The Extravagant Fool
A Faith Journey That Begins Where Common Sense Ends
- Christian Living
- Publisher: Zondervan
- Published: 2014
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Publisher's Description
The Extravagant Fool is an underdog narrative. Readers will have a front row seat to Kevin Adams’s breathtaking story—one that builds chronologically through a very difficult four-year period. At the height of financial success, Kevin Adams had it all. A thriving business with more work than he could get to, investments spread out between luxury homes, commercial real estate, and new business ventures. However, by January 2009, over the course of the last 100 days of 2008, Kevin watched in silent amazement as he lost it all. His house of cards came tumbling down. Kevin had a choice: Do what he had always done—work harder. Or, let go of conventional thinking and learn to live by absolute faith in God. With foreclosures, lawsuits, potential homelessness, and his family looking to him for immediate answers, Kevin took the radical position of stopping every effort to survive and resting instead at the feet of Jesus. The process of living literally by faith is a gamble and one that only The Extravagant Fool for God is willing to take. The Extravagant Fool is about encountering God with an uncommon intimacy. Intimacy increases our ability to discern His voice, which leads to the revelation of who we are, what we are to do for Him on earth, and finally, the provision to carry it out. Yet none of this really takes hold without first hearing the kind of living, breathing, testimony offered by The Extravagant Fool, a man who staked his welfare—and future—entirely on the goodness of God.
Endorsements (13)
“With gentleness and personal vulnerability, Kevin Adams takes us on his compelling journey and challenges us to “waste our life for God.” His example, during horrific circumstances, of a person walking by faith and totally reliant on God is a remarkable testimony to God’s faithfulness. Kevin shows us all how we can set aside our own foolish thoughts and be all-out, radical fools for God.”
“In The Extravagant Fool, Kevin Adams brilliantly uses his gift of story-telling to put everyday life in the context of God’s plan. You’ll discover how God does both the simple and the extraordinary to get our attention, shake up our faith, and align our story with His. Brimming with real life and wisdom, this book is evidence that our extravagant God is truly our greatest reward.”
“Kevin Adams pens the details of his journey to authentic faith with stunning beauty and brutal honesty. The Extravagant Fool brings our truest purpose in life into clearest focus — love God above all else. Only in this place of childlike faith do we find peace, rest, and hope.”
“Devastatingly powerful! Can faith carry you through a season of temporary suffering? Kevin’s evocative writing and introspection compel you to lean in and discover that God is abundantly more than we hope, more than we believe, and always more than we can see.”
“If you’re having trouble striking a balance between sermons of Utopian Christian promise and the difficulty of daily life, read this book! Kevin Adams takes us on a thrill ride of hope that will give the most desperately struggling believer increasing faith for God’s best.”
“With nakedly honest reflection, Kevin Adams has penned a book I’ve always wanted to read but hadn’t found anyone vulnerable enough to write. The Extravagant Fool takes us through his “perfect storm” to a place of hope, healing, and authentic restoration.”
“Kevin’s perfect storm reveals the painful reality of fear and unmitigated loss. He poignantly talks about issues much of the church will not touch — like questioning God and wondering if He really does see us, know us, or is moved by our plight. Kevin refuses to candy-coat his dark night of the soul but continues to bring us back to a hope that will not let go — to a Savior who still calms the sea of our heart. This is the best book I’ve read in a long time. It is riveting from start to finish! Are you struggling with loss and disappointment, feel like you’re swimming in the mud of disillusionment in God’s ways? This book is for you!”
“In a world that has turned the meaning of true wisdom and riches on its head, we need an extravagant fool to help us off the hamster wheel of “do more, strive more, spend more.” This disruptive book reveals how being a “good Christian” isn’t the same as radically following Christ. It’s the riveting story of a man who had it all, lost it all, had the chance to regain worldly success, walked away, and at great cost found the true gold we all long for. But be warned — reading this story may be God’s invitation to rewrite your own story in the most extravagantly foolish way imaginable. Are you ready?”
“In The Extravagant Fool, I was reminded of Jim Elliot’s words, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” This is the lesson Kevin Adams learned — and lived. May his journey encourage your faith.”
“his life and how uncompromising faith can be awakened amid tremendous loss, grief, and betrayal. If status quo faith isn’t enough for you — get this book!”
“Kevin Adams is a powerful writer whose authenticity and gritty faith will keep you riveted with every page turn. Few writers are willing to be as transparent, and you will cry and celebrate with him as if his life were your own. The Extravagant Fool is a roller-coaster ride of inspiration and challenges. Thank you, Kevin, for sharing your life in a way that touched my own. I truly love this book!”
“Authentic, poignant, and excellently written, The Extravagant Fool is rich with wise and timely words for this generation. This book will help you write a better story with the pages of your life.”
“Kevin Adams is an unflinching guide into largely unexplored territory — the up-side of upside-down kingdom living. Follow this “extravagant fool” to the place where faith and need collide, producing a life marked by the surprising activity of God. Read this beautiful work of grace, and come out changed.”
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