What’s all the hubbub about Amish fiction? Major media outlets like Time and ABC Nightline are covering it, and authors like Cindy Woodsmall are making the New York Times bestseller list regularly. What makes these books so interesting?
Check out the recent ABC Nightline piece here (http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=7676659&page=1) about Cindy and her titles When the Heart Cries, When the Morning Comes, and When the Soul Mends. It’s an intriguing look at Amish culture and the time Cindy has spent with Amish friends.
And don’t forget that Cindy’s new book The Hope of Refuge hits store shelves August 11, and is available for preorder now.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Living Rich for Less
I recently picked up Ellie Kay's new book "Living Rich for Less." In our current economy, I was intrigued with the subject. And hey, I'm hoping to save some money in 2009.
With lively humor, proven know-how, and practical principles for financial health, Ellie helps you stretch your dollars to realize the lifestyle of your dreams with simple steps save, spend, and give smart. She even shares tidbits she calls Cha-Ching Factor tips that keep or put money in your pocket.
It's refreshing to read this perspective from someone who's been there. She went, within two and a half years, from being a new wife and mom with $40,000 in consumer debt and seven children (and college educations) to support, to being completely debt-free and having enough to take care of her family and those she cares about.
For a fresh view at a topic that's on all our minds, check out the book here:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=446015&netp_id=570367&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers
Happy saving!
With lively humor, proven know-how, and practical principles for financial health, Ellie helps you stretch your dollars to realize the lifestyle of your dreams with simple steps save, spend, and give smart. She even shares tidbits she calls Cha-Ching Factor tips that keep or put money in your pocket.
It's refreshing to read this perspective from someone who's been there. She went, within two and a half years, from being a new wife and mom with $40,000 in consumer debt and seven children (and college educations) to support, to being completely debt-free and having enough to take care of her family and those she cares about.
For a fresh view at a topic that's on all our minds, check out the book here:
http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=446015&netp_id=570367&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers
Happy saving!
When the Soul Mends
During the winter, I love nothing better than curling up with a good book. Recently, I found Cindy Woodsmall's "When the Soul Mends," the last in a trilogy that chronicles Amish teen Hannah Lapp.
Now when I first started to read it and realized it was the 3rd book, my immediate reaction was to close the cover and figure out how to get my hands on books one and two. And I am so glad I did. Because when I went to start "When the Soul Mends" the second time, I was so anxious to see what happened that I couldn't put it down.
In this book, Hannah's journey comes full circle. She has spent much of the last couple of years in a self-imposed shunning from her family and community, living as an "Englischer" in Ohio. She returns to help her sister through a crisis and to seek some closure. What she finds is that some of the things she's come to believe about herself and those she loves aren't what they seemed. As the truth reveals itself, Hannah finds herself longing for the simplicity of home.
This is absolutely a great way to cozy up in front of the fire, appreciating the simplicity and honesty of this girl's journey, especially in our current times. Enjoy!
Now when I first started to read it and realized it was the 3rd book, my immediate reaction was to close the cover and figure out how to get my hands on books one and two. And I am so glad I did. Because when I went to start "When the Soul Mends" the second time, I was so anxious to see what happened that I couldn't put it down.
In this book, Hannah's journey comes full circle. She has spent much of the last couple of years in a self-imposed shunning from her family and community, living as an "Englischer" in Ohio. She returns to help her sister through a crisis and to seek some closure. What she finds is that some of the things she's come to believe about herself and those she loves aren't what they seemed. As the truth reveals itself, Hannah finds herself longing for the simplicity of home.
This is absolutely a great way to cozy up in front of the fire, appreciating the simplicity and honesty of this girl's journey, especially in our current times. Enjoy!
Only Nuns Change Habits
I recently read the new book by Karen Linamen, Only Nuns Change Habits. It's a cute, tongue-in-cheek read that encourages readers to keep the resolutions they keep at the New Year, and all year round. The book is broken down into chapters, but tying it all together are 52 tips she's offered as tidbits to keep you on track.
This is a great book for someone who needs a refresher in meeting goals. The information isn't new or revolutionary. But let's face it, with as many distractions as we face on a day-to-day basis, we could all use the reminder. And Karen's humor keeps your pages turning.
To check it out for yourself, visit this link:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400074002
Be on your way to a new you for 2009!
This is a great book for someone who needs a refresher in meeting goals. The information isn't new or revolutionary. But let's face it, with as many distractions as we face on a day-to-day basis, we could all use the reminder. And Karen's humor keeps your pages turning.
To check it out for yourself, visit this link:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400074002
Be on your way to a new you for 2009!
Friday, October 17, 2008
The Shape of Mercy
This has been quite a week of reading for me. I was a bit tired when I picked up Susan Meissner's "The Shape of Mercy." I was NOT disappointed.
The book tells the story of Lauren, a rich college student who takes a job transcribing a centuries-old diary. The writer she's bringing to life is a young girl alive during the turmoil of the Salem Witch Trials. As Lauren uncovers the truths long hidden by history, she learns about herself and what it means to stand up for what you believe.
Meissner's style is captivating, drawing you in with a lyric tone that is descriptive without being overly flowery. The story is thought-provoking, and you won't want to put it down.
Add "The Shape of Mercy" to your reading list today. You won't be sorry.
Get a copy at Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400074711
Religious Nostalgia
This week I was excited to dive into a book that chronicles the impact church had on the childhood of a boy growing up on the East Coast.
In "Churched," Matthew Turner talks about the stereotypes and manipulations that he encountered from his church, its parishioners, his parents, etc. I opened it expecting a dialogue similar to that of "Blue Like Jazz." That was a big mistake on my part.
Turner definitely has his finger on the pulse of what a lot of churches practiced back when he was a kid, but he spends so much time there that any nonChristian looking for a reason to skip church on Sunday would have 200+ pages worth. As a kid who was raised in a similar church, I definitely saw some accuracies, but I didn't leave the book feeling like Turner had made his peace with what "happened to" him.
Even though his narrative is rooted in truth, it made me feel hopeless and ashamed to be identified with the church. And I doubt that was his aim.
If you grew up in the church and did sword drills and colored pictures in Sunday School, check out "Churched" for yourself. But if you didn't...especially if you're new to the faith...stay far away.
To find the book for yourself, visit Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400074711
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Rebecca is...
I am intrigued tonight by the status update in my online addiction, Facebook. Some people don't use them, some use them too much, some use them to pay a compliment or earn one... Tonight I am overwhelmed by mine. I want to update it. But every status that is accurate, truthful, reveals WAY too much about how I am actually feeling.
Disappointed. A promise broken.
Beside herself. Distraught that a trust has been compromised.
Lonely. No voice on the line.
Drowning. Overwhelmed by a day's worth of things that didn't get shared.
Where is the familiar? Where is the depended upon? Is it gone for the time being, or should I buck up and wait it out, confident that there are still 42 more minutes before faith should hang its head and raise the white flag?
Boo. This is for the birds.
And still:
Rebecca is...
Disappointed. A promise broken.
Beside herself. Distraught that a trust has been compromised.
Lonely. No voice on the line.
Drowning. Overwhelmed by a day's worth of things that didn't get shared.
Where is the familiar? Where is the depended upon? Is it gone for the time being, or should I buck up and wait it out, confident that there are still 42 more minutes before faith should hang its head and raise the white flag?
Boo. This is for the birds.
And still:
Rebecca is...
Friday, September 26, 2008
an intermission
Looking at my last post, I realized it's been a while since I've written anything that wasn't about a book I was reading.
When I started this blog, it was mainly to process some struggles I was having with where life was and where it was headed. Things were foggy, and somehow, typing them here added some clarity.
In hindsight, there is still some fog, but there is also some sunshine. I can see areas where I have changed and been stretched. It's exciting in some ways...knowing that my faith is still strong, in some ways stronger, but that my world view has been broadened.
There will be more reviews on here, I guarantee it. And hopefully, I'll keep making time for these entries too. But even when I don't, I will still be living in the far country, striving to be like Christ.
When I started this blog, it was mainly to process some struggles I was having with where life was and where it was headed. Things were foggy, and somehow, typing them here added some clarity.
In hindsight, there is still some fog, but there is also some sunshine. I can see areas where I have changed and been stretched. It's exciting in some ways...knowing that my faith is still strong, in some ways stronger, but that my world view has been broadened.
There will be more reviews on here, I guarantee it. And hopefully, I'll keep making time for these entries too. But even when I don't, I will still be living in the far country, striving to be like Christ.
The Encore Effect
Mark Sanborn, author of "The Fred Factor," has written another book outlining the characteristics of a person who makes those around him keep asking for more...the encore, as it were.
Like many of his contemporaries, he talks about the actions and traits necessary to achieve success in any area of life, but specifically, in the workplace.
Unlike other similar books, however, Sanborn includes what he calls "Intersections." These chapter conclusions link the real world priniciples with biblical truths. Some, honestly, are a stretch. Nevertheless, the effort is worthwhile, although it might seem out of left field to a nonChristian reader.
There are no "eurekas" in this book, which Sanborn readily admits in his introduction. And that isn't really his goal, he says. Rather, he wants to enlighten those who have strayed from committing to excellence and get them back on the path to a more fulfilling career and/or ministry.
This is a good refresher course for anyone with a career or ministry, especially if you've reached a point where you are either questioning what you're doing or wondering where to go next.
Friday, September 12, 2008
A parable in dog training
I just finished a new book called "Saturdays with Stella." Written by fiction author Allison Pittman, it uses the concepts of training a puppy to compare with how God trains us to sit at His feet, wait in His time, and be the obedient one He wants each of us to be.
Each chapter is centered around a certain command that mutt Stella learned in her obedience class. Pittman then goes on to use a Bible example, along with some personal revelation, to make her point.
The book is a quick read, and fun for the animal lover. You'll easily see the comparisons, but you might also find them a little simplified. A fun book for a rainy day, it's worth the look.
To purchase the book at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601421397
Enjoy!
Each chapter is centered around a certain command that mutt Stella learned in her obedience class. Pittman then goes on to use a Bible example, along with some personal revelation, to make her point.
The book is a quick read, and fun for the animal lover. You'll easily see the comparisons, but you might also find them a little simplified. A fun book for a rainy day, it's worth the look.
To purchase the book at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601421397
Enjoy!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Children's books
If you're looking for a few books to keep your kids occupied, take time to look at these books:
God Loves Me More Than That - Help your little one (and yourself!) understand the measure of God's love in the words of Dandi Daley Mackall.
http://www.amazon.com/Loves-More-Than-Dandilion-Rhymes/dp/1400073162/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218755325&sr=1-1
When God Created My Toes - Show your child how God made him or her special.
http://www.amazon.com/Loves-More-Than-Dandilion-Rhymes/dp/1400073162/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218755325&sr=1-1
God Gave Us Heaven - A marvelous book that helps a child understand heaven and what happens after someone or something dies.
http://www.amazon.com/God-Gave-Heaven-Lisa-Bergren/dp/1400074460/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218755286&sr=8-1
Friday, July 18, 2008
Love as a Way of Life
If you've read anything by Gary Chapman, you know that he talks about love unlike a lot of other authors. He weaves together practical tips, biblical principles, and emotional smarts in a way that just makes sense.
His newest book is no exception. "Love as a Way of Life" chronicles the characteristics of real, authentic, no-holds-barred love, in a way that is Christian and human at the same time. Reading this book, it seems like it is the prequel to his best-selling "Love Languages" books. How can you determine a love language if you don't know what love is?
Be prepared to walk away from this book different. And perhaps, more like Christ.
To get your own copy, check out this link:
http://www.amazon.com/Love-Way-Life-Transforming-Aspect/dp/0385518587/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215792028&sr=1-1
Thursday, June 12, 2008
With Endless Sight
Cover art:
I just finished reading Allison Pittman's latest, With Endless Sight. It takes place around the time of the Civil War. Main character Belinda, the voice of the novel, and her family are setting out on an adventure to the West. When tragedy strikes, Belinda is forced to rely on her faith to get her through the many challenges that are thrown at her.
From the minute I started this book I was hooked. The characters were engaging and interesting, and the plot had multiple twists and turns. Allison does a great job of helping you see beyond the surface of her characters, and even the darkest character has a light.
My one qualm was the end of this book. It seemed a bit abrupt and unfinished to me. I'm not sure if another book is in the works (this is the third in a series) but I left with more questions than answers and I needed more resolution.
I am looking forward to more of Allison's books, and this is definitely worth the read. Overall it's a nice balance between the suspense of a fiction bestseller and the faith of a Christian novel. See for yourself.
To purchase the book at Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601420129
Allison Pittman is the award-winning author of Ten Thousand Charms and Speak Through the Wind. Before her recent success in fiction writing, Allison spent seventeen years teaching high school English. Now a full-time writer, Allison serves as the director of her church’s Theater Arts Group ministry. She lives in Texas with her husband, Mike, and their sons.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
A Fatal Deduction
This week, I took a trip with a new author (at least to me) Gayle Roper. Her latest, Fatal Deduction, is due to come out any day, and I must say it's worth the read.
It started a bit slow for me....and used a lot of big words. As a writer, I love a big word, but as a reader, sometimes I question the use. Anyway, once I got into the book and the main characters, I found myself attracted to their humanity, identifying with the emotions they experienced.
The story is mainly told through the eyes of Libby, and identical twin who finds herself living with her insecure twin. A crime is committed right at their front door, and exposes them to a world of gambling and violence. At the end of the experience, with the murderer behind bars, Libby finds herself no closer to her twin, but she has learned to love her sister despite her flaws, in a way that would honor Jesus.
While a bit slow, and sometimes a bit too narrative-y (if that's word), Roper tells an original story with characters you want to meet. I would have liked to have spent more time with some of the supporting cast, but didn't leave the journey unsatisfied.
It started a bit slow for me....and used a lot of big words. As a writer, I love a big word, but as a reader, sometimes I question the use. Anyway, once I got into the book and the main characters, I found myself attracted to their humanity, identifying with the emotions they experienced.
The story is mainly told through the eyes of Libby, and identical twin who finds herself living with her insecure twin. A crime is committed right at their front door, and exposes them to a world of gambling and violence. At the end of the experience, with the murderer behind bars, Libby finds herself no closer to her twin, but she has learned to love her sister despite her flaws, in a way that would honor Jesus.
While a bit slow, and sometimes a bit too narrative-y (if that's word), Roper tells an original story with characters you want to meet. I would have liked to have spent more time with some of the supporting cast, but didn't leave the journey unsatisfied.
Friday, March 21, 2008
on the edge...
Much later than I planned, but here it is.
As I posted last week, I got the opportunity to read and review Andrew Peterson's new book, "On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness" before it hit bookracks. I was really excited to receive that package in the mail. But I was a little apprehensive too.
What if I didn't like it?
What if I couldn't read it by the deadline.
What if...?
I don't know what I was worried about. From the moment I cracked the cover of the book, I was mesmerized by writing that echoes Andrew's songwriting, storytelling, and true imagination. Everytime I tried to put it down, I was drawn back into the story. I managed to get cover to cover (close to 300 pages), in a matter of hours.
As much as I'd like to compare it to Narnia...it's not. Yes, it's got kids. Yes, it's got creatures that talk. But "On the Edge..." is in a genre of it's own.
The book tells the story of the Igiby children - two brothers and a sister - and their life in Skree. Janner, the eldest boy, longs for a life of action and adventure, far away from the sleepy town he calls home. Through the story, the children learn who they are and what they are made of. They learn that a person is not always what he seems, and that loyalty and integrity are much more important and valuable than fame or fortune.
Andrew's characters are engaging and intriguing. The story travels fast, and before you know it you're entrapped in a world of toothy cows, singing dragons, thwaps, and stinky Fangs.
For those of you familiar with Andrew's music live or via CD, the book captures his lighthearted wit and boyishness. Although I know the story was borne out of bedtime stories he told his own three children, I can see some of the excitement from "Little Boy Heart Alive" in Janner and his younger brother Tink. And baby sister Leeli steals your heart with her confident bravery and sweetness.
The book is sprinkled with anecdotes and footnotes that will make you laugh outloud. Their placement and descriptiveness add shadows and detail to an already well-defined story. If you skip any of the special notations...including the introductions and appendices...you are truly missing out.
The only negative I can say is that now I have to wait until the second book of the trilogy comes out. I don't know that I can wait that long to find out where the Igibys land next.
So the bottom line: get a copy of this book and find yourself lost in the most creative story you've read in years.
Here's how to get it: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400073847
Monday, March 10, 2008
get ready for spring
Well, after a very, very long hiatus from blogger, I'm ready to jump in with both feet.
I had a great incentive, mind you. A blog review tour, if you will. The premise is simple: read a book BEFORE it hits the shelves, share your thoughts on your blog, and thousands will pour off the shelves (okay that's giving my blog a little too much credit).
But anyway.
Next week, in this very spot, will be my review of a new book by Andrew Peterson, whose song inspired the name of my blog.
I can hardly contain myself. I don't know how I'll wait till next Monday to post.
I hope you'll join me.
I had a great incentive, mind you. A blog review tour, if you will. The premise is simple: read a book BEFORE it hits the shelves, share your thoughts on your blog, and thousands will pour off the shelves (okay that's giving my blog a little too much credit).
But anyway.
Next week, in this very spot, will be my review of a new book by Andrew Peterson, whose song inspired the name of my blog.
I can hardly contain myself. I don't know how I'll wait till next Monday to post.
I hope you'll join me.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
rain, rain go away
today is the 6th day in a row of overcast skies and/or thunderstorms. i know we need the rain for nourishing the ground (and my fledgling garden) but i am starting to crave the sunlight again. i think the lack of natural vitamin d is making me sleepy and lethargic.
or maybe i'm just really ready for vacation.
or maybe i'm just really ready for vacation.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
there's a mouse in my house!
i think.
so last night, i'm on the phone unloading my day when across the room i see my mom waving her arms wildly and pointing down at my feet.
i know my toenail polish is badly chipped, but is that sort of reaction really necessary?
apparently some animal scurried behind my feet while i was chatting away. she thought it was a mouse. so we traipsed across town to buy traps at 10:30pm. we filled the little covered ones with peanut butter and laid out some plain old vats of poisonous glue. and then we went to bed with high hopes of our trapping ability.
the traps were empty and untripped this morning. i asked for confirmation.
"was it furry?"
"i think so."
"what color was it?"
"dark brown, i think."
"did it waddle like a rodent?"
"i don't think so. i don't remember it having legs."
"did it have a tail?"
"not that i remember."
do you see what i'm seeing? an awful lot of "i think so" comments, and not that much confirmation.
so now we think it was some other type of creature minding its own business. but that doesn't exactly make me happy to think of walking in my kitchen in bare feet. and there is nothing more depressing than having to wear shoes in one's own kitchen.
i hope we catch whatever it was soon. or that it at least relocates. permanently.
so last night, i'm on the phone unloading my day when across the room i see my mom waving her arms wildly and pointing down at my feet.
i know my toenail polish is badly chipped, but is that sort of reaction really necessary?
apparently some animal scurried behind my feet while i was chatting away. she thought it was a mouse. so we traipsed across town to buy traps at 10:30pm. we filled the little covered ones with peanut butter and laid out some plain old vats of poisonous glue. and then we went to bed with high hopes of our trapping ability.
the traps were empty and untripped this morning. i asked for confirmation.
"was it furry?"
"i think so."
"what color was it?"
"dark brown, i think."
"did it waddle like a rodent?"
"i don't think so. i don't remember it having legs."
"did it have a tail?"
"not that i remember."
do you see what i'm seeing? an awful lot of "i think so" comments, and not that much confirmation.
so now we think it was some other type of creature minding its own business. but that doesn't exactly make me happy to think of walking in my kitchen in bare feet. and there is nothing more depressing than having to wear shoes in one's own kitchen.
i hope we catch whatever it was soon. or that it at least relocates. permanently.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
time and space
I just got back from a trip through the heart of the country. I got to see real mountains, real wildlife, and the inspiration for one of the most patriotic songs of all time, "America the Beautiful."
I was struck again by the amazing beauty of our country. As one of my favorite singers once wrote, "the mountains sing Your glory hallelujahs / the canyons echo sweet amazing grace...I've got nothing to say."
I took about a million pictures while I was there (okay, not literally, but I certainly wasn't shy with the trigger finger). And I realized that as much as I love overseas travel and hope to do more of it, I am home here. In this country. Not forever home. But in this time and in this space, this is where I am called. To do what, I don't know.
The time away gave me a chance to consider and pray about the decisions I have ahead of me. In my last post I talked about being at the edge of reason. Probably a bit of an exaggeration (and a loose use of a Bridget Jones movie title) but I said it. It's not entirely true, however.
If I was actually at the edge of reason, I'd have all these rational reasons to choose something that makes (or doesn't make, depending on your point of view) sense. But the truth is that there is Truth to be shared.
My love for God hasn't changed. Nor has my desire to live a life that is right in His sight. But my heart does ache with a burden to see this special person see his need for Christ.
A couple weeks ago my friend Amy and I were talking about spiritual gifts. And my heart swells with all that he could do if the kindness he shows today were transformed into mercy rooted in the love of Christ. And I can't think of a better reason to get on my knees now and pray for just that.
I was struck again by the amazing beauty of our country. As one of my favorite singers once wrote, "the mountains sing Your glory hallelujahs / the canyons echo sweet amazing grace...I've got nothing to say."
I took about a million pictures while I was there (okay, not literally, but I certainly wasn't shy with the trigger finger). And I realized that as much as I love overseas travel and hope to do more of it, I am home here. In this country. Not forever home. But in this time and in this space, this is where I am called. To do what, I don't know.
The time away gave me a chance to consider and pray about the decisions I have ahead of me. In my last post I talked about being at the edge of reason. Probably a bit of an exaggeration (and a loose use of a Bridget Jones movie title) but I said it. It's not entirely true, however.
If I was actually at the edge of reason, I'd have all these rational reasons to choose something that makes (or doesn't make, depending on your point of view) sense. But the truth is that there is Truth to be shared.
My love for God hasn't changed. Nor has my desire to live a life that is right in His sight. But my heart does ache with a burden to see this special person see his need for Christ.
A couple weeks ago my friend Amy and I were talking about spiritual gifts. And my heart swells with all that he could do if the kindness he shows today were transformed into mercy rooted in the love of Christ. And I can't think of a better reason to get on my knees now and pray for just that.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
at the edge of reason
I'm in a weird place. Okay, at this moment I am thousands of miles from home, so it's weird (sort of) in a literal sense. But I'm also in a sort of weird place emotionally.
Earlier in this blog I explained a predicament I was going through. Weighing two different scenarios...two people...two attitudes...two choices. One would be positive, one would be negative.
All through the decision-making process I agonized. Was this the right thing? What if [insert situation/comment here] happened? How would that impact my decision. I prayed. I solicited advice from friends and mentors. And ever so slowly, the answer emerged.
I invited someone to be a part of my life. Not like an invitation with a card and envelope and RSVP card (although I guess you could do that if you wanted to). But gradually, subtly. I chose to be honest at the risk of my privacy and at the risk of my freedom, and at the risk of losing the actual person. I didn't hide when I was scared or hurt or mad. I shared when I was happy or sad. I listened and made this person's concerns my own.
And all the reason that originally led me to build high walls started to evaporate. There are still issues to resolve and differences that have to be bridged.
So I find myself at a precipice, as it were. Almost like standing on a river bed, close enough to put my foot in the water, but far enough to stay dry. And the next move is mine. I keep asking myself how to be firm in my convictions without seeming inflexible or uncaring. How do I help him to see what I believe and why I believe it without feeling like I'm forcing him to adopt a belief system or way of life that is not his own? How do I show righteousness while I'm showing compassion when the two seem at odds? Could an intellectual stand close a spiritual door? I don't know; that's why I'm asking.
I am at the edge of reason. My head sees all the ways I need to be cautious. My heart sees what could be. I honestly don't know what to do or say. I need real wisdom. In a matter of days I will be forced to face some of the issues that have me standing at the edge of the cliff.
Part of me is scared to death that I'm going to chicken out and run away. But part of me really wants to jump because I believe that He will catch me.
Earlier in this blog I explained a predicament I was going through. Weighing two different scenarios...two people...two attitudes...two choices. One would be positive, one would be negative.
All through the decision-making process I agonized. Was this the right thing? What if [insert situation/comment here] happened? How would that impact my decision. I prayed. I solicited advice from friends and mentors. And ever so slowly, the answer emerged.
I invited someone to be a part of my life. Not like an invitation with a card and envelope and RSVP card (although I guess you could do that if you wanted to). But gradually, subtly. I chose to be honest at the risk of my privacy and at the risk of my freedom, and at the risk of losing the actual person. I didn't hide when I was scared or hurt or mad. I shared when I was happy or sad. I listened and made this person's concerns my own.
And all the reason that originally led me to build high walls started to evaporate. There are still issues to resolve and differences that have to be bridged.
So I find myself at a precipice, as it were. Almost like standing on a river bed, close enough to put my foot in the water, but far enough to stay dry. And the next move is mine. I keep asking myself how to be firm in my convictions without seeming inflexible or uncaring. How do I help him to see what I believe and why I believe it without feeling like I'm forcing him to adopt a belief system or way of life that is not his own? How do I show righteousness while I'm showing compassion when the two seem at odds? Could an intellectual stand close a spiritual door? I don't know; that's why I'm asking.
I am at the edge of reason. My head sees all the ways I need to be cautious. My heart sees what could be. I honestly don't know what to do or say. I need real wisdom. In a matter of days I will be forced to face some of the issues that have me standing at the edge of the cliff.
Part of me is scared to death that I'm going to chicken out and run away. But part of me really wants to jump because I believe that He will catch me.
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