About Hal

10 years a minister
6 years a businessman
30 years a lawyer
Diagnosed bipolar in 1963

About Hal Haralson, a Texas Author, Speaker and Storyteller

Hal's Horse and His Secret Identity: Cowboy

Hal Haralson, master Texas storyteller, author and speaker, is a frequent contributor to Christian Ethics Today and has been a practicing attorney for more than 30 years. After a time of Army service and ten years as a Baptist preacher, Hal struggled through serious depression, a suicide attempt, and after three months in the State Hospital and shock treatments, was eventually diagnosed as manic-depressive (bipolar). As he says, he had to find a profession where they didn't mind if he was mentally ill, and through God's grace, became an attorney. In the many years since, Hal has worked to break down the stigma attached to mental illness. The National Mental Health Association awarded Hal the Clifford Bears Award, and he has also received the Dole Foundation award for his work with the mentally ill. He graduated from Hardin-Simmons University with a Bachelor's degree in history and minor in Bible in 1957. Hal also holds a law degree from the University of Texas at Austin (1971).

About Gentle Mercies, Stories of Faith in Faded Blue Jeans

Hal Haralson has delivered a powerful collection of stories from his life, ministry and over 30 years of law practice in Gentle Mercies. "Ordinary life lived in an extraordinary manner" is the essence of this compelling first book by Haralson. He openly chronicles God's work in the many trials and challenges he has faced through years as a pastor, businessman and practicing attorney. Readers will benefit from his honesty and wisdom in areas such as dealing with a "call" to (and from) ministry, dealing with mental illness, family, expressing love, dealing with bad habits, forgiveness, friendship, humor and much more.

Jimmy R. Allen, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, has this to say about Gentle Mercies: "Along the way we are introduced to cowboys struggling toward belief, bag ladies leaving fortunes for mental patients, bankers hearing voices, and pickup trucks taking on personalities of their own. (This) is a must read for folks eager to stay in touch with the reality of authentic faith in an increasingly virtual-reality world." Foy Valentine, founding editor of Christian Ethics Today, says "Here is stardust in boots and jeans. From the overflow of a richly eventful lifetime, Haralson's writing is profoundly human--wise, warm, tender, earthy, insightful, honest, gloriously authentic, and deeply spiritual."

©2004 by Hal Haralson, all rights reserved. Stories may be reproduced with proper attribution. For permission, contact hal@gentlemercies.com