REAL STORIES, CHANGING LIVES

"A major league baseball player. A Tennessee pastor. A reality TV star. A single mom. A multi-platinum rocker. What do these people have in common? They've all hit bottom. And none of them stayed there."

"Famous or unfamiliar, these are the stories of real people who reached the end of their strength, the end of their control, and found the most surprising truths." 

"It taught them not to rely on self or substance but to lean on the only completely reliable source of love, hope and freedom: the God who created them. Shocking in their honesty, inspiring in their courage, these testimonies are critical reminders that no one is too far from God to find him."

When I saw this book at a local Thrift Store, I was intrigued by the bar code scans at the end of each chapter. (see sample page below). A "QR" application is free on most smart phones. 

When you point and click your phone at the bar code on the page, it immediately brings up a story and a video about the person. It's hard to describe, so here is an example of The Story that instantly appears when you click the bar code next to Michael W. Smith. 

The Story 

He’s almost an icon in Christian music. The successful, gold-record, award-winning singer-songwriter who seems to have his life, family and walk in place. It probably all came easy for him, right? A product of natural talent?

The road to musical influence for Michael W. Smith has had multiple stops, including some places you would not expect. Such was the case at age 17 when he moved to Nashville to pursue a musical career.

Leaving home with a foundation of God’s blessing, Michael’s first jobs took him to after-hours bars where he flirted with temptation—and more. The flirtation involved drug use, which ultimately led to a near-death experience. He was in the “pit of life, and looking at no escape".

Then he asked for God to do anything to get his attention. With that came Michael’s rescue, leading to the impact his songs have brought to millions and an identity that is secure in Christ.

The Film 

The scan also reveals a video. Check out what instantly appeared when I clicked Michael W. Smith's QR by clicking HERE. 

Interesting book and if the bar scan idea catches on, we may be seeing similar technology in future books. Might be a Gutenberg/Technology compromise. 

To view a simple description of QR code on Wikipedia click HERE.