Highlighting twenty-one people throughout history, Lawson demonstrates how people from various walks of life have faced their challenges. Men and women, the famous and the obscure, biblical, historical, and contemporary characters-ùall come under Lawson's scrutiny. Some, such as Joseph of the Old Testament, Gert Behanna of the last century, and Lord John Profumo, who died in 2006, rise to the challenge with fierce determination. Many, such as Charles Lindberg, stumble along the way. And a few, including Ira Hayes of Iwo Jima fame and Captain Charles McVay of the USS Indianapolis, both heroes by all accounts, let later setbacks overwhelm them. Thoroughly researched, Reclaiming Lives reveals the complexity of the human spirit. Despite circumstances of one's birth, no outcome is certain, and few roads follow a straight path. Each of Lawson's incredible stories gives a clear picture that, rather than our circumstances defining us, how we react to those events or obstacles determines the essence of our character.

In Reclaiming Lives, Lawson subdy asks a simple question: How will we handle adversity? Will we follow those who tried and failed? Or will we learn from the others, honoring what is best within us, and create a masterpiece from the shards of adversity? Book jacket. Die and his wife of forty-six years, Phyllis, live in the Seattle area. They have four children and five grandchildren. Over the years, the Lawsons have hosted many international students and refugees in their Seattle home and continue to maintain a keen interest in international affairs. Book jacket.