Book Review: Crossing the Goal by Danny Abramowicz

Crossing the Goal: A Saint Goes Marching On by Danny Abramowicz

Danny Abramowicz grew up in 1940s and 1950s Steubenville, Ohio. The Catholic culture was strong in his life though he didn't really develop in his faith. He loved sports and had some talent, leading from college to a position with the new expansion team the New Orleans Saints. He was a star player with a wife and children, living the good life in New Orleans. That life included the celebrity lifestyle of a star player, which isn't so compatible with home life or faith life. He had eight years on the team, then several years as a football radio commentator. The lifestyle finally caught up with him one morning in 1981 when he realized he was an alcoholic. His life was only going well on the outside. He called a priest friend and joined a local Alcoholics Anonymous group. He began recovering his life, going to church on more than Sundays. He recognized the importance of small groups sharing their faith. He felt the call to organize men's groups, starting with twelve guys at his home and eventually growing into a ministry called Crossing the Goal. In that ministry, men are called to deeper holiness and a personal relationship with Jesus through Spiritual Fitness Workouts. He traveled across the country, taking various jobs in coaching and business, always looking for what the Lord wanted him to do. He continues on to this day, living in Chicago where he helps raise his grandchildren and continues working on men's ministry through local work and Crossing the Goal.

The book is an autobiography as spiritual journey, showing the dark times of his early career success and his eventual turn to Faith. His life became dedicated not only to the Lord, but to his family and his vocation to help others come closer to Jesus. Abramowicz gives a great example of trusting in the Lord even in hard times. The writing is down to earth and moves along fairly quickly. I would have liked a little more depth (the book is 111 pages) but did draw inspiration from his story. He briefly reviews his spiritual inventory and spiritual fitness plan. The book ends with a chapter by his wife briefly reviewing their life together and giving a witness of encouragement.

Recommended for a quick and inspiring but not deep read.