My Fame, His Fame: Aiming Your Life and Influence Toward the Glory of God

by Thann Bennett, Mark Batterson (Foreword)

"Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." —Habakkuk 3:2

My Fame, His Fame is a call for believers to heed the example of the prophet Habakkuk by stepping to their watch on the ramparts and calling for a revelation of God’s mighty acts to be repeated in our time. It is an inspiring reminder that our lives are to be lived for one aim: to increase the fame of the Famous One.

Thann presents a radically different—and far better—approach to achieving success in life and you will walk away inspired and equipped to live for the purpose of His fame.

224 pages, Paperback

Published March 10, 2020

Reviews

[Walker Brandt · Rating 1 out of 5]

The title and cover caught my attention, “Aiming your life and influence toward the glory of God” is a great subtitle, but the book didn’t fully land for me. I found myself struggling to engage. The writing felt scattered, and it leaned heavily on personal stories and emotional reflection rather than Scripture.

I appreciated the heart behind it, but I was hoping for more clarity, structure, and biblical depth to bring the message to life.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not an overly long book, “My Fame, His Fame” by Thanksgiving Bennett focuses on the biblical book of Habakkuk. Bennett journeys through the book, helping readers grasp the historical and theological context for the book to first understand what the book meant to the original audience and then helping readers make a connection today. Bennett stretches reader’s imaginations and helps them take a look into a little studied book of the Bible, helping them make sense of God’s message. The author’s conversational and friendly tone draws readers in as does his transparency and willingness to share from his own experiences. If you’re interesting in diving into the message of the minor prophet Habakkuk, you should pick up My Fame, His Fame by Thanh Bennett and take up his challenge to look for God’s fame around them while also doing what they can to spread God’s fame to others

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Em (Makenna) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Earc from netgalley.

this book was fine, it just was not what I was looking for based on the description. it was interesting to see that this person also had something to do with Mark Batterson, the pastor.

[Natalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My Fame, His Fame" by Thann Bennett follows the story of Habakkuk and His call to the Lord to do mighty works. Bennett argues that we rarely call on the Lord to perform mighty acts and maybe we should be. Bennett also articulates fame and the kind of fame Christians should desire: fame that is truly only Christ being shown through us.

I loved Bennett's ability to tell a story. He elaborates on Habakkuk and I realized I honestly don't remember that much about Habakkuk. This retelling of the bible story helped me understand more of the Old Testament, which is unique.

I also enjoyed a different perspective on fame. Bennett shows that we should crave fame, but the fame we crave is different from the fame known on Earth. This fame is one that highlights God's power, not our own abilities and strengths. 

Bennett even went on to challenge readers. Perhaps we don't see the wonder and glory and fame of God because we don't ask to see it. We don't remind God how awesome and powerful He is. We don't call for Him to mighty acts in our lives. For some reason, we just don't. Maybe we think we can handle it on our own. But we can't. Maybe we should be calling on God for mighty works.

Bennett has a great premise for writing, but I think maybe his theme was a little lacking. Sometimes I was confused on if we were still on the same topic, or if we moved into a different topic. I think some of that could have been striving to add more chapters to a short read.

Overall, I felt like this book was interesting and taught me something new. It retaught me a story that I don't often think about, Habakkuk, and I appreciate that. I gave this book 4 stars.

[Joel Peterson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wasn’t a fan of this book. I never felt like I quite understood what Thann’s goal was in writing this book and I’m not sure if he knew either. There were a few stories here and there that held my attention and were nice to read but the use of the word fame over and over and over again without really ever explaining what he meant drove me nuts. There’s also in my opinion some dangerous language especially towards the end of the book. He talks about how we are God’s vessels and God is essentially powerless unless we act and how God doesn’t move the way he used to because we don’t want it enough. I’m paraphrasing but that was how it came off to me and I just don’t think any of that is rooted in scripture or has any merit. Overall it was a disappointing read and I wouldn’t recommend.

[Bernice Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book

I just finished listening to this book for the second time. I was so moved by what was being said that I needed to listen the second time and allow it to settle in my heart. This has been my hearts cry but I didn't know there was scripture to confirm, or how to say it. I just knew that I want to live my life for God's glory. Please read this book and be amazed by what Thann is sharing, to God's glory.

[John Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

Thann makes the the case for our being here. As has been done in every generation, our purpose is to show the 🌎 that God wants them to know just how much he loves us.

[Georgia Greene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this book rambled a bit at times and could be confusing. I think the overall goal and idea of this book was great and it was an easy read, it just felt repetitive and sometimes jumped from thought to thought without a great transition.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars because I appreciate where the author is coming from and I sense his heart for the glory of God. There are plenty of good reminders in here of that aim for our lives. That being said this book ends up being a collection of chapters straying into random asides that could have been blog posts. It felt less about the book of Habbakuk, and more like the authors having ideas for articles that loosely surrounded themes of God’s fame and the prophet Habbakuk, and was then strung together in a book. This isn’t to say anything about the authors character or intent, but more about the editing and intent of the publisher. The material just isn’t strong enough to be an excellent book. Some well crafted Substack articles, however? By all means.