Overview

Alone ... in the dimly lit cell ... I'm pacing the perimeter, trying to outrun my own dark thoughts. I'm only 13 years old. Is this my life and the first step toward dying in a gutter like Dad says I will? Will I be in and out of prison? I walk faster and faster....breaking into a run and then running until I'm exhausted. I unfold the blanket in my cell, spread it on the hard floor, and drop off to sleep. Crushed by a violent, alcoholic father, and growing up in a world of street gangs, organized crime, and anti-Semitism. Phillip Cohen somehow navigates dangerous neighborhoods from Chicago to Atlanta and Miami. In his late teens and early twenties, his life has been thrust into a desperate existence, wandering homeless through hippie communes, pursuing hard drugs and strange religions, all in his search for healing and love. Then, just as hope dawns, it fades and dies as Phillip discovers he's trapped in the suffocating embrace of a heavy-handed ultraconservative Anabaptist church. Twenty-six years pass, and he escapes with his wife and 9 children. Desperately, he runs to mainstream Christianity but doesn't seem to fit in anywhere. Best Selling Author Phillip Cohen brings you his memoir which delivers an unforgettable exploration of faith, identity, and the profound pursuit of purpose--a journey guided by the light of Jesus shining through it all. A journey that will leave you questioning your own beliefs and longing for the transformative power of love.

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9781954437982

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Reviews

"""Philip Cohen's raw authenticity and vulnerability take the reader on a journey into the ravages of brokenness and abandonment. This book is for those whose hopes and dreams seem continually shattered beyond repair. Are you stuck in cycles of addiction, mood swings, acting out, or depression? If so, please read this book to the end. There is hope. Jesus does shine through, and He is shining through to you right now"". -- Greg Smith - Director of Outreach, New Horizons Foundation Inc., Colorado Springs, Colorado ""Phillip Cohn's willingness to bear his soul confirms my conviction! I could feel his soul searching for truth through abuse, poverty, rejection, drugs, loneliness, confusion, family, wealth, and even religion. ""Jesus Shines Through"" is emotionally challenging to read, but you are compelled to continue until the end. You want to know where this life's journey is going. The end will leave you thankful and give you courage to continue your journey of discovering the truth! ""Jesus Shines Through"" for all who seek the truth no matter where you begin your journey, or where it leads you along the way. Phil, thank you for sharing with us! I am blessed by your transparency. My hope has increased, my faith has been strengthened, and I am more confident in the matchless love of Jesus for all!"" -- Claude L. Bennett, Jr. - Founder, Heaven on Earth Ministries Saint Louis, Missouri ""As I am someone also from a toxic Jewish home, in NYC, I can relate. Then we both got into the hippy life and into joyful Christian experience, then legalistic Christianity, then recovery. Your transparent recounting of all your trauma and subsequent searching was riveting. Your experience of the amazing joy of salvation in Messiah, which causes lifelong transformation, was what I can TOTALLY relate to. I love how the Mennonites talked about your intensity. Jewish people tend to be intense. We are like a spring of spiritual energy that has been wound and cocked and suppressed for 2000 years. I'm soooo glad that you finally found healing and joy in Messiah in the wider evangelical world!"" -- Shmuel Wolkenfield - Senior Rabbi, Or HaOlam Messianic Synagogue, Kansas City, Missouri ""Your story shines a light into the dark and emptiness of a lifestyle without God, the despair and oppression of religion without relationship, and the constant, relentless love of our heavenly father, who will never stop pursuing our heart.The writing style is very captivating and definitely makes you curious to what will happen next. Also, very easy to read. And the truth Jesus showed you about seeing each person as created in his beautiful image instead of through religious cautions is powerful! Thank you for the genuine invitation to meet Jesus at the end. I believe this will impact the hearts and lives of many."" -- John Detwiler - General Manager, Detwiler Roofing, LLC ""The Cohen's remarkable journey epitomizes The Providence of God. God's caring provision for Phil and Gina as He guided their journey of faith through life, accomplishing His purpose in them, is the story, Jesus Shines Through.Wherever your life has led you, reading this book will give you hope in a Creator who is in control even in the chaos of life. He makes Beauty from Ashes."" -- Linda K. Roberts - And It Came To Pass, All American Enterprises ""I so appreciated your passion for Jesus over many decades. You remained steadfast in your pursuit of Him even through many trials in your life. Jesus indeed shines through your book, and my hope and prayer is it will lead many to seek Him. I love your writing style. I found the book to be a real page turner....I hope to have rabbis and others see the peace, joy, and love in my heart and that I can leave my judgments at the cross. I pray for your eyesight and trust that God will continue to use you."" -- Jim Adler - ADLER & MANSON, LC Attorneys at Law ""As I am someone also from a toxic Jewish home, in NYC, I can relate. Then we both got into the hippy life and into joyful Christian experience, then legalistic Christianity, then recovery. Your transparent recounting of all your trauma and subsequent searching was riveting. Your experience of the amazing joy of salvation in Messiah, which causes lifelong transformation, was what I can TOTALLY relate to. I love how the Mennonites talkedabout your intensity. Jewish people tend to be intense. We are like a spring of spiritual energy that has been wound and cocked and suppressed for 2000 years. I'm soooo glad that you finally found healing and joy in Messiah in the wider evangelical world!"" -- Shmuel Wolkenfield - Senior Rabbi, Or HaOlam Messianic Synagogue, Kansas City, Missouri"

Author Information

Phillip Cohen grew up in inner-city Chicago, Atlanta, and Miami before settling down in rural Tennessee with his wife after wandering around in three countries. He discovered a talent for woodworking and started Cohen Woodworking in 1982, which eventually gained multiple contracts with large clients such as Walmart. In 2017, Phillip was awarded the Small Business Person of the Year for Missouri and the company was featured in many news stories and media outlets for placing people ahead of profits. Phillip retired in 2021, and the business is now run by his sons, Ben and Nate. In 2020, Phillip started Healthy Leaders, an organization that helps struggling business owners build strong, cohesive leadership teams with God in the center. He currently resides near St. James, MO.

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