What a wonderful resource is LinkedIn. Do a simple search, and you are presented with multiple employment opportunities for positions that fit you to a T.
"Oh good!" you say. "This was posted only 18 hours ago. I love getting my iron in the fire when it's hot."
And so you click Apply to start the process and see THIS...
And you think, "No longer exists??? How is that even POSSible?!!?" and little wisps of smoke escape from your ears and nostrils.
Imagine a stormy day at sea, your ship yielding to a relentless wind, pummeled by crashing waves, subject to the awesome force of nature. A force that is both fierce and majestic. A power that is nothing short of furious. Such is God's intense, consuming love for His children. It's a love that knows no limits and no boundaries. A love that will go to any lengths, and take any risks, to pursue us.
Renowned author and ragamuffin Brennan Manning presents a love story for the brokenhearted. For those who are burdened by heavy religion. For those who feel they can never measure up. It is a provocative and poignant look at the radical, no-holds-barred love of our Heavenly Father.
I've lost track of how many of Manning's books I've read, but I agree with Mark Batterson's opening sentence of the Foreword: "If Brennan Manning writes it, I'm going to read it." I also agree with something else Batterson wrote: "To say that Brennan Manning has blazed new trails in this book would not be true. He has not. But to say that Brennan Manning is attempting once more to plow up the hardened ground of our hearts, now that would be a true statement."
I highlighted a smattering of quotes throughout the book (not the least of which is "God loves me as much as He loves Jesus. Wow!") but the penultimate chapter ("Giving") is worth the price of the whole thing. Read the November 18 edition of Truth Is... if you want a sample.
First line: I'm Brennan. I'm an alcoholic.
Page 56, Line 5: And let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet and your face is beautiful.
Last line: Or, with radical amazement, I can stay on deck and boldly stand in surrendered faith to the truth of my belovedness, caught up in the reckless raging fury that they call the love of God. And learn to pray.
If you've ever had any experience with alcoholism or an alcoholic...
If you're a Jesus Music kind of person...
If you like documentaries...
Allow me to call Russ Taff: I Still Believe to your attention for your edification and education.
"This gripping documentary chronicles the multi- GRAMMY® and Dove Award-winning star’s musical journey and behind-the-scenes battle with alcoholism. Re-live Taff’s iconic career, and the childhood trauma he suffered at the hands of an alcoholic father and abusive mother."
Russ Taff has a set of pipes on him that any singer would covet, and they took him to the heights of fame as a gospel singer...all while suffering from a toxic self-image and a crippling battle with alcohol dependency.
Russ and his wife, Tori, are transparent as they talk through their life together in and out of the spotlight. It's fascinating and heartbreaking and, I think, an encouragement for everyone to take off the masks and get real with whatever baggage they've carried into whatever relationship they have, human or spiritual.
And the really good news is that you can watch this FOR FREE on YouTube. Here's the link, along with my hardy recommendation.
