I’ve read a few books lately. I can’t believe how good they’ve been. They’re fantastic! A friend across the states sent me five (FIVE !!!) books for my birthday. Every one of them was a read I couldn’t put down. This got in the way of housework, tax prep, daily writing, and other mundane tasks. But I managed.

And there are the books at my folks’ place. My mother liked reading. She collected books from Christian-based organizations. Dad likes books, too. Books, books, and more books. As I sorted them I stacked them according to author and subject matter. From these stacks I’ve selected a smattering of books to read in the evenings. The books are like treasure to me.

It’s the old writings I enjoy the most like Catherine Marshall with “To Live Again, “Julie,” “A Man Called Peter”; Ethyl Barrett with “Will the Real Phony Stand Up,” and “In His Steps,” by Charles M. Sheldon, plus a variety of old books including John and Elizabeth Sherrill with “They Speak with Other Tongues” and a few biographical writings and memoirs and various other Christian writings.

I relate to Catherine Marshall for her writing journey and admire her transparency as she expresses spiritual understandings and shares her unusual personal path. Her books encourage me. Besides being new to me, the old writings are untouched by the political correct (PC) filter, which I find refreshing. Their written expressions are candid and honest without the fear of negative labels that authors and public persons fear in today’s society.

The books my friend gave me will be the topic for my next blog post. They are every bit as good. Two are written by former lesbians converted to faith by the grace of God (like all of us). Their stories are fascinating, educational, and hopeful. Another is about the conversion story of a famous author.

In a way, I think I’m on a retreat of the mind. The joy it gives is simply divine. I love being challenged as I read. The stimulus of thought-provoking text and unpretentious writing is of great value in making me consider my own spiritual beliefs and other concerns in the faith community. A good book gives food for thought, whether you are in agreement or not.

More next week.

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