Summer reads

Stories are a universal way of teaching truth, touching emotions, communicating thoughts that other people have and connecting humanity through the generations.

Most of my vacation books were recommended by some of my favorite people. Figured they would be good reads, but by the end of vacation, I knew that this was not just a random pile of books that I chose. Each story had something to teach me, each story somehow was a continuation of my own spiritual journey and quest to really know, experience and love – God, Jesus and Spirit

Chinese Cinderella & the Secret Dragon Society by Adeline Yen Mah – a young Chinese girl who is abandoned by her father, learns love, acceptance, self-discipline and courage in her make-shift family of other “cast away” children. She chooses to love instead of hate those who hurt her.

Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim’s Tale by Ian Morgan Cron - a young evangelical pastor, Chase, is fed up with the church. The rote answers of his faith no longer satisfy him. He heads to Italy to hang with his uncle Kenny, a Franciscan priest. Chase acknowledges that “there has to be something more to being a Christian.” Walking with the Franciscans, Chase is exposed to the heart of God – a life of simplicity, justice and peace, beauty and art, love and grace, mystery and power.

A book you’ll actually read: on Church Leadership by Mark Driscoll - a good overview of church leadership. In general Reformed theology doesn’t allow women to be fully engaged in church leadership. It is so easy to make judgments and put “titles” on people so we know “where to place” them on shelves. In this book I’m an Egalitarian Liberal – believe that men and women are partners in every area of ministry. In another book I’m a Fundamentalist! Whatever – I’m not done yet. I’m still growing and changing.

Christ the Lord, out of Egypt by Anne Rice - The Jewish culture and the occupation of Rome shaped the child, Jesus. The story presented an interesting way to imagine how Jesus grew up as a child and into his awareness that his birth was unlike no others. The humanness of Jesus and his own personal human development is not an aspect of Jesus that I have explored until this past year.

The Shack – by William P. Young – A surprisingly great read (for me). Expressed thoughts and used language that is so different from my own religious heritage. Different yet it felt so right. Key theological topics – creation, fall, redemption, authority, relationships, love, and judgment – are all expressed in tangible ways.

Over the past 3 years, this is the Jewish human Jesus, this is the gentle, loving Spirit, and this is the God I have been becoming acquainted with through my studies at the Dominican Center. I have not abandoned my faith. But I am shedding the outer layer, the clothes of my childhood. I am growing up. I can no longer live with a list of does and don’ts, should haves and guilt.

I love that the Spirit is always present, always guiding and leading. In all aspects of my life She knows what I need and how to graciously give to me – pile of vacation reads! I love it when I “catch on” to what She is doing, so I can thank her and learn to trust her more.