Deb’s Dozen: 12-Word Summaries – Running from a Crazy Man (and other adventures traveling with Jesus) AMEN!

I met Lori Roeleveld at the New England Writers’ Conference a few weeks ago. I attended her workshop on Blogging—you see, I’d love to see PositiveGrace.com become the go-to blog for readers of Christian books. I learned much from Lori that day—not the least of which was that I write not for you nor for myself nor for fame nor for fortune, but for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Lori asked me if I’d review her book, the title of which, and my comment on the contents, appears in Deb’s Dozen. I should have remembered that lesson I’d learned (AGAIN!) at her feet those few weeks ago. Instead, I picked up her book—saw the incredible number of chapters—and indulged myself in a huge sigh—SIGH!

Then I started reading. God humbled me as I read the words that Lori penned. The words are rich and beautiful and so expressive—and they pierced my soul deeply. The first indications that I was in for a crazy ride (should have been the title, but sometimes I’m slow!) were her words in a chapter entitled Beautiful Impossibilities. Jesus calls us to beautiful impossibilities every day because we’re not actually here to accomplish something. We are here to be something—broken, faithful, devoted, true, enduring, patient, loving, sacrificing, joyful in affliction, given over to Christ and to others in His name. I had to learn that lesson when I learned to just be. I wanted to be on the platform speaking for Him, teaching for Him at retreats and conferences….He called me from that to just be—to just be Deb. Lori reminded me of that.

Another truth: Maybe you’ve blown it. Maybe you’ve blown it big. A little temptation, a small indulgence left unrepented gave birth to full-on, life-changing sin, and now, you’re afraid there’s no way to come home….Don’t let the dealer of your brokenness convince you to stay hooked on sin with the lie you can’t go home again. Home is waiting for your call. Your Father will save you in a heartbeat.

I’m feeling my age these days, but Lori summed up how I feel so succinctly. You’re tired. Tired of trying. Tired of failing. Tired of yourself. And then gently reminded me from Isaiah 46.4 Even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

Those are but three of the powerful illustrations from the book—there are many, many more. Running from a Crazy Man is one book that will remain in my library to be re-read time and time again. Thank you, Lori—for remaining true to your calling and writing the words that the Lord wants so many of us to hear!

You will want to buy Lori’s book – several copies (you’ll want all your friends to read the book, too) – and subscribe to her blog: www.loriroeleveld.com

Lori Stanley Roeleveld provided me with an advance reader copy of Running From a Crazy Man in exchange for my unbiased review (and I am ever so grateful for the gift!).