Often, after sending this monthly newsletter into cyberspace, I get grand ideas of what could have/should have been written instead. I usually forget these promising insights by the time the next deadline rolls around. However, last month a rant rose up with sufficient force that I actually wrote it down--and then spent untold hours learning how to post it on the home page of our website.
Seconds after the upload I began to wonder about the rant's appropriateness. Was I being too negative? Should my personal info-pinions be on The Word Shop's home page? Who cares what I have to say? Etc, etc, etc. Recognizing I was on the road to driving myself crazy, I stopped and said firmly to the Lord. "I need to hear from you. I'll do whatever you want." Now it was in His hands. Whew!
Immediately Shannon emailed me a note of appreciation for the rant's inside joke. In the warmth of her compliment I almost ignored the idea of asking Phil and Joanne for their perspective. What if these longest-time staff members hated it? Fortunately I remembered from my course on Ignatian discernment that evil always resists exposure. I remembered my stance of indifference: "Whatever you want, Lord." I sent out a query.
Phil emailed back a go-ahead that was beyond what I had hoped or dreamed. The next morning I reflected over my Bible that surely this was enough. Although, I thought, three responses would be even better; especially since both Shannon and Phil know me. Then I opened my email and found a dynamic letter from Linda in Arizona. She had happened onto our site and "spent a very enjoyable half hour reading about The Word Shop..." I don't get that kind of letter very often. Hardly ever, as a matter of fact.
The point of all this is that sometimes when you truly put something in the hands of the Lord he responds in spades. The OTHER point is that you might want to read the "Latest Rant" on companyofsaints.com (scroll down) before it is exchanged for a Latest(er) Rant.
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Surprised by the Voice of God by Jack Deere takes you on a Biblical exploration of the many different ways God speaks to His people. (He doesn't always use email.) The book has lots of stories and personal accounts, rests firmly on the scripture and leaves you open and ready to hear from God in dreams, visions, prophecy and many other venues. This is a great book for anyone looking for a more intimate, dynamic walk with the God who speaks. $4 used.
Weeds Among the Wheat is a book on Ignatian discernment by Thomas Green. Ignatius brought to the Church the use of imagination and paying attention to heart as well as head in the discernment process. Beginning with a discussion of the view of God most essential to discernment, Green moves through scripture and Ignatius' "Discernment of Sprits" to provide insight on making choices in the light of the Lord. Discernment is an art, a place where prayer and action meet. Like riding a bike, you sometimes have to get moving before you can steer. $7
ATTITUNING: John Maxwell says in Developing the Leader Within You that attitude makes up 85% of success. He suggests regularly reading books that help lift your attitude. This month I read his book, Leo Buscaglia's Living, Loving & Learning and Dale Carnegie's How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. "Isn't Carnegie a bit dated?" Michael asked. "Like Jesus is dated," I answered. "Oh," said Michael, "classic."
You would think after all these books, not to even mention regular scripture, that my attitude would be tremendous. Obviously I need more work than the average bear.
"Never bear more than one trouble at a time. Some people bear three kinds--all they have had, all they have now, and all they expect to have. -Edward Everett Hale
Once upon a time there were three bears....
FICTION: Let me state at the outset that I much prefer Frederick Buechner's nonfiction: Telling Secrets is a potent memoir on the familial effects of sweeping his father's suicide under the rug. The Clown in the Belfry; Writings on Faith and Fiction is superb and Telling the Truth; the Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy and Fairy Tale is something I wish I'd written. On the other hand I attempted and could make no headway with Godric, his novel of a 12th century saint. I did make it through to the joy at the end of The Christmas Tide back when the tile was The Wizard's Tide, but although thinly fictionalized, this is more a memoir on growing-up than a novel.
Nonetheless, Buechner's The Book of Bebb leapt out of a bag last September. Four novels in "one convenient paperback volume," it has since rested heavily on my footstool, too large to stuff into purse or suitcase. Finally, replete with turkey and several days of putting back dots of accomplishment on my too long list of things-to-do-at-home, I began the first novel, Lion Country. Bebb runs an ordination by mail business, complete with Faith College courses and the Church of Holy Love. The protagonist, Antonio, sets out to expose the whole operation. Winding through a landscape littered with literary and Biblical references, the story poises on the brink of the absurd, calling forth images that echo through interior canyons colored with all the spectrum of tawdry humanity. Right. I am enjoying myself immensely. I doubt, however, that I'll be able to manage all four novels one right after another. Turkey, leftovers, club sandwiches, turkey enchiladas...It might be a while before this book is actually for sale. Get on the waiting list.
"The difference between fiction and reality? Fiction has to make sense." --Tom Clancy
Sometimes the sheer tawdriness of religion is a larger stumbling block than the crucifixion. Evangelists sweating it out under flickering florescent lights, cracked linoleum and faded statues, plastic Jesus on the dashboard, stern icons with long noses, red-haired nativity scenes with simpering angels, choirs quavering through cracked notes, street corner bums with crumpled tracts...it's a bit much when the heart longs for the majestic, the awesome, the perfect. Religion is Hollywood at its worst. The flimflam man with make-up running down his cheeks. Utterly astonishing that God would show up in the midst of all this tinsel and glitter--much worse than any stable. But he does. "I am with you." Amazing.
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." Bobby - age 7
Merry Christmas.
Blessings,
Alliee +
P.S. Monday morning and Tuesday afternoon volunteer shifts are currently available. If you know Jesus as Lord and Savior; like books, peace and people and want to spend a few hours a week surrounded by saints in package form, let me know.