Grace Behind Bars: An Unexpected Path to True Freedom

by Bo Mitchell, Gari Mitchell, Jerry B. Jenkins (Foreword)

Grace Behind Bars shares the true and dramatic account of how Bo Mitchell, businessman and chaplain for the Denver Nuggets, inexplicably ended up in federal prison only to find God's true freedom behind bars. Ironically, it's in a six-by-nine-foot cell that God begins to free this driven Christian leader from his prison of performance and success. In the end, Bo realizes that God's love is a gift, not something he must earn.

But there's more to the story: Just before Bo enters prison, his wife, Gari, becomes incapacitated by a brain illness and enters her own prison of clinical depression.

Readers will see how the couple struggled together as their world fell apart, yet ultimately grew closer to each other and God behind the bars of their trials. This story will not only inspire and encourage readers, it will show them how they, too, can find spiritual freedom in life's "prisons" if they choose to see God's hand in their lives.

Genres: Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2017

Reviews

[Sheri S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me that we always have a choice when it comes to how we will respond to situations. Mitchell, a pastor and leader in his community, made a poor financial decision and was unfairly sentenced to time in federal prison for his offense. Mitchell writes of how going to prison impacted him and his family and, ultimately, what it did for him in his relationship with Christ. While Mitchell could have responded with rage and vindictiveness, he chooses to use his prison time to grow in his relationships with others and with God. He acknowledges his fear, frustration and deep sadness, but at the same time, he chooses to find a way out of his mess. The book is a testimony to how God can take a negative, destructive situation and use it for good.

[Mazzou B · Rating 3 out of 5]

  I love autobiographies and memoirs, and try to read as many of them as possible. I am especially interested in those autobiographies which tell the story of individuals which encounter and live victoriously through trying and painful circumstances. This book tells the unusual story of Bo Mitchell, who was unfairly convicted and sentenced to prison. To the human eyes this situation seemed totally without purpose. But as Bo Mitchell discovered, God had a plan and that was to soften and work in Mitchell's heart. This is a really good book and I was both engrossed and enriched for the entirety. I recommend this book; many readers will find it both interesting and helpful. It is especially a good idea for getting teen boys to read about Christian faith since the unusual prison story will initially capture their interest.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe I went to prison so my roots could sink into the deep soil of faith in Jesus Christ- the only meaningful purpose in anyone’s life.” God is in control and His timing is perfect. “

Grace Behind Bars is about a very emotionally difficult time in the life of Bo Mitchell and his wife Gari. My initial reaction was that this was going to be a book used by the author to declare his innocence and bemoan the incompetence of his lawyers, the FBI, the justice system and everything else involved in sending him to prison. But this was far from the point of the story. And it was well worth reading to the end of the book to truly see the authors’ heart and purpose in writing this book.

Bo Mitchell was extremely open regarding his feelings during his time in prison. He did not try to cover up how difficult it was to be incarcerated. Gari also shared her perspective and brought an additional dimension to Grace Behind Bars. Their transparency was inspiring. They shared their humanness and did not try to come across as anyone other than a family trying to adjust to a very difficult situation. And that did not end when Bo Mitchell was released from bars. Throughout the book both Bo and Gari share how God led them through a journey to a deeper understanding of Himself. This book will have a great appeal to those who might be interested in getting involved in a prison ministry. It also may capture the attention of those who are baseball fans. (No spoilers in this review.) For anyone going thru a difficult time, Grace Behind Bars is able to bring some hope and purpose as the reader follows the struggles of Bo and Gari Mitchell. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book that made me more distrustful of our justice system. But, what a great witness the author has. I very much enjoyed this inside look at the "system" and what it is like on the inside. Jail is a place I never hope to go!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bo's journey before, during and after prison is amazing. I appreciated all of the God Whispers he received and the many masterfully chosen Bible verses he and Gari included in their book. A very inspirational read!

[Sage · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is 3.5 star read.

[Callahan McIlnay · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring story of a couple navigating what it means to be a Christian during the toughest of times.

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing testimony but also relevant to anyone who will listen to sound Biblical teaching.

[Jodi Uplinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a really good book showing what people go through who are in prison.

[Kathe Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good - I could not put it down! Bo's story of surrendering to God in what seemed to be a total unfair situation allowed God to use him and his story to not only teach valuable life lessons but save souls in the process! I was in tears several times as I couldn't imagine going through what Bo and Gari and their children went through. Yet I was reminded of Joesph in the Old Testament and how God allowed Bo to suffer to bring about a bigger story that would bless so many lives - mine included. Thank you Bo and Gari for your honest transparency and your vulnerability you share as you share Gods story in your lives! !

[Barbara Landers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story of God's faithfulness to a man who did nothing wrong, and was railroaded by the government system.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about someone who was inauthentic and with GOD he became GOD. He was unbreakable and he became breakable with the LORD. Bo was non-genuine and became very genuie with the LORD. Bo was a talking Christian but became a walking - talking - eating - breathing - living - dying - carry the cross every day Bible believing Christian when he met the LORD his SAVIOR - 0h my goodness and how, and what he does is goosebumps, churn your stomach with excitement - you could just hear the Angels singing when this one got saved - for in the Bible it says that the Angels sing when even just one soul is saved. AMEN....What Bo does with his salvation is wonderful - and I wont tell you what he does - you have to read for yourself - it is so worth the read.......I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you would like to see more of my Christian book reviews it is at www.christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.... I look forward to seeing you there.

[Angela Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grace Behind Bars is a candid look at one man's journey through prison and how pride came before his fall. It was fascinating to read how Bo and Gari didn't become bitter about how he was treated for his unintentional crime, but rather they saw it as a lesson from God and were always open to learning what God wanted them to learn through the experience. I liked getting little snippets of Gari's perspectives at the end of the chapters. I also liked how Bo related the lessons he learned while in prison to how they could be applicable to everyone, although in his speech he geared it to men. A lot are still great tips for everyone, regardless of gender. Their story wasn't that relatable for me, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books you can't put down. The story is so heart-wrenching and the writing is so easy to follow. Even though you may not have prison or jail in your past, you will still profit so much from Bo's and Gari's story.