Christian Nonfiction
Date Published: August 12, 2020
Good dogs are obedient, loving, loyal, protective, and friendly. They honor their masters, bark only at the right times, and inspire us to be better through heroism, perseverance, and selflessness. Dogs have weak moments, too. They poop blue, jump out of car windows, and, at times, might be nicknamed the “Devil Dog.”Better Than Our Dogs uses funny and engaging stories to illustrate timeless lessons from the book of James. Each chapter offers practical advice, challenges readers to determine which dog they are most like, and encourages everyone to be better today. Better friends. Better people. Better followers of God.
Interview with John J. Murray Jr.
Hello. My name is John. I am married to my wife, Lana and we have a sixty-pound boxer named Chloe. She is like a daughter to us. I have been an attorney for over eighteen years. During this time, I have handled many litigation cases and have seen people at their best and their worst. I now teach law classes at Alvin Community College and run the paralegal program there. I am also completing a Master of Law (LL.M) degree in dispute resolution with Pepperdine University. In 2021, I won the League of Innovation Excellence Award for leadership and teaching.
Book Genre: Better Than Our Dogs (inspirational, self-improvement), Man Na (devotional, inspirational)
Better Than Our Dogs is a book that takes life lessons from the book of James and makes them approachable through dog stories. When people are asked, “What are the characteristics of a good dog?” they easily respond: obedience, loyalty, loving, caring, follows its master, doesn’t bark out of turn, doesn’t bite.” When these qualities are turned to our walk with God, a light bulb goes off with many. We expect more from our dogs than we offer to God as His followers. Better Than Our Dogs won the Grand Prize in the Christian Author Awards (Fall 2020) and rose to #2 for Christian Education on Amazon behind Max Lucado.
Man Na was just released in October and became a best-seller in its first week. Man Na is a new type of daily devotional. Rather than just read a passage each morning or night, Man Na gives a weekly message and then challenges readers to be salt for others with Daily Bread entries throughout the week based on the message. By serving others we can get lasting fulfillment and create positive change in our lives. It is not preachy or judgmental. Instead, I try to use personal stories and humor to let readers know I am also in the fight with them.
I do not sleep a lot. Ideas often come to meet late and night and I get up and write them or grab my phone and make notes. If I wait until the morning, all of my grand revelations disappear!
As far as authors go, Malcolm Gladwell inspires me with every book he writes. He has a way of storytelling that captures readers and teaches them to think in new ways. I also really love Mitch Albom books. The emotion he packs into his short and concise books is something to emulate. The book, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie has been on my mind a lot lately.
Aside from books, we are so lucky today to have access to great sermons and messages at our disposal. Chris Brown from North Coast Church is an amazing storyteller. Joel Osteen’s positivity is inspiring. Robert Madu’s passion is hard to ignore. Billy Graham’s wisdom. Rick Warren’s down-to-Earth guidance. Francis Chan’s commitment. The list goes on and on. These individuals make me better every day.
While I have many more books in my head, I honored to be under contract with Aspen Publishing to write an Introduction to Law textbook. It is an amazing opportunity to learn to write in a whole new way.
My website is www.jmurrayjr.com.
Oh, where to start…there is so much more that goes into writing a good book than just writing the book. There is time away from family. There is a financial and time investment. There are revisions. There are editors. There are publicists and marketing companies. There is networking and social media.
I’m not trying to discourage anyone. I’m just trying to show new authors the reality. There are many great books that struggle to find readers. There are many great stories that do not have a great editor to catch mistakes. If you want to write a book, be ready to go all in and then work hard to promote it.
My dad used to tell me, “You’re the best, but there is always someone better.” That statement has driven me my whole life. I have always tried to be the best at everything I do. However, I never stop working or get complacent. I’m always aware that there is someone else out there who is better than me. It gave me confidence, but also tried to make me humble in all things.
The Bible
How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie (3rd time through!)
Well, I need to finish writing the textbook I’m working on and then see where God takes me next. He usually has a way of pushing one idea in my mind to the surface as the one to write about next. I’ll wait for that sign.
The Bible – no doubt about it!
The Army Manual for survival techniques – seems like a good idea!
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand – what an amazing story of courage and overcoming incredible odds. This would come in handy during those times of doubt on a deserted island.
About the Author
John J. Murray Jr. is the award-winning author of Better Than Our Dogs. He leads Bible study groups with members from across the country. After leaving private practice as an attorney, John won the League for Innovation in the Community College Excellence Award as the Paralegal Program Director and law instructor at Alvin Community College. He lives in Texas with his wife, Lana, and their dog, Chloe.
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