One of my favorite compliments I ever received came from a fellow pastor. When commenting on our conversation, he said, “You remind me of Bob Goff.” I greatly respected the man as a speaker, leader, and author, and while I don’t believe we’re in the same league, I appreciated the statement.
Upon listening to and reading Bob Goff over the years, I appreciate his humility and wisdom, his willingness to try new things and let them fail. I even got to meet Bob at an event in the Dallas/Fort Worth area a few years ago. He was personable and friendly, and we had a great, quick conversation.
What makes Bob Goff so unique in person and to packed crowds of people?
How Did Bob Goff Become an Author and Speaker?
Goff’s journey began with a realization his life needed redirection.
Bob grew up in San Francisco and eventually became a lawyer. Along the way, he married his wife, Maria, and he worked in complex construction defect cases and recovered just under 500 million dollars for his clients over the years. While on a trip to Uganda during its civil war, he witnessed many children being displaced and without any hope for education. He began schools to help these kids.
As he explains in his book Love Does, a Ugandan Ambassador approached him to be the counsel for Uganda. He felt God was calling him to this new position. “I did what I told sweet Maria I’d do every time he asked me to do something. I said yes.” Through this pivotal moment, he experienced how God has a way of breaking people down to make them more useful in the Kingdom. Bob sought a greater role in serving others and spreading the message of love and compassion.
With a heart full of determination and a desire to make a difference, Goff drew inspiration from his faith, viewing himself as an instrument in God’s hands, ready to be used for his purpose. One of the key factors in Goff’s transition was his willingness to step out of his comfort zone and embrace new challenges. For example, after prosecuting a witch doctor in Uganda for murder and winning, he went a step further and began meeting with other witch doctors to discover what they needed. They answered education, and he developed those programs.
He recognized the importance of taking risks and seizing opportunities, even when they seemed daunting or uncertain. This adventurous spirit led Goff to write his first book, Love Does, in 2012, which would become a bestseller and launch him into the world of authorship.
As an author, Goff found a platform to share his unique perspectives on faith, love, and living a purpose-driven life. His writing resonated with readers around the world, inspiring them to embrace a more adventurous and compassionate approach to living. Goff’s infectious enthusiasm and authentic storytelling style captivated audiences, earning him a reputation as a dynamic and relatable speaker. From the success of his bestselling book, Bob found more opportunities to speak at conferences, and so he finally quit his law career in 2016.
As someone who was able to meet him, he’s much the same in person as when on the stage in front of thousands. This authentic style helped his speaking career to flourish. He embraced speaking engagements as opportunities to connect with people on a personal level, sharing his own experiences and insights with humility and authenticity. Goff’s ability to engage and inspire audiences earned him widespread acclaim and cemented his status as a sought-after speaker in both secular and religious circles.
How Did Bob Goff Start Restore International?
Bob Goff’s journey to founding Restore International, or Restore University, now known as Love Does, began with a deep-seated desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others, particularly in areas of injustice and human rights abuses around the world. Inspired by his faith and fueled by a passion for love and compassion, Goff embarked on a mission to bring hope and restoration to those in need.
Restore International was founded in 2003 with a vision to confront injustice and oppression through love in action. The organization’s name was later changed to Love Does to reflect better its mission of putting love into action.
The purpose of Love Does is to bring about transformative change by engaging in practical acts of love and kindness that address pressing social issues. The organization's mission is multifaceted, encompassing initiatives aimed at combatting human trafficking, providing education and opportunity for vulnerable children, and advocating for human rights and justice around the world.
One of the key initiatives of Love Does is its efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitation. Through partnerships with local organizations and law enforcement agencies, Love Does works to rescue victims of human trafficking, provide them with support and rehabilitation services, and prosecute perpetrators.
Another core focus of Love Does is its commitment to education and empowerment for children in vulnerable communities. The organization operates schools and educational programs in countries such as Uganda, Iraq, and Nepal, providing children with access to quality education, mentorship, and opportunities for personal growth and development. Love Does believes that education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering individuals to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
Additionally, Love Does is actively involved in advocating for human rights and justice on a global scale. The organization works to raise awareness about issues such as child marriage, gender inequality, and religious persecution while also advocating for policy changes and legal reforms to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals.
What Are Bob Goff’s Key Ideas?
At the core of Bob Goff’s message is the transformative power of love. He emphasizes the importance of loving others unconditionally, extravagantly, and without reservation. Goff often speaks about the practical implications of love in everyday life, encouraging individuals to express love through acts of kindness, compassion, and generosity.
Love requires extending grace and forgiveness to oneself and others, especially difficult people. He encourages individuals to let go of past mistakes and failures, embracing a mindset of grace and second chances.
He advocates for embracing a life of whimsy—a lifestyle characterized by spontaneity, adventure, and childlike wonder. Bob encourages individuals to approach life with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to take bold risks and pursue their dreams. Even as an older man, when most people would be retired, he takes on new ideas and challenges.
This connects with living courageously and stepping outside of comfort zones to pursue growth and opportunities. He encourages individuals to overcome fears and insecurities, taking bold steps toward their goals and aspirations. He tells us to not only try new things but also need to learn how to quit the right things, too.
As I experienced, Bob lives and emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in relationships and personal growth. He encourages individuals to be honest and transparent about their struggles, fears, and imperfections, fostering deeper connections and genuine community.
Goff challenges individuals to live lives of purpose and significance, guided by their passions, values, and convictions. He encourages people to identify their unique gifts and talents and use them to make a positive impact in the world.
Christian love, doctrine, and theology have meaning in action, and Goff is known for taking action and turning ideas into reality. He encourages individuals to move beyond passive intentionality and actively engage in making a difference in the world through tangible acts of love and service.
Goff’s message and demeanor are infused with joy and optimism, even amid difficult circumstances. He encourages individuals to cultivate gratitude, celebrate life’s simple pleasures, and approach each day with a spirit of joy and enthusiasm.
Goff emphasizes the importance of community and relationships in the Christian life. He encourages individuals to surround themselves with supportive and encouraging people who will uplift and inspire them on their journey of faith and personal growth.
In an interview with Donald Miller on the Business Made Simple podcast, Goff explained how he set up a house in Washington, DC, and invited Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, to sit down and relate to each other. Goff believed this relationship would at least partly heal the political divide in the US. Despite its failure, this is another example of creative ideas and his faith in the power of relationships and community.
To 5 Bob Goff Books
Bob Goff has authored several impactful books that resonate with readers worldwide, each offering unique insights and practical wisdom on living a life of love, purpose, and adventure. Here are the top Bob Goff books:
- Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World. In this bestselling book, Bob Goff shares captivating stories and profound truths about the power of love in action. Through whimsical anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, Goff inspires readers to embrace a life of love, joy, and adventure, showing how simple acts of kindness can transform lives and change the world.
- Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People. In this follow-up to Love Does, Bob Goff explores the radical concept of loving everybody, always. With humor, humility, and profound insight, Goff challenges readers to extend grace, compassion, and kindness to everyone they encounter, even in the face of adversity and opposition.
- Dream Big: Know What You Want, Why You Want It, and What You’re Going to Do About It. In Dream Big, Bob Goff shares practical advice and inspirational stories to help readers discover their passions, pursue their dreams, and live with purpose. With his trademark humor and enthusiasm, Goff encourages readers to identify their God-given dreams and take bold steps toward making them a reality.
- Live in Grace, Walk in Love: A 365-Day Journey. In this devotional book, Bob Goff offers daily reflections and practical insights on living a life of grace and love. With scripture verses, heartfelt prayers, and thought-provoking prompts, Goff invites readers to cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s grace and a greater capacity to love others unconditionally.
- Dream Big for Kids: A True Story of Courage and Adventure. Geared towards younger readers, Dream Big for Kids shares the inspiring true story of Bob Goff’s childhood dreams and adventures. Through engaging storytelling and colorful illustrations, Goff encourages children to dream big, overcome obstacles, and embrace a life of courage, creativity, and compassion.
These top Bob Goff books offer readers a wealth of inspiration, encouragement, and practical guidance for living a life filled with love, purpose, and adventure. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of God’s love, pursue your dreams with boldness, or cultivate a heart of grace and compassion, I highly recommend Goff’s books to inspire and uplift you.
Photo Credit: Sgt. Melissa Marnell, released into the public domain
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