I received a copy of "The Wisdom of Faith" by Bobby Bowden and Steve Bowden, from Family Christian Stores for the purpose of generating a review. I immediately thought of my father-in-law and requested permission for him to write this one. Mr. Rhoades taught biology and coached high school basketball and baseball for 33 years. A big sports fan. A man of great faith. The opinions expressed here are his own.

 And great news! Family Christian is also partnering with me to give one of you a $25 appreciation certificate. Enter the giveaway at the end of this article.

Bobby Bowden is well known as the winningest college football coach in NCAA history.  He was an outstanding coach at Florida State University for many years, guiding the Seminoles to NCAA titles. Coach Bowden coached football for 40 years, with a 357-124 win/loss record and 4 ties. His teams played in 33 bowl games and achieved a phenomenal 22 wins, 10 losses, and 1 tie record.  

In addition to being an amazing coach, Coach Bowden is a man of strong faith. His book takes the reader on a journey of his life of faith. The Wisdom of Faith covers ten chapters of important qualities that are needed to build and strengthen ones walk in faith.  

The wisdom of: 

Fear

Trust

Courage

Responsibility 

Humility

Patience 

Discipline 

Contentment 

Suffering

Love  

He uses many life and coaching experiences to help the reader gain their own wisdom of faith.  Bobby uses his wit in sharing humorous and heart-touching examples to give his reader important fundamental values that can strengthen their knowledge of the living God. He also uses Scripture passages to help make important points about faith.  

Mr. Bowden takes us along his life’s path. The journey begins with his high school sweetheart days, where he married his wife, Ann, when she was only 16. It continues through his World War II days. And finally through his rough but wonderful climb in coaching, from small colleges in Georgia all the way to the glory days of Florida State University’s rise to a national powerhouse program.  

Coach Bowden discusses the importance of God and faith throughout his coaching career and how his faith would hold true along the way. He uses many examples of how he managed to handle a large visible football program, with all its legal issues and player discipline, while still maintaining a strong faith.  

In his words, “I always treated my players like I would my son.” 

It is apparent that Mr. Bowden has been a faithful believer for most of his life. He has a very humble way of sharing examples about his personal battles and shortcomings on his path to building a strong faith. The Bible stories he references show new believers  and mature Christians alike how to grow in their faith.

From my perspective, as a former high school basketball and baseball coach, I found this book fascinating, funny, and touching. It would be an enjoyable read for adults of all ages.

Thanks for reading the review. Now, it’s giveaway time!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The giveaway is open to North American residents and will run through midnight on Wednesday, December 3rd. A winner is randomly selected. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be selected.