My wife and I decided to get scuba certified for our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. It was just one of those bucket list things we’d always wanted to do—to renew our vows on the bottom of the ocean. We did this using only sign language, of course. Picture thumbs up for “better” and thumbs down for “worse,” and you’ll get the idea. The actual art of scuba is mostly about learning to breathe with a mask on. First-timers suddenly realize they are actually under water, and their natural tendency is to start breathing too fast. In golf, the number one rule is to keep your head down. In baseball, it’s to keep your eye on the ball. In scuba diving, it’s just breathe. Keith’s book brings that scuba diving lesson to dry land. His story seems like something a screenwriter wouldn’t even try to write. It’s one chapter after another of a life’s downward spiral. But somehow through it all, he was able to keep breathing. He’s a walking miracle in many ways, but the first rule of scuba will always ring true for him: just breathe. My hope is that you will see parts of yourself in Keith’s story and realize that none of us live too far away from the grace of God. I hope you will see addiction for the monster that it is and seek some help before it is too late for you. So read on. Keep your mask on. Don’t freak out. Just breathe. And discover the hope you need.
—Tim Harlow, senior pastor, Parkview Christian Church, Orland Park, Illinois; the author of Life on Mission
Sometimes “amazing grace” seems like just a phrase or only the title of an old hymn. And then you read the story of a life like Keith’s, and it becomes clear once again that this grace is a power stronger than death and it’s the hope of the world. Read about it—and come home.
—John Ortberg, senior pastor, Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, CA
Just Breathe is the riveting depiction of a remarkably transformed life. Keith’s journey reveals one of the most powerful stories of redemption I have ever witnessed in over thirty-five years of pastoring.
—Pastor Jude Fouquier, lead pastor, The City Church, Ventura, CA
Ever wondered if God does miracles? Ever wondered if He can do miracles today, perhaps in your life? With Just Breathe, you hold in your hands the story of a real-life modern miracle. Keith’s story can be your story and reminds us that none of us are beyond hope.
—Gene Appel, senior pastor, Eastside Christian Church, Anaheim, CA
Watching God transform Keith and his family has been one of the greatest privileges of my life! If you feel like you are buried under shame, that you’re too far gone or that you could never get beyond your past, this book is for you. There is hope for you! Keith’s story continues to be a vivid reminder to me that Jesus doesn’t just make us better—He makes us new!
—Jodi Hickerson, programming director, Mission Church, Ventura, CA
If you feel like you’ve somehow outrun God’s grace, think again. Keith’s story about his journey to freedom is proof that God will go to any lengths to save anybody, including you.
—Mike Foster, founder of People of the Second Chance; creator of the Rescue Academy; author of People of the Second Chance and Freeway
