An "Essence"-bestselling author spins a hilarious, inspiring novel of mistakes and second chances, heartache and love, sin and salvation--with an appearance by the beloved Sister Betty.
A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK OF THE YEAR From the New York Times-bestselling author of The Cloister Walk, a book about Christianity, spirituality, and rediscovered faith. Struggling with her return to the Christian church after many years away, Kathleen Norris found it was the language of Christianity that most distanced her from faith. Words like "judgment," "faith," "dogma," "salvation," "sinner"—even "Christ"—formed what she called her "scary vocabulary," words that had become so codified or abstract that their meanings were all but impenetrable. She found she had to wrestle with them and make them her own before they could confer their blessings and their grace. Blending history, theology, storytelling, etymology, and memoir, Norris uses these words as a starting point for reflection, and offers a moving account of her own gradual conversion. She evokes a rich spirituality rooted firmly in the chaos of everyday life—and offers believers and doubters alike an illuminating perspective on how we can embrace ancient traditions and find faith in the contemporary world.
Many believers wrongly harbor resentment against God for tragedies in their lives. This important minibook points out where tragedies really come from and who our Deliverer really is!
Three Angels struggle with the betrayal of those they trusted, and those they loved. Betrayed by his family, Lucifer wages war with heaven. His immense fear for his absent brother leads him to declare war against heaven- against his brothers, and against his father.Gabriel wavers as he once again meets the brother that abandoned him, and learns the secrets that had lead to his betrayal. Azza fights conflicting loyalties, torn between his present lord and friend, and his friend of the past. Who will he choose to follow? Memories from his past are haunting him and are coming more into light as all the plots unfold.
Why me, is all I ask? My crime was getting drunk, that’s how I dealt with pressure. I never smoked or sold drugs, I invite you to check my record! Drinking is legal, but I stayed intoxicated. For what you ask? It wasn’t drug related. It all started in 1983, when I was hit by a car. Paralyzing my left side, it goes back that far. I died 3 times, my life was robbed. It was a miracle I lived, by the grace of God! Just like a nightmare and tragedy, it was a terrible sight! I wasn’t drunk driving, I was riding a bike! I went through the front window, and out the back. It was a 1983, Cadillac! I stayed in a coma for 6 weeks. The day they pulled the plug, I awoke from sleep! I couldn’t even walk, but I was so determined. I lost a third of my memory, I had a will for learning. I got married the same year, to a beautiful woman! As time went by, the memories kept coming! I went to college, as part of my rehabilitation. I was starting a family, so I had to increase my education! Even though I only had the use of one hand It made me more determined, to be a man! With all I had been through, I wasn’t delirious. Every one of my responsibilities, I took serious! Here is something the doctors stated. If I had used any drugs, I never! Would’ve made it. I went through hell and hot water, and I proved I was able. Though I took care of my family, my wife was unfaithful! Since my accident, I have been butchered and slaughtered!! Though she was unfaithful, she got my two sons and one daughter. Without my kids, I got no lovin. It’s not the fact that she cheated, she cheated with my cousin! She even married him, and that’s when I really started drinking. I should’ve trusted in Jehovah (God) but, I was way beyond thinking! And now, I’m doing time for something, that I’m totally against. I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place, with my back against the fence! It’s been pure hell! And I’ve had enough. I’m living for my kids, so, I can’t give up! What I’m telling you is true, these are all the facts. “Why me, is all I ask?”