Books I Read in 2019, Vol. II

 

THE MONSTER IN THE HOLLOWS: The Wingfeather Saga Book Three
Andrew Peterson 

From the publisher: “Join the Wingfeathers on a new adventure filled with mystery, betrayal, and sneakery in a land of tasty fruits. There’s a monster in the Hollows and the truth lurks in the shadows.”

From me: It’s a little misleading for the publisher to say “on a new adventure” because this really is a continuation of the epic tale woven in the first two books in the series that the author promises to end in the next one. This quarter of the saga goes much deeper than the first two. There’s a real sense that a person could learn more about life on Earth by understanding life in Aerwiar.

Page 56/Sentence 5: We ran.

GEORGE LUCAS: A Life 
Brian Jay Jones

“The author of the bestselling biography Jim Henson delivers a long-awaited, revelatory look into the life and times of the man who created Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Indiana Jones.”

Having deeply appreciated Jones’ bio of Jim Henson, I was thrilled to find this book. And for the most part, I was not disappointed. It’s certainly well-researched and informational and I love that the author was never buffaloed by Lucas’ nonsense about having had nine-movies’ worth of story from the very beginning. One curious sentence still has me guessing, though. Jones describes Lucas at one point as standing off to the side, hands deeply shoved in his pockets, and scratching his beard. Nice trick!

56/5: “I had all that young enthusiasm, and I was too busy to get into drugs,” he said.

THE PRACTICE OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD: Conversations and Letters of Brother Lawrence 
Brother Lawrence

“At the age of 18, Brother Lawrence underwent a life-changing experience...[that] gave him an overwhelming sense of the knowledge and love of God. This slim record of his mind and heart was first published in 1692, a year after his death. In M. Beaufort’s words, ‘these writings will prove very useful to souls who are pressing forward to perfection by the practice of the presence of God’.”

I found this while browsing through the library. I had heard about the book and Brother Lawrence many, many times, but had never read this, so I figured it was about time. Having been written in the 17th century, it is certainly a different kind of reading experience, and it requires concentration, but in the end, the effort is worth it. The book encouraged me to not only devote more effort to spending time with my Lord, but also to not make a big deal about it when I don’t.

56/5: I consider myself as the most wretched of men, full of sores and corruption, and who has committed all sorts of crimes against his King; touched with a sensible regret I confess to Him all my wickedness, I ask His forgiveness, I abandon myself in His hands, that He may do what he pleases with me.

THE WARDEN AND THE WOLF KING: The Wingfeather Saga Book Four 
Andrew Peterson 

“Sea dragons lurk in the waters. Wicked Stranders crawl through the burrows. Ridgerunners and trolls prowl the land. Cloven haunt the forest. Monsters and Fangs and villains lie between the children and their only hope of victory  -  in the epic conclusion of The Wingfeather Saga.”

It’s hard for me to write anything here: 1) Fear of giving away any of the many surprising turns in the book; 2) My words can only fall far short of describing the mixture of emotions I experienced as Peterson brought this tale to an absolutely perfect conclusion...while still pointing forward in the spirit of hope for what happens next in the lives of the characters.

56/5: He knew that the other Fangs could hear as well as he - the Bat Fangs even better, perhaps.

PRAY BIG: Learn to Pray Like an Apostle 
Alistair Begg 

“Do you struggle with prayer? In this short book, Alistair Begg combines warmth, clarity, humor, and practicality as he examines Paul’s prayers for the Ephesian church to show ordinary Christians how to pray like an apostle  - why to pray and what to say.”

I’m a fan of Alistair Begg’s solid, conservative Bible teaching in the Truth for Life podcast/radio program, so when I found out about this book, I ordered it immediately. And I liked this book so much, I immediately started quoting it in my inspirational blog, Truth Is.... Look for those posts to show up starting in October.

56/5: It will be there exactly as God has planned, ready to be entered into on the day when God, who is shielding you on your journey, gets you to that destination.

ALMOST THE TRUTH: The Blog Archive 2016-2018 
Dewey Roth 

“The continuing saga of a twisted mind. Here's 3-years' worth of blog posts from AlmostTheTruth.blogspot.com.”

I’m not really so self-absorbed that I gain pleasure from reading my own book. But I DID need to read it through to make sure the print-on-demand process is working properly. That, and gosh, I’m funny.

56/5: The show itself was stuffed full of the weird and goofy things that make Minnesota and its overwhelmingly Scandihoovian residents...how shall we say it...unique.

SCARY CLOSE: Dropping the Act and Finding True Intimacy 
Donald Miller

“Donald Miller built a career emphasizing the funny and smart bits of his personality. But when ‘playing a role’ turned into an identity crisis, it was impossible to find true intimacy. Don met a few guides who taught him the only way to connect with others was to be completely honest about who he really was. But in an age when we are our own publicity agents, would he be willing to impress fewer people in order to connect with more?”

I’m pretty sure I can’t recommend this more than it deserves. Are you an introvert who puts on a public persona when wanting to be accepted by others? Read this book. Are you an extrovert who thrives on the approval of all those people you gain energy from by interacting with? Read this book.

56/5: I’m talking about the fact I’d rather be alone or with a close friend than have to make small talk at a party.

Books I Read in 2019, Vol. I

 

IN SUCH GOOD COMPANY: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox
Carol Burnett 

From the publisher: “Carol pulls back the curtain on the twenty-five-time Emmy Award-winning show (The Carol Burnett Show) that made entertainment history, and she reminisces about the outrageously funny and tender moments that made working on the series as much fun as watching it.”

From me: This is my kind of book; short chapters, backstage/insider info...like a DVD special features treasure trove, but written down. My only “complaint” would be when Ms Burnett recaps some of the longer sketches and movie parodies they did on the show. These tend to get a little tedious and don’t really provide any new information. But other than that, it was really nice to read about the tomfoolery (or rather, TIMfoolery...as in Tim Conway) and tenderness that made her show so special.

Page 56/Sentence 5: He said he was a fan of our show, but he kept asking, “Why can’t there be funnier endings to the skits?”.

PAUL SIMON: The Life
Robert Hilburn

“A tantalizing look into the mind and writing process of the man who is arguably the finest craftsman of the American popular song since the Gershwin brothers, this book will delight any Paul Simon fan or student of popular culture. (Linda Ronstadt)”

I didn’t really mean to read a memoir and a biography back to back, but this book almost literally jumped off the library shelf at me. I’m so glad I checked it out...and checked it out. While it certainly focuses on Simon, it also serves as an in-depth study of the tumultuous relationship that was/is Simon & Garfunkel.

56/5: Tom might have liked “He Was My Brother” for the Pilgrims, but he would never have signed us because of that.

THE RAGE AGAINST GOD: How Atheism Led Me to Faith
Peter Hitchens

“Peter Hitchens, brother of prominent atheist Christopher Hitchens, chronicles his personal journey through disbelief into a committed Christian faith.... With first-hand insight into the blurring of the line between politics and the Church, Hitchens reveals the reasons why an honest assessment of Atheism cannot sustain disbelief in God.”

If the author did all the revealing and chronicling as promised in the dust jacket blurb, I must have been sleeping while I read it. There’s a few chapters of personal history and a whole lot of political analysis involving Lenin and Stalin and many names I’d never heard of before. It seems that he returned to faith because of a feeling he got while sitting in an old church building. I totally missed any kind of reasoned, step-by-step, “this is why I am a believer.”

56/5: I still clearly recall the sultry afternoon in August 1960 when HMS Vanguard, our last battleship, was towed to the breakers, where she was to be turned into washing machines and razor blades.

NORTH! OR BE EATEN: The Wingfeather Saga Book Two
Andrew Peterson

“Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby thought they were normal children with normal lives and a normal past. But now they know they’re really the Lost Jewels of Anniera, heirs to a legendary kingdom across the sea, and suddenly everyone wants to kill them.”

Having enjoyed Book One (read my comments on that by clicking HERE), I was happy to be loaned the second volume and am hoping Book Three isn’t far behind. This is full of daring escapes, secret identities, and familial love.

56/5: He skidded to a stop at the edge of the rushing water.

THE CASE FOR JESUS: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ
Brant Pitre

“This book will show that recent discoveries in New Testament scholarship as well as neglected evidence from ancient manuscripts and the early church fathers together have the potential to pull the rug out from under a century of skepticism toward the traditional Gospels. Above all, Pitre shows how the divine claims of Jesus of Nazareth can only be understood by putting them in their ancient Jewish context.”

I know the publisher’s description (above) sounds kind of academic and dry, but this is really a better reading experience than it sounds like. Most of the eggheady intelligentsia stuff is relegated to footnotes. Pitre does a great job at keeping it interesting and keeping it true to the facts. He admits when something is only a best guess, but also doesn’t put up with sloppy logic by the naysayers.

56/5: In order to answer them, we will have to look carefully at the relevant internal and external evidence on the lost gospels.

Roth Family Christmas Epistle 2018

 

Anawynn’s Mama and Papa, Kelly Jo and Dustin Haug, celebrated her 5th birthday and marveled at her transition from preschool to kindergarten. Kelly Jo stopped nannying and started working at Dustin’s school as a proctor for students making up tests or who need a calmer environment, etc., however, she continues to be available as a doula, helping couples through the birth process (www.uffdadoula.com). Dustin will start 2019 in a new position at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists: cutting back teaching to half-time and becoming a co-administrator/principal.

Curtis and Abbey Roth celebrated their 3rd anniversary May 2nd, then made the move to New York City May 15th. They feel absolutely at home with their church family and absolutely assured that this move was in the center of God’s plans for their lives. They were able to fly back home to Minnesota for seven days to be able to spend Christmas with both the Roth and Lindstrom families. Hooray!

Maverick’s Mommy and Daddy, Shonda and Johnathan Hall celebrated his second birthday and are pretty happy living life in the Air Force and in a well-equipped RV.

Jesse and Thomas’ Mommy and Daddy, Angel and Phillip Stanley, can hardly believe that Jesse is now in 1st grade and Thomas is in preschool. The whole Stanley clan had to say goodbye to Emma, one of their two cats, but it was a good teachable moment. Jesse celebrated Christmas Eve by noticing his first loose tooth.

While Dewey is ending this year in Job Transition Mode (having been laid off from his technical writing position since the end of June), he is still glowing from his first-ever gig as Santa. It was three hours filled with joy and laughter, and he’s already penciled-in for two dates in 2019. Debbie racked up a lot of accomplishments this year. Her book, DRENCHED: Only Hope in the Storm, was finished, published, launched with a couple fun events, and is now available through Amazon, BarnesAndNoble.com, Redemption Press, and by contacting her directly. She passed another decade milestone birthday in September, and December 4th became 20 years cancer-free!

Life is a series of challenges and blessings. Friends and family are the hugs that help us get through the challenges and celebrate the blessings. And through it all, God is amazing. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Books I Read in 2018, Vol. III

 

DEATH WITHOUT COMPANY
Craig Johnson

From the publisher: “Johnson delivers great storytelling in an intelligent mystery packed with terrific characters and an engulfing sense of place...capturing life in a breathtaking, unyielding landscape. (The Portland Oregonian)”

From me: This is the second novel featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire, and it is just as satisfying as the first. The mystery doesn’t matter as much as the depth of the characters. While it’s impossible to read without seeing the actors from the A&E/Netflix series and hearing their voices...I’m okay with that.

Page 56/Sentence 5: For what?

THE PRODIGAL: A Ragamuffin Story
Brennan Manning and Greg Garrett

“From the inspirational author of The Ragamuffin Gospel comes a powerful contemporary retelling of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The Prodigal illustrates the power of grace through the story of a broken man who finally saw Jesus not because he preached his greatest sermon or wrote his most powerful book, but because he failed miserably....It’s the same grace that Brennan Manning devoted his life to sharing: profound in nature and coming from a God who loves us just as we are, and not as we should be.”

This is the last book Manning ever wrote, and his first (only) novel. He didn’t even live to see it published, but it evokes the underlying theme of everything he ever said. It’s certainly an easy read, and I’m not sure if it’s a compliment or a criticism to say that the movie in my head as I was reading it probably would fit best on the Hallmark Channel.

56/5: He had worked at the store through high school, and in the summers when he was home from college.

ERASING HELL: What God Said about Eternity, and the Things We’ve Made Up
Francis Chan & Preston Sprinkle

“Recent works by evangelicals on the postmortem future(s) of humanity have raised important questions and brought some sobering and uncomfortable issues to the fore. Chan and Sprinkle provide a remarkable service to the church by engaging these issues with courage, clarity, and grace. This book is a model of careful biblical scholarship, providing fresh light from the Jewish context of the New Testament. They also write as pastors seeking to provide wisdom for ministry, enabling the people of God to embody the love of God for the world.”

That description you just read might make this book sound kind of dry and scholarly, but it’s not. Whenever Sprinkle’s research and talk about Greek words threatens to turn this into a textbook, Chan the communicator slaps us awake by reminding us how important it is to get this topic right. This is a readable, accessible, understandable answer to Rob Bell’s hell-denying Love Wins.

56/5: While there’s some difference of opinion regarding the duration of hell, its existence as a place of punishment that awaits the wicked was nearly unanimously held.

JESUS ON TRIAL: A Lawyer Affirms the Truth
David Limbaugh

“In Jesus on Trial, David Limbaugh applies his lifetime of legal experience to a unique new undertaking: making a case for the gospels as hard evidence of the life and work of Jesus Christ. Limbaugh, a practicing attorney and former professor of law, approaches the canonical gospels with the same level of scrutiny he would apply to any legal document and asks all the necessary questions about the story of Jesus told through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.”

I cannot tell a lie. I didn’t finish reading this. Having had a particularly disheartening online exchange with someone who was denying that there was any evidence pointing to the possible validity of Christianity, I felt the need to seek out some logical reasoning that I hadn’t already considered. This book, however, doesn’t fit that bill. Nothing really fresh here. The first part of the book has so much stuff that was apparently compelling to the author but that wouldn’t slow down your friendly neighborhood atheist...I just wasn’t moved to invest the time it would take to read the rest of the tome. While browsing through the second half, I DID stumble on a few decent quotes, but again, nothing that made me want to read the whole thing.

RED GREEN’S BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO WOMEN: (For Men Who Don’t Read Instructions)
Red Green (Steve Smith)

“Arranged in approximately chronological order, from teen dating to the last words of men (‘You know, honey, in the past couple of years you’ve really packed on the beef’), this is the essential guide to every aspect of finding a mate and then learning to deal with her growing disappointment in you.”

I was ready for some light-hearted giggles and grins, and this book certainly provided them in abundance. But wouldn’t you know it, the author casually throws in some actual words of wisdom from time to time: “You might think it’s impressive for a guy to have had 18,000 one-night stands in his life, but I think it’s a lot more significant to have one 18,000-night stand. That’s a fifty-year marriage. To the same woman.”

56/5: That’s probably a sign of inequality, but I don’t think it’s fair for women to change now that I’m long past my Don Juan phase.

ON THE EDGE OF THE DARK SEA OF DARKNESS: The Wingfeather Saga Book One
Andrew Peterson

“A riveting tale-for-all-ages, following the Igiby children and their trusty dog, Nugget, in escape from the vicious Fangs of Dang who seek the lost jewels of Anniera. Adventure. Peril. And the fearsome Toothy Cows of Skree.”

I first heard about On the Edge... in a Facebook group about remembering Rich Mullins...because there’s a barefoot, wandering minstrel/agitator in this book who goes by the name of Armulyn. Hmmm.... It took me a little while to get interested in the tale while I slogged through the strange names but Peterson’s storytelling and wit soon won me over. It is clearly written, methinks, for the slightly pre-teen crowd (the protagonist is a 12-year-old boy), but it truly can be appreciated by readers of all ages.

56/5: I’m sure those ghastly dragons would love a few plump vittles after their silly show, don’t you think?

Books I Read in 2018, Vol. II

 

THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM
Robert Ludlum

From the publisher: “ The world’s two deadliest spies in the ultimate showdown....Bourne must infiltrate the Medusan group and use himself as bait to lure the cunning Jackal into a deadly trap  -  a trap from which only one of them will escape.”

From me: I shouldn’t really be writing about this, because 12 1/2 chapters into this 42-chapter book, I said, “You know what? I don’t really care about this. I’m only reading it so I can say that I finished the original Bourne trilogy. It’s not really adding to my life at all...not even entertainment.” So, I took it to my nearest Little Free Library and made a donation of it.

Page 56/Sentence 5: “I repeat,” said Jason.

DRENCHED: Only Hope in the Storm
Debbie Roth

“A downpour of childhood abuse left Debbie Roth drenched in pain and anger that hindered her relationships with others and with God. For a long time, she hid her misery, refusing to acknowledge its existence—until a fresh betrayal set change in motion. As a storm raged in her present, the dam holding back the pain of her past broke open. Try as she might, Debbie could no longer stand in the raging waters and pretend to enjoy the sun. She had to find a way to survive the flood.”

In addition to being in charge of fundraising for this self-published project, I also did the final proofreading and author consoling. I really am proud of Beloved for persevering and getting this accomplished. May it be a shining light of God’s encouragement for everyone who reads it.

56/5: That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.

BETWEEN HEAVEN & THE REAL WORLD: My Story
Steven Curtis Chapman with Ken Abraham

“For decades, SCC’s music and message have brought hope and inspiration to millions. Now, for the first time, Steven openly shares the experiences that have shaped him, his faith, his family, and his music in a  life that has included incredible highs and faith-shaking lows.”

Having read his wife’s book, Choosing to See, I was interested to hear Steven’s side of the story of losing their adopted daughter to a tragic accident. I certainly got that story...well-told and emotionally wrenching...but was also treated to the story behind several of SCC’s songs and enough about his upbringing to get an idea of what makes him tick. This is recommended reading for anyone who has enjoyed Chapman’s music.

56/5: Okay, so it was actually a legitimate single followed by a multitude of overthrows and errors on the part of the opposing team that resulted in an inside-the-park home run.

DO FISH DRINK WATER?: Puzzling and Improbable Questions and Answers
Bill McLain

“Do blind people see in their dreams? Is it really true that elephants are afraid of mice? Strange questions like these were often sent to Bill McLain, the Webmaster for Xerox. Instead of ignoring them, McLain decided to answer each email he received. He soon became an online legend, attracting national attention. Now the most extraordinary questions  -  and his equally extraordinary responses  -  can be found in this irresistibly entertaining collection of weird, wacky, and wonderful trivia.”

This is one of those books that I picked up from time to time and just read a few pages of at any one sitting. It totally lives up to the publisher’s description and, even though it was published in 1999 and the author at one point even describes how to use a search engine, I found this to be really enjoyable.

56/5: They are also one half of the famous peanut butter and jelly sandwich team.

A WHACK ON THE SIDE OF THE HEAD: How You Can Be More Creative
Roger von Oech

“Filled with provocative puzzles, anecdotes, exercises, metaphors, cartoons, questions, quotations, stories, and tips; this book systematically breaks through your mental blocks and unlocks your mind for creative thinking.”

The fact that the cover includes the phrase “The bestselling creativity classic  -  expanded and revised for the 1990s” might clue you in that I bought and read this when I was still a youth minister. The bad news is, I was laid off in June and thought this might be a good thing to read again as I broaden my job search. The good news is, it really is a wake-up call to think outside the box (without using that tired, old phrase).

56/5: Well, thousands of years ago, the ancients looked up, emphasized some of the stars, made some connections, and came up with the figure of a lion  -  a celestial Rorschach!

Books I Read in 2018, Vol. I

 

REES HOWELLS INTERCESSOR: The Story of a Life Lived for God
Norman Grubb

From the publisher: “How did the faith and prayers of a humble coal miner affect the course of World War II? This biography tells the story of one man who progressed in faith until his prayers even altered world events. Written with humanity and humor, this book uncovers the rich truths of the Holy Spirit.”

From me: I was given this book by a friend and gladly read this amazing story. Rees Howells certainly lived a life of faith in, and obedience to, the direct leading of God. I admit there’s a lot of can’t find-this-in-the-Bible rules and practices that Mr. Howells placed himself under because “God told him”, and I’m a little wary of that, but I’m also a little jealous of his keen sense of being lead by God...and his practices and sense of being led certainly produced amazing results.

Page 56/Sentence 5: As Rees told him of the blessing and price  -  a complete surrender of the will with no reserve  -  his uncle recognized it as the word of the Lord and the truth of the Scriptures.

LUCK BE A LADY, DON’T DIE: A Rat Pack Mystery
Robert J. Randisi

“Vegas, 1960. Gamblin’, drinkin’, and everybody’s misbehavin’. Six months ago, while they were filming Ocean’s 11, the Rat Pack needed Eddie Gianelli to track down the mug who was sending threatening letters to Dino. Now they’re back for the premiere and it’s Frank who needs Eddie’s help. Seems a babe he was planning to meet in Sin City took a powder  -  leaving behind her luggage and a stiff in the bathtub. She’s on the lam, and it’s up to Eddie to find her and figure out if she’s a victim or a killer.”

This is the 2nd of four Rat Pack Mysteries, but the 3rd one I’ve read...and the library doesn’t have any copies of the last one. So I’m stuck ending my experience of the series with the weakest one. There’s no real solution to the mystery. Imagine that the plans to the Death Star that had been placed into R2D2 didn’t reveal any design flaw. Would have been a very disappointing movie, right?

56/5: I thought he meant some of the “boys” but when I looked over my shoulder I saw he was referring to Buddy Lester and Norman Fell, who had been joined now by Henry Silva.

BROKEN ON THE BACK ROW: A Journey through Grace and Forgiveness
Sandi Patty

“Sandi Patty’s tumultuous journey from devastating sin through healing forgiveness and into God’s incredible grace began on the back row of a church balcony. This book is the heart-touching narrative of her happy childhood, her stellar career, her fall from public acclaim, and the steps she worked through with her church to find forgiveness and peace.”

This has been sitting on Beloved’s bookshelf for a few years. She told me it was very good, and I finally picked it up. I’m glad I did. It was engaging reading, even though her commitment to not dishonor her first husband in front of her children kept her from being very descriptive about the way her first marriage disintegrated. And even that is probably a good thing for those wanting her to make no excuses and just fully own her own sin. She certainly does that, but also praises God for His tenderness in the midst of her turmoil.

56/5: Just as they do today, they instantly brought laughter and love with them wherever they went.

AFTER ALL
Mary Tyler Moore

“Audiences have long adored Mary Tyler Moore for her television persona as the quintessential girl-next-door.... But not until now have they been able to witness the poignant doubts and inner strength that drive this versatile and courageous actress. After All is the candid autobiography of the girl America fell in love with and the woman she has come to be.”

This is consistently interesting enough to keep a person turning pages, though a little disappointing at how large swaths of time (say, like, the years spent working on The Dick Van Dyke Show and mary tyler moore) were skimmed over with just a few anecdotes. The biggest surprise for me was how insecure MTM was throughout her career...and really...her whole life.

56/5: I think they could see where the path would lead me.

OUT OF THE SILENT PLANET
C. S. Lewis

“The adventures of the remarkable Dr. Ransom begin in [this book] first published in 1943. As the novel opens, Ransom is abducted by a megalomaniacal physicist and his accomplice and taken via spaceship to the red planet of Malacandra. The men plan to use Ransom as a human sacrifice, but he escapes and must fight for his life, and the chance to return to Earth, while exploring a world that is enchanting in its differences from Earth and startling in its similarity.”

This is the first book in Lewis’ Space Trilogy (hence the “adventures begin” remark, above). I read these books decades ago, but had very little memory of what happens in this one. I think the reason for that is that very little DOES happen. The description I stole from the back cover makes it sound far more action-packed than it really is. And yet, the ruminations about a planet where the inhabitants never “ate the apple in the Garden” is interesting. [Side note: the cover illustration I’ve posted here doesn’t match the one on my copy of the book, but it’s way cooler.]

56/5: The creature, which was still steaming and shaking itself on the back and had obviously not seen him, opened its mouth and began to make noises.

THE FINAL DAYS OF JESUS: The Most Important Week of the Most Important Person Who Ever Lived
Andreas J. Kostenberger & Justin Taylor

“Nearly 2,000 years later, the events that took place during Jesus’ last days still reverberate through the ages.... Combining a chronological arrangement of the Gospel accounts with insightful commentary, charts, and maps, this book will help you better understand what actually happened all those years ago  -  and why it matters today.”

A nice tool that walked me through what is popularly called “Holy Week”. No big ah-ha moments except the footnote that pointed out that Barabbas’ name means “son of the father,” which puts an ironic twist on the crowd’s calling for Barabbas to be released and Jesus to be crucified.

56/5: And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it.

WHY SHOULD THE DEVIL HAVE ALL THE GOOD MUSIC? Larry Norman and the Perils of Christian Rock
Gregory Alan Thornbury

“Billboard called Norman ‘the most important songwriter since Paul Simon,’ and his music would go on to inspire members of bands as diverse as U2, Pixies, and Guns N’ Roses. To a young generation of Christians who wanted a way to be different in the American cultural scene, Norman was a godsend....Paul McCartney himself once told Norman, ‘You could be famous if you’d just drop the God stuff.’...In [this book], [the author] draws on unparalleled access to Norman’s personal papers and archives to narrate the conflicts that defined the singer’s life, as he crisscrossed the developing fault lines between evangelicals and mainstream American culture.”

Except for a few enigmatic comments/rumors, I’ve really only known Larry Norman through his music. This book changed all that, and I’m pretty sure I’m grateful for the more well-rounded picture of him I’ve got now.

56/5: I thought it gave the overall impression of being a children’s record.

“Darkest Hour” and the Tears in My Eyes [Spoiler Alert]

 

I just got back from seeing the film, Darkest Hour, about a crucial few days in 1940 when Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of Great Britain and inspired a nation to “never give up.”

Yes, Gary Oldman disappears into his role as Churchill. Yes, there are stirring speeches and tense confrontations. But it was the scene pictured above that made my tears flow like the Mississippi. (Or rather, the Thames.)

Hitler’s army has conquered most of Western Europe and is on the brink of sealing France’s fate. 300,000 British soldiers are backed up against the sea at Dunkirk. Churchill is about to cave in to the demands of his own political party and ask for terms of surrender from Germany.

It is in that darkest of hours that Churchill ditches his governmental escort and catches a ride on the Underground  -  London’s subway. There, he talks with normal, working-class citizens instead of the Lords of Parliament and scheming politicians. The mothers, bricklayers, and students inspire him to fight the Nazis to the bitter end. They all said that a swastika must never fly over Buckingham Palace. “We’ll fight with broom handles if we have to.”

Churchill’s legend (in my mind, at least) has always painted him as a mighty, unstoppable force. To see him in this film as a human being full of doubts, in need of encouragement and support, (but who projected that strength and resolve for the good of his country) was moving beyond what my words can express.

*  *  *  *  *  *  *

P.S.
When I originally posted this on Facebook, I was informed that the scene I've referred to is probably historically inaccurate...that the chances of it having actually happened are next to nil. Well, who cares? It still pierced me to the heart. As Tony Campolo used to say, "If it didn't happen exactly that way, it should have."