I Can Only Imagine: A Friendship With Jesus Now and Forever

You know how a song can be so popular, played so often, that you almost start to not care about it, even though you thought it was a great song when you first heard it. I won't pretend I enjoy "I Can Only Imagine" as much now as I did when it was first released in 2001. But reading this book definitely puts the song in a whole new light. Though it sounds like Bart Millard has told the story about his abusive-turned-repentant dad many times over those years, I don't recall ever hearing it, and I haven't seen the movie. And wow, it is quite the heartbreaking story. From the physical and mental abuse to the (worse in some ways) checking out of his dad later, Bart Millard has every reason to be traumatized. And to know that it has continued show more to affect him in more recent years, even while playing music to large crowds, of which, at various times, I've been a part, only adds to the sadness.

I am incredibly grateful for so much of the music that Bart Millard has written and that the band has recorded, and I think it's important for "fans" to keep in mind that these are real people with real problems. They often seem like they have it all together, like they have all the answers, to the degree where even when they're standing on the stage telling us that they've had some rough times, we imagine those rough times to be over, because otherwise, how could they be standing there in front of us leading us in worship? We assume that whatever problems they have can't be as bad as our own, and maybe by the time they get to writing a book like this, they've got it all sorted out. But most likely, Bart Millard will continue to struggle with PTSD and the feelings of inadequacy that his dad instilled in him, while thanking God that he had some good times with him before it was too late.

I listened to the audiobook, because I wanted to hear the words in the author's own voice. I'm incredibly glad I listened to the book, and though I'll probably never quite think of MercyMe songs the same way again, I don't think that's a bad thing. show less

If it were possible I would give this book more than five stars.
Well written and right from the soul. The book goes much deeper into Bart’s life than the movie. Since it was written after the movie was made he was able to include that experience and the emotions that came with it.

Bart Millard, the lead vocal of MercyMe, opens up in an intimate revealing of life in an abusive home. He’s honest about his thoughts and feelings from then, how he would have been relieved if his father had passed away. How music and creative play were his escapes. Some might ask, “Did Got allow for Bart to be abused so he’d end up starting MercyMe?” I believe God can uses unfortunate circumstances for good.

“He never drank or did drugs. He didn’t need any help to fuel the rage.”
This surprised me. I’d always figured his rage and abuse was due to being an alcoholic. I guess even bitterness and regret can be just as much of a fuel as substances.

“Thank the Lord for the prayers and provision of grandmas!”
This is a phrase show more I’ve heard from my own mother. She’s noted more than once that it was the influence and fervent prayers of her grandmother that saved her and drew her to a life in Christ. That doesn’t mean she didn’t have moments of straying far from Him, but ultimately, circumstances led her back and she’s been serving him ever since. So when I saw that sentence from Bart that said, “Thank the Lord for the prayers and provision of grandmas” I immediately thought not only of my mom’s testimony but also how she’s helped guide and prayer for my kids as well. In fact, she’s even praying for their kids in the future.

“While I’m here on Earth, I am both a work in progress and already made whole because of the cross.”
Over half of the book focuses on Bart’s life growing up with an abusive father and the eventual change that took place which provided much-needed emotional healing. The last part of the book is about the start of MercyMe, the inspiration of the song, I Can Only Imagine, and Bart’s relationship with Shannon, all of which he could now see how God used certain circumstances in his life to lead him to where he was meant to be. Bart includes an appendix of 75 verses given to him by his youth pastor, Rusty Kennedy, one who was important in his walk with Christ. And now, he offers those same verses he carries close to his heart to the reader. This was an excellent read and intimate look into Bart’s life, his struggles with growing up in an abusive home, the eventual healing that took place when his dad turned to Christ, and ultimately his trust in God through his life. Not just for MercyMe fans, this book is an important read for those that have struggled with bitterness and regret, anyone who’s experienced verbal or physical abuse. It’s a really encouraging and uplifting book with a little humor sprinkled here and here. I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest opinion. And personally, I really enjoyed reading it! show less

Several years back, I was driving down the road. I was listening to a Christian radio station, loving the songs that were there. Then I hear the words, "I can only imagine...." and proceed to listen to the song. By the second verse, I had to pull over and listen closely. By the end of the second verse, I was bawling my eyes out, had my hands raised and was "praying" the song to the Lord. It was emotional and moving, and I knew that there had to be a story behind. This was the start of my love of MercyMe's work.

Flash foward several years, now there's a movie called "I Can Only Imagine". I watch the trailer. I cry, yet again. from the feelings I get. Now, I have the chance to review the memoir about the story behind the song and movie. show more And, oh my. What. A. Story. It's raw. It's moving. It will leave you smiling, it will leave you crying, it may even leave you angry. But, it will bring you closer to God. It will make you fall to your knees once again, and really imagine what that moment would be like when you stand before your Creator.

This is not a book I normally would pick up, as I'm not fond of memoirs, but this book, with it's pictures to coincide with Bart Millard's life, is beautifully, poignantly written and really brings forth the pain, the hurt, the anger and the redemption and forgiveness he went through. This is definitely one I recommend, with 5 stars and lots of praises! I can't wait to see the movie next!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.* show less

I love the song, the movie, and now the book. The book goes a little deeper and in more detail about what led Bart to write his famous song, "I Can Only Imagine". What a great story about Bart hating his abusive dad and then coming to respect and love him after his dad became a Christian and changed his lifestyle and behavior. Love it!

I can't even begin to tell you how amazing this book is. Into the first chapter I was sobbing thinking how awful this must have been for such a young child to have to deal with. I was upset thinking to myself how could a mother just leave her children? I have 5 children myself and I cannot imagine how difficult this must have been for Bart to feel rejected and unloved. God was there with him every step of the way and eventually gave him the love and acceptance he needed to make him the man he is today. Having Faith in the Lord will get you where He wants you to be.
I would recommend this book to anyone.

Inspirational. Moving. Tear-jerker. Redemptive. Highly recommended!