Just As I Am: The Life of David Ring

by David Ring, Jerry Falwell (Foreword), Lela Gilbert (Collaborator)

David Ring was born dead. For eighteen minutes after his delivery, his brain was deprived of oxygen, leaving him with cerebral palsy, a malady that affects his motor skills and speech. He lived the first fourteen years of his life dependent on the love and self-sacrifice of his mother. She was his motivation and his cheer-leader. But when she died, he was passed from family member to family member. His confidence was shattered and his hopes for the future were dismal.

That was until he met Jesus-since then, his life has become a dynamic challenge for all who call themselves followers of Jesus Christ. Just As I Am tells the story of this enthusiastic man. He has overcome gigantic obstacles, achieved things no one ever deemed possible--all through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

His life was changed, and yours can be too. People throw away broken things, but God uses them. Don't ask "Why?" Ask "What can I become?" When you ask why, you question God's authority and become bitter. God loves you, and nothing happens that He does not ordain. At the burning bush God told Moses to put down his stick, but Moses wouldn't put it down. What is your stick?

Genres: Biography, Christian

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1993

Reviews

[Jason McIntire]

I hate to DNF a book about the life of such a precious brother, but the clunky, dry writing style of Ring's biographer made a story dull that should have been interesting. I dreaded reading it and couldn't get through it.

[Rudy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It pains me to give this book a two star review. I met David Ring in 1993 and was deeply moved by his story, though I had never read Just As I Am until now (February 2022). Finally, after many years and with great anticipation, I ordered a copy of his book and began the first chapter. Unfortunately, it only took a few pages to temper my expectations.

David Ring has been blessed with an incredible and inspiring story. But the writer of this book, Lela Gilbert, tells it in such a way that it more closely resembles the narration of a Hallmark movie, or even juvenile book report, rather than an engaging biography. Each passage is written in a very basic third person perspective, quickly moving from one moment to the next without context or even a developed story arc. Without an engaging, detailed narrative, David's impactful story feels stagnant and lifeless. It's truly a shame, because the story of his life begs to leap from the pages. Instead, it's simply there — a few facts on paper that miss the weight of a life so beautifully lived.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about an incredible life being lived for God.

[Tim Chavel · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have never heard David Ring preached you are missing a great blessing. David has cerebral palsy, both his Mom and Dad died when he was a young person. Even though the odds were against him, after he trusted Christ as his Savior, David allowed God to work through him. And God has used him in a mighty way. This book uncovers the story of how David overcame the "weaknesses" and allowed God to use them for His glory. I am including several links to help you know David better.

Here is his website - http://davidring.org/

Here is his testimony - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnBszm...

Here his sermon, "Why bad things happen to God's people" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Jhc50...

If you want to be blessed read this short book!

[Benito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent autobiography - a very good example of overcoming adversity.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great testimony! Inspiring and a great read, especially for those who are facing challenging circumstances.

[Nancy]

Cerebral Palsy. Moody=Pub.