Jesus Shines Through - by Phillip Cohen (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"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