If you're new to this blog

I'm so glad you are here. 

If you heard my book advertisement on jamthehype.com or wadeoradio.com - or if you just stumbled this way - thanks for stopping by. 

So ...  A little about me.  I grew up in a hoops-loving,  hip-hop fanatic in a small city in Virginia. My life has been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Now I'm trying to figure out what it looks like to live, do marriage, parent, work and engage culture in the light of the gospel. 

The wife, kids and I helping to run a Young Life camp in the Bahamas 

I lead Young Life at my old high school, Robert E. Lee in Staunton, Va, and I am a freelance writer and author of the book You're Grounded. 

I like to blog about how the gospel impacts culture issues. This blog is  meant to be interactive. I write a little something, but it's only supposed to be a jump-off point for conversations.  I would love to hear your thoughts even as I share mine. 

Here are three of my favorite old blog posts... 

Fake Jordans, Real Life  

What if Ja Rule came to your church? 

How Blake Griffin's Nike Ad got the gospel right 

I look forward to engaging with you soon. 

Placing Paperbacks in Prison Populations: Please Help Me!

Note: Please watch the 3-minute video before reading this blog.

My prayer is that two types of people would read this blog: 

• people who love someone who is incarcerated (juvenile or an adult correctional facility)
• people who would love to help someone (or the family of someone) who is incarcerated

If you fit in either category, keep reading! 

First, if you love someone currently incarcerated, I fall into that category, too.  Many times over. Whether it's being a friend, a family member or a mentor of young people, the sad reality is that many people I love are currently incarcerated. 

If that's your situation, there are two things I'd like you to do. 

1. Write down the name and current address of the person if you think they would like a copy of a book I wrote called, You're Grounded (you can learn more about the book with this video or this Web Site).  

Send me the address info by replying to this blog or by e-mail (lassiterfam7@gmail.com). You can google Virginia Inmate locator or Federal inmate locator if you need help finding the mailing information.  

2. Share this blog with friends you know who are in the same situation. 

If you clicked here because you wanted to help, here's what I'd ask you to do. For anyone individual, business, ministry, group, church, etc. that would be willing to help, contact me by responding to this blog or by e-mail (lassiterfam7@gmail.com) and I will pair you up with people who wrote in and requested a book for a loved one. The books have to come directly from the publishing company, and you can order directly from www.shopmoodypublishers.com 

So far, I've heard back from four of my friends who have read the book in a correctional facility. All of them seemed grateful for the book and also passed the book on to friends within the facility. I'd love to hear 400 stories like that, but I need your help to do it. 

Three Reasons I'm hyped for my first book signings

Dreams do come true!

Since the time I've started writing professionally, I've wanted to write a book. Not only did I write a book, but Moody Publishing actually published my first book,  You're Grounded, in July.   

Now I'm holding a pair of book signings. The first will be at 10 a.m. at Danny Moats' barber shop the morning on Sat., Dec., 28.  The second will be Monday night, Dec. 30,  at the Robert E. Lee High School boys' and girls' double-header basketball game. 

Here are the three reasons why I am so excited about the signings. 

1. Because of where I'm signing the books.

The two locations of the two book signings, the Paul Hatcher Gymnasium and Danny Moats' Barber Shop, have both played pivotal roles in my life.

Moats has been my barber for 20 years, and the shop holds a special place in my heart. Even though there are constant jokes about how lumpy my head is, that barber shop is home to me.

Additionally, being part of the Fighting Leemen basketball fraternity was a big deal to me. The city of Staunton has a rich high school basketball tradition, and I was lucky enough to have a small chapter in that history. 

It's a coming full circle of sorts as I achieve one dream (a book signing) so close to where I spent so many nights chasing other dreams (a state championship and a college basketball scholarship). 

 Additionally,  I still volunteer at the school every day through a ministry called Young Life, and I have a great love for the students at that school. I couldn't choose two more appropriate places. 


2. Because of the subject matter of the book.

 "The Greatest Story Every Told is rarely ever told!" 



It was a very long time before I heard Jesus explained in a way that made sense to me. But once it made sense to me, it was the greatest thing I've ever heard (Watch this powerful 4-minute video above to grasp what I mean).

 Now that someone took the time to explain it to me in a way that made sense, I want to take the time to explain the gospel to others in a way that makes sense.

 3. Just Because ... If you know me well, you know I'm a people person, and I could talk to anybody for hours. And just like my family, anything good that happens in my life, I want to share it. I'm excited that I accomplished one of my life goals, and I hope to get to see all my friends and family at one of the two dates. 

I write these blogs as conversation starters. Becoming an author was one of my dreams. What is one of your dreams?

Chris Lassiter is a Christ-follower, a husband to Emily (visit her blog here) and a father to five wild, crazy and lovable kids, a former sports journalist for 15 years and a freelance writer. The Cross Promotion Blog gets updated twice a week. Please considering following by clicking "Join This Site" at the bottom of the page.