Early readers on Steve Wilson’s story, and what it asks of anyone who leads, builds, gives, or leaves something behind.
“The Bible is full of people’s stories, and we are invited to add our life stories to God’s greater and unfolding story. Open Hands is a great addition to God-inspired stories—the story of Steve Wilson, who is guided by a calling to an integrated life.
“There are many lessons to be learned here: about growing businesses, making an impact, generosity, global engagement, and finishing well. But this is about more than solving problems or building businesses. It is about people—meeting needs, building relationships, and being present. I commend this book to everyone who wants the Sunday talk to become a Monday walk.”
— Mats Tunehag, Chairman, BAM Global
“I have known Steve Wilson for a long time—first through FCCI, then as an original member of the Bradenton C12 Group. He helped me when I needed help. He edited A Light Shines Bright in Babylon. Without his help that book would never have been written. This book matters because Steve did not separate the prayer meeting from the construction site, or the balance sheet from the poor. Read it slowly. Then ask what it would look like to hold your business, your money, and your influence with open hands.”
— Buck Jacobs, Founder, C12
“Chris McDaniel’s book, Open Hands, is a beautifully honest testament to what happens when faith and leadership collide. Steve Wilson’s story makes clear there is no divide between the sacred and the secular, offering a powerful blueprint for a life of total surrender. With refreshing transparency, it challenges Christian leaders to hold their work, families, and resources with open hands. An inspiring, must-read guide for anyone seeking to live a fully integrated faith.”
— Tami Heim, President and CEO, Christian Leadership Alliance
“Steve’s compelling and winsome story galvanizes you around the disturbing simplicity of what it would mean to truly live with ‘Open Hands.’ It galvanizes you with candor, a pilgrim’s story of life, entrepreneurship, stewardship and faith. It’s an uncommon story and yet truly possible for any common person who will risk open hands and exchange a life of fear and control for faith and impact!”
— Mike Sharrow, CEO, C12 Business Forums
“This story is a marvelous real-life example of a faithful follower of Christ who has given himself fully to Christ, understands that God is the owner of all, that we are to be stewards/managers of what God provides and that we will be held accountable in heaven for how open-handed we are here on earth. May more Christian believers become open-handed and as a result more generous from this example.”
— Wesley K. Willmer, Ph.D., author/editor of Revolution in Generosity, God and Your Stuff, and Stuff and Soul
“Open Hands offers a refreshing and practical vision of biblical stewardship. Steve Wilson’s story demonstrates that generosity is more than a financial decision. It is a posture of trust that touches our work, relationships, influence, and legacy. Honest, inspiring, and grounded in real-life experience, this book invites readers to give while living, lead without clinging, and remain available to God in every season.”
— Denise Craig, CEO, The Church Network
“Stewardship, generosity, open hands. All words that describe a journey with the Creator of all. This journey story is a learning read for all of us who reflect on our lives and how God intersects along the way. I heartily recommend this book. Enjoy.”
— Dr. John R. Frank, author of The Ministry of Development and Stewardship as a Lifestyle