Out of the Blue: The Unexpected Adventure of Life Interrupted - Hardcover

Greg Murtha

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0986373486 ISBN 13: 9780986373480

Publisher: Clear Day Publishing, 2017

Synopsis

Greg Murtha's high-achiever life didn't go as planned. Not even close. Cancer interrupted it. And in Greg's words:

That's a good thing because, without cancer, I would never have embraced the joy of following Jesus with reckless abandon or experienced the exhilaration of sensing the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I would never have acted in obedience to what he leads me to do (what he has wired me to do) or joined him in his master plan.

In God's grace, he allowed me to get so sick I had to slow down, abandon my plans, move out of the way, and learn to trust him by just being. Frankly, I would rather enjoy life this way (God's way) if only for a few years, than live for decades wrapped up in my small, timid plans and the insecurities present in that lifestyle.

Without cancer, I would have remained that somber, self-righteous, smug, narrow-minded Christian who turns people off: the Christian who judges instead of loves, clings tightly to the status-quo plan, and thinks he can earn God's approval. The Christian who misses the joy of simply following Jesus the way he intended. You might say, cancer got me out of my performance-based, fearful existence and into the bigger story the grand adventure.

Following Jesus in the unexpected led Greg to life-giving exploits, and he wants the same for you. Because lots of things interrupt our well-planned lives. Out of the Blue will help you embrace interruption as adventure, rather than adversity. It will lead you to the exhilarating bigger story God's story and your unexpected role in it.

About this title

About the Author

Greg's avocation of embracing the adventure of interruption emerged on his journey into oncology wings of hospitals from Tennessee to Texas. As the result of suffering, he notices strangers who are bent, broken, bruised, and bedraggled. He is prepared to offer encouraging words and a prayer for anyone who may happen across his path. In this pursuit, he has never been more alive.

Greg's Rolodex® is legendary, due in large part to his attitude and personal philosphy of, "I would rather make a friend than cut a deal."

Before embarking on the unexpected adventure of life interrupted, Greg joined the iDonate organization, even though he didn't know the difference between an A-frame and an I-frame. However, iDonate might not exist if it were not for Greg's ability to make connections.

As the Chief Relationship Officer of iDonate.com, Greg used his people skills to positively impact the culture of the organization while externally serving in a business development capacity.

Before he joined the iDonate team, Greg wore various hats while serving with entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Buford. Bob and Greg launched the Halftime Institute, where they encouraged leaders to move from success to the pursuit of significance. While at the Institute, Greg served as President, Head of Marketing & Sales, and Chief Connections Officer.

In 2016, Greg launched Leading With a Limp, a 501c3, to serve as the home base for his personal ministry. Learn more about Greg at gregmurtha.com and leadingwithalimp.org.

Greg has said "I Do" with Tracey Caperton Murtha for 23 years. They have a 15-year-old son named Jackson and a 10-year-old Labradoodle named Jaggie.

Review

I met Greg and his family in a restaurant in Washington, D.C., some years ago. We had a short time together, but it was an important one to me. What immediately impressed me was a guy who loved God and his family. You could see it from across the room. It was like it was in the air. What drew me to Greg and his family was what made men climb sycamore trees to get a better look at Jesus. It was why a woman pulled on Jesus' shirttails when he passed by. They wanted the same thing I did when I met Greg to experience what it feels like to get inside of the blast radius of extravagant love.

You'll read in these pages about Greg's accomplishments, and there were many. But you won't care about any of them. Here's why. Greg didn't either. You see, this is a book about slowing down the pace of your busy life to find the peace of God for your tired soul. It's not a playbook about what Greg learned running successful organizations, but what he learned when he skidded to a stop at the feet of Jesus. Greg realized there is a big difference between what works and what lasts. It's a distinction he wants us to know too.

Out of the Blue is a long love letter penned by a guy who discovered God doesn't need our help, but he'll do whatever it takes to get our attention. Cancer landed Greg in the hospital, but understanding how much God delights in being with us led Greg home.

Whether faith has been a big deal in your life or something which has felt distant, Greg's words are a simple wooden signpost pointing toward a carpenter from Nazareth. Greg left these ideas with us because he figured out what some of us are still discovering: We'll be known for our opinions, but we'll be remembered for our love. Greg will be remembered for his. ...

If you were looking for a book lamenting the brevity of life, find another one. Out of the Blue is a party on many pages. Greg writes the way he lived, with depth in simplicity and with equal parts passion and purpose. His words are overflowing with joy and sincerity and anticipation.

This is a book about strength, not weakness. These are pages filled with hope, not despair. Out of the Blue is about Greg's life, not his death. What you re about to read is a celebration of what it looks like to be lowered through the roof to the feet of Jesus. But here's the thing: Greg isn't the guy on the stretcher; he's the guy on the roof with a couple of ropes around us. --BOB GOFF - author of Love Does and Chief Balloon Inflator

Greg Murtha is a man after God s own heart. Out of the Blue will inspire you to embrace interruptions, listen to the Holy Spirit, and say, yes. It is when we say yes, as Greg has done, that God turns everyday life into an unexpected adventure. --KATIE DAVIS MAJORS - author of Kisses from Katie and Daring to Hope

Watching Greg Murtha s journey from success to significance to surrender has been a great privilege. I m grateful he wrote Out of the Blue. It holds much wisdom that should speak to the way we live. Please read this book and be inspired to live the great adventure God has designed for you. --BOB BUFORD - founder of Leadership Network and the Halftime Institute and author of Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance

Edition details

• Publisher: Clear Day Publishing
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0986373486
• ISBN 13: 9780986373480
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 217