Witness to Dignity

The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush

By: Russell Levenson Jr., Jeb Bush - foreword

Narrated by: Russell Levenson Jr., Gary Sinise

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

This is the untold intimate and eye-witness account of the character, integrity, service, faith, and dignity of former President George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush by their priest, pastor, and friend.

George and Barbara Bush belonged to and were active members of a Houston church for more than 50 years. The rector of that church, Reverend Russell Jones Levenson, Jr., believes he was invited into private moments with these public individuals so he could serve as a witness: a witness to observe, and a witness to tell.

With never-before shared correspondence, experiences, and personal stories, Levenson offers new insight into the Bushes’ wit and wisdom; their commitment to family and friends; their tireless desire to bless the lives of others; and their steadfast loyalty to their church, their faith, and their God. Before embarking on writing this book on faith, Levenson sought and received the blessing of all the Bush children, including the 43rd president.

Listeners will laugh, cry, and be inspired as Levenson ponders how and why he was put in this unique pastoral position, asking questions like, “What on earth was I doing reading the sports section of the paper with the forty-first president, his cabinet member Brent Scowcroft, and a Chinese official on a breezy morning at Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport, Maine?”

Levenson writes with emotion about being with President Bush and Barbara Bush as they each took their last breaths on this earth. He then describes in full detail the surreal experience of planning a state funeral and giving a eulogy with other presidents in the front row.

This is book is for listeners who yearn for our public officials to serve with faith and integrity like the Bushes. But above all else, this book shows how powerful it is when world leaders are humbled before the power that rests above all powers.

©2022 Russell Levenson, Jr. (P)2022 Center Street

Critic reviews

“Reverend Levenson was a dear friend and spiritual mentor to both my beloved grandparents. His stories of friendship will fill you with hope and inspire grace.”—Jenna Bush Hager, Co-Host, NBC News’ TODAY with Hoda & Jenna

"I had the pleasure of knowing President George H.W. Bush and the wonderful former first lady Barbara Bush. But nowhere near as well as my friend Reverend Dr Russell Levenson. In reading Witness to Dignity, I know you will enjoy getting to know them through the eyes and heart of their devoted pastor and friend.”—Gary Sinise, Actor and Chairman of the Gary Sinise Foundation

"We can never adequately thank Russ for his tireless efforts to minister to our parents when they needed it–and him–most. He was so incredibly generous with his time, and compassion, and as you will discover in the pages that follow he came to have a very close and special relationship with my parents."—Jeb Bush, Second Son of President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, 43rd Governor of Florida

TO KNOW a Leader

Thank you Rev. Levinson for pulling back the curtain on a leader, a dad, a Jesus follower and revealing to us the motivation of a committed public servant -the goodness of heart, part of the greatest generation and a man deeply committed to the service of others to make change for the betterment of our world! Great appreciation for this book!!

Impactful, heartwarming, & uplifting story

Wonderful story! I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys presidential history, love stories, or has ever wondered about the big issues such as life, death, & life’s purpose. I’m so glad I listened to this; the addition of audio clips is very effective. I only selected 4-stars for performance because there were a (very) few words I couldn’t make out due to author’s subtle accent. Overall, highly recommend to all.

Endearing

Such a beautiful testimony to Jesus and to the Bushes. Thank you, Russ, for sharing your experiences and stories!

Fabulous!

I’ve been a reader all of my adult life (45 years). This is the best book ever

Love this book

Former president Bush had his own effect on practically every regular member of St. Martins in Houston and there’s no better lesson teacher from within George HW Bush’s church than Dr. Levenson. George Bush lived a life devoted to selfless service, from when he was a navy pilot, defenseless near a Japanese island during WWII, until the end.

Inspirational!

This was encouraging, uplifting, directional, and comforting. George H. W. Bush was an outstanding human being! I highly recommend this book to everyone!

A true love story

I have read/ listened to many books about the 41 and Mrs. Bush. I can say Amen! Nothing will top this one. Thank you Rev Levenson for sharing your heart!

A special book

My husband and I really enjoyed getting to know the President and Barbara Bush more intimately through this book. We are members of St Martins and consider it a tremendous blessing to be a part of a church family they loved and cherished for so many years. Thank you, Russ, for sharing this meaningful history and personal testimony with all of us!

Refreshment galore!

This book gives inspiring challenges throughout as to how we really live our lives.
Bravo!

Excellent!!!!

So wonderful! It is not a political book at all! It is a heartfelt story of love, faith, and lives well lived!