The New York Times bestselling author of “Love Does” and “Everybody Always” will speak at 7 p.m. Monday at the Ford Center.
Bob Goff, an author and philanthropist, practiced law for 25 years until he found his real calling in life. He became the honorary consul to Uganda and gave up his law practice to pursue speaking and writing.
Goff is the founder of the nonprofit organization Love Does (formerly known as Restore International), which has fought for human rights and education for young students in Uganda, India, Nepal, Iraq and Somalia for more than 15 years. Love Does allows for donors to support a child by paying for its education and food.
Goff’s message of inspiration and hope has affected people of all ages, including many Ole Miss students, such as junior nursing major Anna Catherine Bouthillier. Her favorite quote of Goff’s is: “I used to think God guided us by opening and closing doors, but now I know sometimes God wants us to kick some doors down.”
“I think (this quote) is a great reminder that not all obstacles are meant to redirect us but instead challenge us for (God’s) purpose,” Bouthillier said.
Freshman Grayson Hughes said Goff is known for quotes like these.
“He writes things that stick,” Hughes said. “I remember quotes that he writes or says, and they are all over peoples lock screens on phones or painted on canvases. He is straight to the point and honest.”
All proceeds from Goff’s first book, “Love Does,” go to its namesake organization in hopes that everyone who buys a book feels like they had a small part in changing the lives of children across the globe.
“I have read all of his books, and I can’t wait for many more to come out,” freshman elementary education major Anne Daniel Embry said. “He is such an inspiration, and his books have made such an impact on my life in the way of thinking positively. I know many people feel that same way.”
Along with donating the proceeds of “Love Does,” Goff has also started the Love Does cycling tour through parts of California to raise money for Love Does and provide scholarships, textbooks, uniforms, facilities and medical care for students.
Goff now lives in California, but he and his wife travel all around speaking at conferences and sharing their story.
“My favorite thing about Bob Goff is his genuine nature,” Embry said. “He laughs when he talks, and he cries when he talks. He is purely human. He doesn’t try to be anyone he isn’t, and he just speaks right from the heart. I don’t think many people can come off as real as him.”
