.

A collection of daily readings to inspire and comfort individuals whose loved ones suffer from drug or alcohol addiction.

Does someone you love struggle with depression or mental illness? As much as you want to fix it, you won''t be able to. But it is important that you take care of yourself - both physically and spiritually - during this difficult time.

Rambunctious, respectful and poignant, this is the incredible story of a family that beat the odds and stayed faithful to each other and to God.

An airline disaster brings loss and love from unlikely sources When Swissair Flight 111 crashed in the ocean on September 2, 1998, the world of Dr. David Wilkins and his wife, Janet--like the flight their son had taken -- came crashing to a halt. Their painful journey would lead them to a rocky Nova Scotia coastline and to a reevaluation of all they had ever believed. With the help of best-selling author Cecil Murphey, Dr. Wilkins shares his family''s intensely personal story of losing a son, grieving, questioning God, and finally coming to terms with the fact that even if we could know the answers, sometimes answers are not enough. Yet in the midst of loss, there is joy in finding out for certain that even in our deepest darkness, God does not leave us alone. The loss won''t ever go away, but neither will He.

The Bible is the story of a Father pursuing his children. In The God Who Pursues, Cecil Murphey looked at the Old Testament. Now he returns in The Relentless God to examine God''s pursuit of men and women through the New Testament. Whenever God pursues people, their lives are forever changed. Looking at the examples of Paul, Jesus'' mother, Mary, Zechariah, Peter, and more, Murphey illustrates God''s expansive caring for those He loves. Readers will come to a new understanding of those divine encounters and be transformed as they more clearly recognize God at work in their lives. The Relentless God will be released in trade paperback in April 2003. In addition, a maximum-profit pack holding 6 copies will be available. 0-7642-9020-7; $71.94.