Iris: Trophy of Grace

by Ron Owens, Iris Blue

Iris Urrey was raised in a middle-class Christian home, but she was rebellious almost from the start. Running away at the age of thirteen, she became involved with drugs and prostitution, and at seventeen was arrested for armed robbery. Once released from prison, she continued down a path of self-destruction. From numerous abortions to using heroin, to managing a topless bar, Iris turned from God's calling again and again. But God, who in eternity past had devised a plan for this "incorrigible" rebel, didn't give up on Iris. He had work for her to do, and would one day turn this "incorrigible" rebel into one of His beautiful trophies of grace. This is more than a tale of grace and redemption, however. God has used Iris's experiences to reach countless people, from top military personnel at NATO to German prostitutes. Along the way, well-meaning fellow believers have had trouble accepting some of the unconventional approaches of this Southern Baptist North American Mission Board's longest-serving Mission Service Corps volunteer. "Don't you get angry with me and try to prove you're a tough guy," she tells the ex-prisoner on the other end of the phone line-who later received Jesus as his Savior and becomes her husband. "If you can tell me that you're retarded, you can memorize a scripture verse," she says on another occasion to the escaped sanatorium inmate who insists she is too mentally disabled to learn, but finds new confidence when she is saved. Learn about Iris's remarkable walk with God as she continues to minister to people all over the world. But be ready: This book may compel you to take action yourself.

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2010

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite book. I could not put it down. It is such a good message of God's amazing grace. I have shared parts with my kids, and it has impacted them so much, they have come home from school asking what I learned from Iris today.

I just read a part to my kids and husband tonight, and both my husband and I were fighting back the tears. I strive to be the kind of Christian that Iris is. This book is truly a blessing.

[Nancy Tompkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was mentioned in church and I had to read it! What a story - overcoming and becoming - great inspiration! Have passed this one on -sharing how God can make new!

[Tebel Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting account of two lost souls who prove that it's not how you start, it's how you finish.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful and awesome book! I’ve read other testimonies but this one is one that really spoke to my heart – maybe because I could see some of Iris in me as a teen/young adult – and maybe because sometimes I wonder if my Faith is grown stagnant and I need a renewing of the Spirit. Either way this book had me mentally brought to my knees – I say mentally because it would have really scared my husband and children to see me on my knees crying out to God. This book is Mrs. Blue’s testimony from when she first began using heroin and ended up serving time in prison.

If your not sure about God or need a lift of faith or just need to hear how God is and has worked in an ex-con, former prostitute’s life then grab this book. However, one warning if you are one who doesn’t want to acknowledge that God is real and that He wants you then don’t read this book. Once you read this and see how God has worked in changing Iris’ life and how He continues to use her and her husband for His Kingdom it’ll make you wanting to change your life – even if you’ve been a Christian for a long time.

***Special thanks to Jennifer Nelson, PR Specialist, Hannibal Books for sending me a review copy.***

[Kirsten Sedino · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, excellent message. I never tire of hearing stories about people being called out of their misery by God. The story jumped around at times, and I found myself saying to the writer, "No we haven't gone over that part yet!". Other than that, I enjoyed it.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book of God's grace, and how no matter messed up we are, God still loves us!