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Wild Awakening: How a Raging Grizzly Healed My Wounded Heart
A near-fatal attack by an enraged grizzly leads to an unexpected encounter with God for alpha male Greg Matthews in this gripping and engaging story of survival and faith.
Greg Matthews was the ultimate poster-boy for masculinity. Avid hunter and outdoorsman, Air Force and civilian firefighter, EMT, rescue helicopter pilot, fugitive recovery agent, Ground Zero volunteer and more, Greg had spent his whole life striving to serve others but for all the wrong reasons. After his parents’ divorce when he was young, Greg believed deep down that the only way he could be loved and valued—by his father, by his family, and by God—was if he earned it through daring, high-stakes, high-risk—what society commonly refers to as “manly”—achievements.
But everything changed when an idyllic hunting trip through the backwoods of Alaska turned into a harrowing fight for his life. Greg was attacked by a grizzly bear—but the gruesome, nearly fatal conflict offered an unexpected encounter with God. Greg’s eyes, and more importantly, his heart, were finally opened to the lie that he’d internalized as a that his dangerously high-risk achievements were the sole signifiers of his worth. The road to recovery was long and painful, but it forced Greg to come face-to-face with the long-held view of manhood he had absorbed as his own identity. The relentless grizzly uncovered something in Greg’s that he was being pursued by an equally persistent God, who loved him unconditionally.
A gripping tale of survival and a rebuttal to outmoded notions about masculinity, Wild Awakening offers an alternative way of living in the world, allowing them to finally see their value in God’s eyes.
Greg Matthews was the ultimate poster-boy for masculinity. Avid hunter and outdoorsman, Air Force and civilian firefighter, EMT, rescue helicopter pilot, fugitive recovery agent, Ground Zero volunteer and more, Greg had spent his whole life striving to serve others but for all the wrong reasons. After his parents’ divorce when he was young, Greg believed deep down that the only way he could be loved and valued—by his father, by his family, and by God—was if he earned it through daring, high-stakes, high-risk—what society commonly refers to as “manly”—achievements.
But everything changed when an idyllic hunting trip through the backwoods of Alaska turned into a harrowing fight for his life. Greg was attacked by a grizzly bear—but the gruesome, nearly fatal conflict offered an unexpected encounter with God. Greg’s eyes, and more importantly, his heart, were finally opened to the lie that he’d internalized as a that his dangerously high-risk achievements were the sole signifiers of his worth. The road to recovery was long and painful, but it forced Greg to come face-to-face with the long-held view of manhood he had absorbed as his own identity. The relentless grizzly uncovered something in Greg’s that he was being pursued by an equally persistent God, who loved him unconditionally.
A gripping tale of survival and a rebuttal to outmoded notions about masculinity, Wild Awakening offers an alternative way of living in the world, allowing them to finally see their value in God’s eyes.
- GenresChristian
224 pages, Hardcover
Published June 18, 2019
12 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 23, 2019
Greg spent 2 years and $7000.00 planning a murder - I was rooting for the bear. Didn’t he see the parallel - she was protecting her children, just like he was obsessed with doing for his own family.
His father complex was way over the top - he needed a mental health advocate to help him with his deep rooted lack of confidence.
Then the religious zeal really put me off - it obviously didn’t do him any good when trying to deal with his psychological paternal issues.
I honestly don’t see how he lived through such an ordeal, so maybe there is a God?
At least one more moose was allowed to live in the beautiful wilds of Alaska where he belongs.
His father complex was way over the top - he needed a mental health advocate to help him with his deep rooted lack of confidence.
Then the religious zeal really put me off - it obviously didn’t do him any good when trying to deal with his psychological paternal issues.
I honestly don’t see how he lived through such an ordeal, so maybe there is a God?
At least one more moose was allowed to live in the beautiful wilds of Alaska where he belongs.
April 25, 2023
Testimony. Greg Matthews is an outdoorsman with a dream to hunt elk in Alaska. But when this dream comes true, instead of being a hunter he becomes prey to a mama grizzly bear. The attack is brutal yet he survives by the grace of God.
July 11, 2019
I was attracted to this book because… I heard Greg speak while he was writing the book. I was intrigued by the adventure, the danger of the story and how Greg was impacted by this event. The book fulfilled every aspect of the story I had heard.
This book was about Greg Matthews is an amazing guy. He is one of those first responders who step into danger and have helped in places of great need, where most of us only dream of being. He has lived his life to prove he was a man’s man. While on a life time dream of hunting moose in Alaska with his brother, he faced his greatest danger which was beyond all his cunning and bravery. It is a story of adventure covered with God’s grace and redemption.
Things I liked about this book This is a fast paced story which is easy to read. Greg’s past life story is interwoven with the Alaska adventure, allowing the reader to understand the motives behind the hunt and tolerate the intensity of the attack. It was compelling to the end.
Why you should read this book For guys - this a great story of bears, guns, blood, guts and helicopters, what more could you want? But grizzly bears can come in many forms and threaten any of our perceptions of what is expected of us from our family and friends. Those perceived expectations come from even the best meaning associates. We can only break out of those earthly limitations through the loving care of our Heavenly Father.
This book lived up to the back cover copy This book has been endorsed by some of the leaders in men’s Christian living and I heartily concur with their endorsements.
Greg Matthews has dedicated most of his life to defending our nation and safeguarding the lives of others. He has served in the role of first responder in a variety of agencies and volunteers around the world, including developing security programs in East Africa and searching for survivors at Ground Zero. He currently serves as a antiterrorism officer for the U.S. Corp of Engineers. He is committed to share his message that men and their manhood are defined by the quality of their relationships. He and his family live in North Texas. He founded Chase What Matters foundation.
James Lund collaborator with Greg on writing this book.
You can find Greg’s webpage at Chasing What Matters or on his facebook page and
click to find James Lund at his facebook page
This book was about Greg Matthews is an amazing guy. He is one of those first responders who step into danger and have helped in places of great need, where most of us only dream of being. He has lived his life to prove he was a man’s man. While on a life time dream of hunting moose in Alaska with his brother, he faced his greatest danger which was beyond all his cunning and bravery. It is a story of adventure covered with God’s grace and redemption.
Things I liked about this book This is a fast paced story which is easy to read. Greg’s past life story is interwoven with the Alaska adventure, allowing the reader to understand the motives behind the hunt and tolerate the intensity of the attack. It was compelling to the end.
Why you should read this book For guys - this a great story of bears, guns, blood, guts and helicopters, what more could you want? But grizzly bears can come in many forms and threaten any of our perceptions of what is expected of us from our family and friends. Those perceived expectations come from even the best meaning associates. We can only break out of those earthly limitations through the loving care of our Heavenly Father.
This book lived up to the back cover copy This book has been endorsed by some of the leaders in men’s Christian living and I heartily concur with their endorsements.
Greg Matthews has dedicated most of his life to defending our nation and safeguarding the lives of others. He has served in the role of first responder in a variety of agencies and volunteers around the world, including developing security programs in East Africa and searching for survivors at Ground Zero. He currently serves as a antiterrorism officer for the U.S. Corp of Engineers. He is committed to share his message that men and their manhood are defined by the quality of their relationships. He and his family live in North Texas. He founded Chase What Matters foundation.
James Lund collaborator with Greg on writing this book.
You can find Greg’s webpage at Chasing What Matters or on his facebook page and
click to find James Lund at his facebook page
November 7, 2021
This is the type of book that I enjoy and, although they come at the expense of the well-being of the author, the experiences of others are very interesting to me. In this story is the harrowing near fatal experience of a man who went to Alaska with his brother to enjoy a big game bow-hunting trip together.
Greg always took on daring, high-risk work, believing he had to continually prove himself to his dad, his family, and God to be accepted and loved. As an avid hunter, he looked forward to this wilderness survival trip, a trip of a lifetime. The dream adventure he had long prepared for quickly turned into a horrendous nightmare when he was - with no provocation - attacked by a huge angry grizzly bear set on killing him. All that he had learned, the things he had been told, and his faith in God were what kept him fighting for his life.
This is such a great true story, probably especially for men who doubt themselves, that God loves us unconditionally.
I chose this book for the52bookclub, prompt "first chapter ends on an odd page number."
Greg always took on daring, high-risk work, believing he had to continually prove himself to his dad, his family, and God to be accepted and loved. As an avid hunter, he looked forward to this wilderness survival trip, a trip of a lifetime. The dream adventure he had long prepared for quickly turned into a horrendous nightmare when he was - with no provocation - attacked by a huge angry grizzly bear set on killing him. All that he had learned, the things he had been told, and his faith in God were what kept him fighting for his life.
This is such a great true story, probably especially for men who doubt themselves, that God loves us unconditionally.
I chose this book for the52bookclub, prompt "first chapter ends on an odd page number."
February 17, 2020
Greg Matthews effortlessly blends his enthralling story of faith, overcoming a horrific and life-threatening animal encounter, and how he comes out stronger on the other side of his ordeal.
I found it to be an intriguing biography that touches on things we human beings all feel. Love, admiration, fear, tenacity, testing of faith. It's a page-turning read for anyone who wants to deepen their faith journey whether you are a woman or a man.
It speaks to the majesty of the outdoors, there are some hunting stories within as well for those who love the thrill of the chase and spending time there, also, taming the wild in all of us. In short, it's a captivating book.
I found it to be an intriguing biography that touches on things we human beings all feel. Love, admiration, fear, tenacity, testing of faith. It's a page-turning read for anyone who wants to deepen their faith journey whether you are a woman or a man.
It speaks to the majesty of the outdoors, there are some hunting stories within as well for those who love the thrill of the chase and spending time there, also, taming the wild in all of us. In short, it's a captivating book.
July 1, 2020
A well-written tale of adventure, survival, and a journey to true manhood. After his own father left the family, Greg traveled a rough road to understanding that the love of God does not depend on what you accomplish, and that God will never leave you. This book was also an intriguing glimpse into the life of an EMT, 9-11 volunteer, anti-terrorism officer, and Alaskan big game hunter.
October 30, 2019
The story begins as the author heads to Alaska for a hunting trip with his brother. Chapters alternate between his story up to that point and the progression of the trip. This makes the description of the attack stretch out over 5 chapters (including the two interspersed back story chapters) and their rescue over several more. Maybe it was better this way because the description of the attack was quite gory and not for the faint of heart (or stomach). I did find the story a bit lacking on explaining how the grizzly healed his wounded heart (as per the subtitle). Still, an amazing story of God's protection.
February 9, 2020
I would give this book 10 stars if I could! I know the target audience is men, but if you’re a gal who loves adventure, miracles, and deep life lessons, you’ll love “Wild Awakening” just as much as I did. I devoured this book like a grizzly bear fresh out torpor!
March 13, 2020
I thought this book intertwined the adventure and the relationship components together very well. It was a great story of faith. The description of his encounter with the bear was very detailed and riveting as was the description of his spiritual encounter. A solid story and inspiring book.
April 3, 2021
Inspiring, Relevant, and Hopeful.
A great story that all can learn and grow from, especially men. Greg’s authenticity and willingness to share his journey helps us realize what truly is most important in life. Be ready to be challenged, inspired, and amazed!
A great story that all can learn and grow from, especially men. Greg’s authenticity and willingness to share his journey helps us realize what truly is most important in life. Be ready to be challenged, inspired, and amazed!
February 24, 2020
Such a great story, not only for men but women. I loved the set up of the storyline as well, jumping from past to present story.
March 27, 2020
Wow what a crazy survival story.
December 9, 2020
This was a great book, heard and interview with the author on the #meninthearena podcast, and had to get the book. Wonderful, descriptive story. Highly recommend.
March 15, 2023
Not bad, really picked up around the halfway mark
August 21, 2023
Fantastic book!
August 11, 2024
Fascinating and encouraging story. Well-written!
November 30, 2020
I may have rated this book higher if I was 30 years younger. Which is to say, I didn't realize how much it would cater to a more juvenile reading level. I'd solidly recommend it for the non-reader guy who would enjoy being drawn into another man's outward adventure and inward journey to faith and truth. It's unequivocally a page turner. My 20-year-old son really liked it. It's just not a Tom Clancy story on the action side, or a C.S. Lewis story on the faith side. But still worthy for right audience.
December 12, 2022
If you don’t like the sight or thought of blood this book is not for you. It’s very descriptive of the attack and very graphic. The author is definitely very proud of his accomplishments and if you feel like you haven’t done much with your life then don’t read this book because he spends LOTS of time boasting about his accomplishments with very little written on his own faults. You can tell the author thinks highly of himself but to be fair plenty of authors will write like that in their autobiography’s so you can’t hold it against him. All in all this book was not very memorable and it’s certainly a book that I truly regret buying. I will likely never read it again.
March 22, 2024
This book is a page turner and is inspiring to those who are looking for good stories about personal, emotional, and spiritual health that are all centered around a riveting grizzly attack. Highly suggest
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews