With My Eyes Wide Open, by Brian “Head” Welch

Brian “Head” Welch is not your stereotypical Christian. He has facial tattoos, dreadlocks, and plays guitar in the heavy metal band KoRn. Yet, this passionate follower of Jesus Christ has been to hell and back and has leaned on his beloved Savior throughout financial catastrophes, betrayal, and a daughter committing self-harm, only to come full circle and re-join the band that he once quit in order to save himself and his daughter.

In this poignant and refreshingly honest memoir, Welch isn’t about to pull any punches. He tells a story that is difficult, sometimes comical, and, most importantly, real, and comes through at the end as a beacon of hope for those who feel there is no saving them and that they aren’t worth being saved in the first place.

I received this book on a Wednesday and had already finished it by Thursday, despite the fact that I have ten children running around the house, because I couldn’t put it down. Welch’s neverending and sometimes raw faith in Jesus Christ is something to behold. Having been through things which don’t even compare to the intensity of what this gentleman suffered, I find myself ashamed that I didn’t always have the total faith in God’s control like I should have- like he did have. 

After I finished the book, I set it down on the table and, with tears in my eyes, took my devotional off the bookshelf, dusted it off, and got down on my knees, praying for forgiveness for neglecting my own relationship with Jesus. The faith of this rock star made this stereotypical Christian take a second look at my dedication to my Lord and Savior.

I fervently recommend this book to anyone- believer or unbeliever. This book has the potential to be life-changing. I am a testament to that fact.

 

(Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”)