Gregg M. Shiver Sr. – Biography

Gregg M. Shiver Sr. is a community advocate, author, and mentor based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Born in Oakland, California on March 27, 1974, Gregg’s early life was shaped by the cultural crossroads of his biracial identity and a turbulent family dynamic. Raised in a religious but unstable household, he experienced poverty, frequent moves, and deep disillusionment with faith during his formative years.

At age 13, Gregg turned away from the church and became entrenched in street life—joining a gang, selling drugs, and surviving violent environments from California to Camden, New Jersey. His young adult years were marked by incarceration, addiction, and personal hardship. Yet amid these trials, Gregg became a husband and father of three, including a daughter with severe disabilities whose strength helped inspire his own. In 2002, after being sentenced to five years in prison, Gregg experienced a transformative turning point.

Upon his release in 2007, he recommitted to God and to rebuilding his family. For nearly a decade, he maintained sobriety and custody of his son. Though he later faced relapse, a diagnosis of epilepsy, the collapse of his marriage, and a battle with head and neck cancer in 2024, Gregg continues to stand firm in his faith and purpose. Today, Gregg channels his experiences into service.

He is an active member of Round Table Revival, a nonprofit helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society, and volunteers with Tandem, mentoring at-risk youth. Through these organizations, Gregg offers guidance rooted in empathy, resilience, and a deep belief in second chances.

He is also the author of So Where Was God? A Spiritual Journey With God, a memoir that shares his powerful testimony of redemption and encourages others to recognize God’s presence—even in life’s darkest hours. Gregg's life and work reflect the heart of a man who has walked the road of hardship and now chooses to walk the road of hope, one step at a time.

The Book

Embark on a Spiritual Journey. This is where Gregg's journey begins. Get to know the brand-new author and his spiritual connection with God. Explore the books and spiritual insights Gregg has to offer and how they can inspire your soul.

This memoir chronicles a deeply personal journey of struggle, faith, redemption, and perseverance through numerous life challenges, including poverty, crime, addiction, mental illness, and serious health issues.

Throughout the memoir, the author interweaves scripture passages that reflect key themes such as God’s love, mercy, strength, and presence during hardship. These passages serve as spiritual anchors and invitations for reflection, emphasizing that despite human frailty, God’s grace offers redemption and hope. This narrative offers a raw and honest portrayal of a life marked by struggle but also by resilience and faith. It encourages readers to reflect on their own spiritual journeys and to find strength in God’s unwavering presence, even in the darkest moments.

Central Theme

The central theme of the book is Greggs lifelong search for God's presence during times of hardship, addiction, loss, and recovery. Through personal stories, reflections, and scripture, the author explores how faith, redemption, and God's unwavering love can be found even in the darkest moments. The narrative emphasizes that when we feel abandoned, it is often we who have turned away, not God, and that God is always present, ready to carry us through our struggles.

Addiction and relapse are recurring struggles throughout Gregg's life, leading to criminal activity, imprisonment, and deep personal despair. These experiences often caused him to question God's existence and his own worthiness. However, each relapse and subsequent recovery became an opportunity for spiritual reflection, repentance, and a renewed commitment to faith.