Full disclosure, I have not yet read The Crucibles That Shape Us, by Gayle Beebe. But I have lived it with the author, at least in part, so I know the lessons in this book are worth your time.
Gayle and I met nearly 20 years ago when I was on the committee that brought him to Westmont College. I’ve served on the Board of Trustees and worked with him that entire time. Actually, this past weekend marks my last meeting with the Trustees. Yes, I’m retiring from the board after 21-years.
But this isn’t about me, it’s about the book.
In his role as President of Westmont, Gayle has faced a wildfire that destroyed multiple buildings on campus, a flash flood that took several lives, more fires, major cultural shifts, a banking meltdown, huge changes in higher education, and, well, you get the idea. Plus throw in several “can’t win” decisions he had to make.
He wasn’t perfect, but then who would be? And if he were perfect then the lessons of this book would have less gravitas. He was encouraged to write this book because so few have had to face so much in such a short period of time. The wisdom learned from the crucibles he faced indeed shaped him. And drew him even closer to God.
So no, I haven’t read the book. And no, I wasn’t involved directly in many of the crucibles Gayle faced. But I watched, listened, and occasionally advised Gayle throughout it all. Thus I can honestly say that as he faced one challenge after another, I saw enough, heard enough, and experienced enough to know this book is going to be great. And I encourage you to read it.