When people find out I'm writing a book, they of course ask, "What's it on?". Almost every time I tell them the topic, there's this really awkward pause. Then, I fumble out some even more awkward explanation of what I'm trying to do and why. Usually, the more I say the worse it gets. Often during those times, I wonder why I'm doing it. A couple of weeks ago, though, the voice of Martin Luther of all people really helped me.
Charlie and Ruth Jones are actors who perform at our church regularly. They make up the group
Peculiar People. They came the Sunday after Reformation Day and performed their show on the life of Martin Luther. Of course, Luther's experiences leading the Reformation caught the attention of this reformer. But, the climax of the show was what helped me make some sense of why I'm writing this book. As Luther stood before the court, being asked to recant his life's work, he said, "Here I stand; I can do no other. God help me."
That's really where I am with writing this book. I can do no other. I may be so off track with what I'm doing, and I may be deeply in sin. If so, then may God have mercy on my soul. I can do no other, though. Children are leaving their faith because of how evolution is being taught, and it doesn't have to be that way. Evolution doesn't tell us that there is no God and that all things spiritual are foolish. Some look a the evidence and see that, but many, many scientists look at the evidence and see the supernatural at work.
Thanks, Charlie and Ruth. You brought Luther to life in such a way that he has encouraged me to simply stand, as he did. I have no idea what will come of this book I'm writing; it may end up making no difference at all. But, I'm encouraged again to "never give in, never, never, never, never," as Mr. Churchill said.
2 comments:
Lee: can I just say that if you are way off track, and if you are deeply in sin, it's okay. God can handle it. And so can the church, at least SOME of it. There may be some who will sit with a look or even verbalize, "I told you so," but if I'm around, I won't be one of them.
You're hope, as it always has been, is in this God who did in fact create the heavens and the earth. HE and he alone is your foundation, and the only reason you should not ever give in.
Well Lee, I was wondering how the book was going these days. I'm excited to hear that your still working on it regularly. I don't know that I even fully understand what all the book is about but from what we've talked about in regards to the book in the past, it sounds like a book that is long overdue for today's society. If someone has a different opinion, that's their "God-given" and born right to do so, but I would say be encouraged by the challenges you face when talking about the book, that God is obviously at work through you and through that book. He chose you to put it together, to express it, and if we can't trust God - who can we?
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