Life Lessons and Love Languages: What I've Learned on My Unexpected Journey

by Gary Chapman

Overview

Get to know the man behind the 5 Love Languages®. You just might discover yourself along the way.

Many people are familiar with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages®. Millions have been transformed by this New York Times bestselling book. But as influential as Gary has been, the surprising thing is . . . he’s just a regular guy, not much different than you and me. And in the mirror of his life, you might discover your own story, too.

In Life Lessons and Love Languages, you’ll look behind the curtain for a glimpse of Gary’s life, from his upbringing in Small Town, USA to becoming a bestselling author and international speaker. What makes him tick may surprise you!

In Gary’s story, you’ll discover five great influences that shaped his, and most of our lives: home, education, marriage, children, and vocation. Even if you don’t experience each influence yourself, you’ll benefit from seeing how these pillars of human society work together to form productive individuals. Getting to know Gary will be a lot of fun. But getting to know yourself and how the world works is a gift that this small-town kid doesn’t want you to miss.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802423986
Publisher:	Moody Publishers
Publication date:	04/06/2021
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

GARY CHAPMAN, PhD–author, speaker, counselor–has a passion for people and for helping them form lasting relationships. He is the #1 bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages® series and director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, Inc. Gary travels the world presenting seminars, and his radio programs air on more than 400 stations. For more information, visit his website at www.5lovelanguages.com.

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

Section 1 Early Influences From Home: 1938-1955

Life in Small-Town USA 15

At the Schoolhouse 22

At Church 25

Lessons Learned in the Neighborhood 31

The Decision That Changed My Life Forever 33

Section 2 The Powerful Influence of My Educational Journey: 1955-1967

Life in the City-Chicago: Moody Bible Institute 37

Lessons Learned in the Mountains of Tennessee 45

Exploring Anthropology-Wheaton College 49

Lessons Learned in Colorado Springs, Colorado 53

Exploring Theology-Southeastern and Southwestern Baptist Seminary 55

Section 3 Lessons Learned From Marriage: 1961-Present

The Journey That Led to Marriage 67

The Slow Road to Unity 73

A Giant Step Forward 81

When Cancer Came 85

Section 4 How My Children Influenced Me: 1964-Present

Learning That No Two Children Are Alike 91

Parents Are Older Than Children … and Wiser 95

Reflections from Shelley 99

Reflections from Derek 101

How I Learned to Process Anger 103

Lessons Learned from My Spiritual Son-Clarence 106

Grandparenting Is Fun 109

Section 5 The Challenges and Joys of My Vocational Journey: 1967-Present

Rebounding from Disappointment 115

The College Ministry 118

The Single Adult Ministry 122

The Counseling Ministry 125

The Writing Ministry 128

The Radio Ministry 132

The Speaking Ministry 135

The Speaking Ministry: Around the World 142

Epilogue 149

Books Written or Coauthored by Gary Chapman 153

Acknowledgments 159

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

Praise for Life Lessons and Love Languages

"Gary Chapman’s new memoir reminds us how God uses every experience, every turn in life to refine and equip us for usefulness in the kingdom. Be encouraged in your own life by seeing what God has done in Gary’s."
—Max Lucado
Pastor and New York Times bestselling author

"I can think of few men who have had a greater impact on lives and families than Gary Chapman. Now we have the benefit of an in-depth glimpse into the major influences by which the Lord has shaped Gary into a servant-hearted leader who ministers to others so effectively and faithfully."
—Jim Daly
President, Focus on the Family

"Like a chat with an old friend, you will love this behind-the-scenes peek at the life and ministry of Dr. Gary Chapman. In Life Lessons and Love Languages, Dr. Chapman shares the remarkable journey on which God has led him over the years, eventually becoming one of the best-known figures in Christian ministry. I’ve known Dr. Chapman for a long time, and he is the real deal—a humble, caring, generous, and wise follower of Christ. This backstory is itself an inspiring lesson about what God can do with someone who says yes to His call."
—Shaunti Feldhahn
Social researcher and internationally bestselling author of For Women Only,Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages, and Thriving in Love and Money

"Gary Chapman is like a brother to me, having known him for almost forty years. Yet it’s only after reading this book that I feel like I know “the rest of the story,” and more about this focused and flexible servant of God. We read in Psalm 71:17, “O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds” (ESV). The unnamed writer of this psalm, and GaryChapman, have much in common. Read this short, powerful book to be inspired. I was!"
—Greg Thornton
CFO, Moody Bible Institute

"Who actually gets to sit down with their favorite author or speaker and really understand who they are? The events that shaped them? This incredible book lets us look “under the hood” at Gary Chapman, to begin to understand how he can be so humble and incredible at changing and impacting literally millions of lives. You and I get to read firsthand the stories, experiences, trials, and amazing life lessons that have shaped Dr. Chapman’s life. Even more, reading his insights on all the places God has taken him can take us to a whole new level of trusting and loving Jesus and others. What a powerful, uplifting, inspiring look at someone who defines a life well lived—and challenges us to go do the same for Jesus as well!"
—John Trent
Coauthor of The Blessing; founder of StrongFamilies.com