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Woodrow Lucas is a man on fire. And he refuses to stop, drop and roll. Instead, Lucas moves at lightning speed fanning flames that enlighten everyone he meets. Fueled by faith, friends and family, Lucas's passion is to help the afflicted by reflecting his unique gifts of wisdom and grace.

But as Lucas writes in his new book, "Insane Joy", such perspicacious wisdom comes with a cost, and can only exist through the refining intensity of the fire of trials and tribulation recalling the ancient text, "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction." An African-American writer diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, Lucas has surmounted incredible odds despite bouts of paranoia and suicidal ideation. Since writing the book, Lucas has graduated from business and divinity school programs and has started a NAMI affiliate on his campus to help others in need. Remembering the old adage, "To whom much is given, much is expected," one can't help to be amazed by the miraculous few who manage to give much despite their affliction.

Lucas asks the question at the end, "After reading my story... do you think I'm lazy, incompetent, or simply misunderstood?" Interesting question. And it is a familiar refrain sung by many of the 57 million Americans without written stories that silently live with mental illness. After reading an eloquent, first person account, one understands that mental illness is a real, debilitating disease that is simply misunderstood by most of our society.

"Insane Joy" is ultimately a book about trial, faith and hope. Its a war-cry for those struggling under the weight of mental illness. Trials of the mind will refine the soul, and a man's body is the battleground. But recovery is possible, and once refined through the furnace of affliction, Lucas believes it is time to fight back, fire with fire.

- Jace Freeman