Brown’s book for his daughters appeals to the faithful
What began as a book written to his two daughters, Al Brown’s book “Notes From My Father’s Bible” has become a popular and inspirational story for everyone.
Initially written just to transcribe and make sense of the notes jotted in his personal Bible, from there the work started growing. Brown added short stories and personal annecdotes to show how biblical principles had impacted and influenced his life. Then, for good measure, he included a short explanation of each book of the Bible.
Subtitled “Taking Some of the Mystery Out of the Mystery”, Brown created a layman’s interpretation of scripture. “I always thought the best-selling book in the world should be easily understood,” says Brown. “So I broadened the scope of the book to provide simple explanations of each book from a layman’s perspective.” Brown says he never presents himself as a scholar or theologian, just a regular guy who reads and studies the Bible, lead and taught by the Holy Spirt. His book is meant to offer suggestions for reading the Bible, where a beginner should start and how everyone should prepare before reading.
“The notes themselves are true gems, the short stories called “Little Big Things” never fail to bring tears to my eyes every time I re-read them. How God has worked with and used me is absolutely amazing and humbling. The book is making amazing impacts with new Bible readers and long-time church goers, alike.
A small but powerful book, the short stories cover a wide variety of situations in Brown’s life: praying with a cop in Manhattan, a head football coach who washes his players feet, hearing directly from God, overcoming the fear of speaking in public, the meaning of a worn out basketball, selling a crime scene, trusting a woman’s intuition, the Bible verse that changed his life, an encounter with an evil spirit, and his grandfather, the sheep farmer, among many others.
The book has earned its share of endorsements from a variety of people, from athletes to businessmen and others.
Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz says Brown’s book, “gives unique insights into reading and understanding the Bible. Straight forward. Uncomplicated. For the beginner as well as the seasoned reader.”
Former Chairman and CEO of Synovus, Jim Blanchard calls it, “Truly a page turner. Instructive, inspiring, unique and convincing. One of my favorite reads.”
The accolade that might mean the most to Brown came from Dr. Bill Henderson, the retired pastor of First Baptist Church on St. Simons Island, the church he has regularly attended since moving there with his wife decades ago. “Al has shared a plain man’s reflection on eternal truths from a genuine love and reverence of the scriptures,” says Henderson. “His readers will gain unforgettable insights. Al Brown has wisely and courageously done his daughters and all of us a great service. Brilliant!”
A 1972 graduate of the University of Georgia, majoring in real estate, Brown has worked in that field for 53 years— to support a bass fishing habit, he says. A single Bible verse changed his outlook and changed his religious life in 1981, intensifying a desire to know the Bible. “Notes From My Father’s Bible” was a way to tell that and other stories.
“This book is my life legacy. It’s not about book sales, but I want to treat this as a mission effort, an evangelical outreach, if you will,” says Brown. “I certainly have a new respect for authors!”
In addition to writing his book, Brown also does speaking engagements for clubs and other groups. Books are not sold at his speaking engagements. When Brown speaks, it is about his journey not sales, but readers can find his book at GJ Ford or Righton Books on St. Simons Island and online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart Books or through Good Faith Media in Norman, OK.
Recipients of the Positive Attitude Working toward Success (PAWS) award at Midway Elementary School include l-r German Martinez Cruz, Callie Duncan, Lluvia Flores Riano, Harper Jordan, Ja’Kyla Lattimore, Ryan McDougale and Gaby Ramirez. PAWS Awards are given to fifth grade students who have shown determination, perseverance, and an incredible work ethic. These students may not always find things easy—but they never give up. They tackle every assignment with focus, ask thoughtful questions, and consistently give their best effort, even when no one is
