So, my friend Vernon posted this interesting tag game on his blog. I appreciate it because I do indeed love books, and now I have time and lesiure to read whatever book I choose. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on important books in their lives.
One Book......
that changed my life:
A New Kind of Christian by Brian McLaren. No suprise here whatsoever. This is probably the generic answer for most of my commrades, but I simply must say it. If I had never read that book, I would not have become such good friends with Lynnette Ogle Davidson, I would have attended Truett Seminary, and I would not have been a part of a community called UBC or another one called Journey. I don't think I would know or understand the joy of following Jesus in community. In short, I would be a completely different person, and I can't say that about any other book.
....
that you'd want on a desert island: I'm not sure I have a great answer for that one. Maybe my
Lord of the Rings triology book. It's long enough, and I can't think of a more epic story.
....
that made you laugh:
Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott. She is so funny, and I don't agree with her on all points of theology, but it's good for me to see things through her eyes every now and then.
....
that made you cry:
A Ring of Endless Light by Madeline L'Engle. I read it in the sixth grade, and I don't think I've ever had such a powerful emotional reaction to a book. I remember it vividly. I read the last chapters of the book sitting by my pool, and I had what I remember feeling was this very real connection to Vicki Austin (the main character). At the end of the book, everything starts to fall apart, and I remember feeling exactly what I thought Vicki was feeling. L'Engle made me love reading at a young age, and I am indebted to her for that. I love that my favorite childhood author has so much to offer me as an adult.
....
that you wish had been written: mmm, anything else by Kyle Lake or Stan Grenz. I'm not sure how I could narrow that down to one book.
....
that you wish was never written: I'm going to have to go with Vernon and say
Left Behind. Bad, bad theology that took Christian marketing to another level and made the end times the main thing in so many Christian circles that we forget to do important things like feed the poor.
....
that I wish I'd written: Again, I'm going to state the obvious and say
Harry Potter. I wish I could write stories for children the way J.K. Rowling does. It would also be nice to have the cash.
.....
that you are currently reading:
Peace like a River by Leif Einger. A beautifully written and charming story thus far. I really don't want it to end.
....
that you want to read: I'll just give you my list:
Dance of the Dissident Daughter,
Body Piercing Saved my Life, The Power and the Glory, Gilead, and
How not to Speak of God. (It's the new buzz book in the "emergent"crowd. I hear that it is great.)
Okay, I'm supposed to tag people, but I always feel weird doing that. So I'm not going to officially tag anyone, but I would especially love to hear about the important books for the following people: Josh Carney, Adam Horton, Lynnette and Sam Davidson, Craig Nash, and Luke Miller. I'm also really open to reading suggestions right now, but I don't want to read anything too depressing or heavy right now.
The Truett Community lost one of our most beloved professors today. Ruth Ann Foster was one of the most inspiring women I have ever known, a lover of life and Kentucky basketball. She is the second founding professor we have lost to cancer since I have been there. She inspired so many students over the years, and she was one of the greatest cheerleaders for women in ministry in the whole world. She helped me see Jesus in a new and better way. Dr. Foster was a gift of grace for the first year seminary student- a motherly presence in the strange land of Waco. Not even a year ago, we hugged and cried upon the death of my pastor Kyle, another life she impacted with her teaching and love. I will miss her jokes, her hugs, and the way she could always put men in their place.
