Carla's Book Crush

WHY NOT YOU? by Ed Newton
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: November 11, 2025
Pages: 240
Format: paperback
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God is going to use someone to walk in purpose, meaning, destiny and anointing. So why not you? You can operate in your God-given abilities when you operate out of your God-given identity.

There is a very human tendency to believe the best for others and the worst for ourselves. To believe that someone else can operate in their full potential, while we settle to exist in our scraps of talent and personal limitations. But what if we could identify these lies for what they are and learn to take hold of the life God has actually called us to?

When Ed Newton was ten years old, a woman at McDonald’s prophesied over him that God was going to use him in a great way. Ed, who was eating lunch with his deaf parents, didn’t even have a relationship with the Lord at the time. He had no idea that the story that God was writing would one day be something he’d feel compelled to share with others.

Ed has walked the road of biblical identity and is now inviting others to do the same. Why Not You? is filled with his stories of growing up as a child of deaf parents (CODA) as well as other life experiences. Ed shows how the truth of God’s Word can cut through the web of self-doubt so many followers of Christ struggle with and show them who God created them to be. This book will help readers:

* battle through negative self-talk, doubts, and insecurities;
* retrain their minds to view themselves from God’s perspective;
* see their setbacks as setups for success;
* stop questioning their gifts and talents and start living in them.

Backed with Scripture and a raw look at his journey from childhood until a miraculous, spiritual encounter with the Lord in early 2024, Ed shows readers that it’s not only possible for God to use them, but that God wants to use them. Each chapter challenges readers to confidently walk in the calling and identity God has placed on their lives.

Why Not You? asks the reader to look past insecurities and mistrust of God. It encourages you to really think about why you should be the one to [insert calling here]. Full of memorable quotes, the book really captures your attention. It engrosses you as you examine how God is at work in your life and how you must not miss or ignore the calling He has given you.

For me, a nonfiction book must be full of takeaways, which Why Not You? has. However, it lacks clear, concise implementation steps. This is in line with Dr. Newton’s claim that “This is not a self-help…book” (186). What is missing from the quote is that he also states that this is not a motivational book, with which I disagree. This book compels you to take action. It encourages you to focus on what God has given you as a calling and not ignore it. You are urged to live a life that honors God and to be faithful to Him.

The most powerful things that I gained from “Why Not You?“:

• Don’t fake it until you make it. This is a worldly view and keeps you from being your most authentic self. The way God made you. “Being yourself is simple in concept but can be difficult to carry out. This means in every setting, in every group of people you are around, whether at church, the ballpark, school, the office, at home, or at dinner, you are the same person” (62). This is in the chapter on impostor syndrome. Even if that were the only chapter you read, or took something away from, it would make it well worth the time you spent reading the book.
• Break your patterns (chapter 10). If something is bothering you, you need to break those patterns. If you are not honoring God, you need to make changes. If you feel like you can’t be yourself in every setting, you must address it. Dr. Newton talks about the difference between emotions and feelings. The way he weaves this together with the desire to become a new person in and through God really resonates. As he works through examples, he states “But you don’t allow these feelings to dictate your response; instead, you learn to control your emotions to respond in a way that is pleasing to God” (108).

While written from his own experiences and personal transformation, Dr. Newton provides strong biblical illustrations, quotes, and lessons. It’s full of quotes from biblical teachers that you may be familiar with such as Max Lucado (who also wrote the foreword), C.S. Lewis, and John Maxwell. Plus he quotes The Bangles in Chapter 1 so how could you not love the book?

If you enjoy books based on life experience that result in real and lasting change, books where you can learn from the example of someone else, or books that focus on the glory of God, then Why Not You? is a must-read.

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About the Author

Born in North Carolina, but raised primarily in Florida, Dr. Ed Newton graduated from Clearwater Christian College and holds multiple graduate degrees in religious education, as well as a Doctorate in pulpit education and expository preaching from Memphis Mid- America Baptist Theological Seminary. Ed has been the lead pastor of Community Bible Church since 2016. He has authored several books, the most recent being an evangelism resource titled My 8: Embrace and Engage in the Wonder of Evangelism that dives into practical methods of sharing the Good News of Jesus with others.

Ed lives in San Antonio with his wife, Stephanie, and their four children: London, Lola, Liv, and Lawson. He enjoys skateboarding, basketball and running, as well as exploring the culture of his beloved San Antonio in his spare time.

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