Touching the Holy...

From time to time, you find a book that truly nourishes the soul.  The book, Touching the Holy, by Robert J. Wicks is one of these gems.  According to Dr. Wicks, "True ordinariness is tangible holiness". He explores with profound insights, the works of the ancient dessert Fathers and incorporates he contemporary themes in psychology to bring powerful insights about why it is important to truly embrace who we are called to be as ordinary human beings! I'm not even sure how this book was recommended to me, but I'm so thankful to have the gift of reading & re-reading it.   

The clarity of conviction with which the ideas are expressed grant profound insight into understanding how important and necessary it is that we embrace who we are truly called to be...unmarred or diminished by a plethora of vain & tarnished misconceptions. I am struck by the fact that while there are so many "voices" that would try to manipulate or influence us, there will always resonate at the core...if we we will listen...the true calling of our ordinary being.

Quote from "Touching the Holy"  on Creative Positive Imagery:

 Writing by poet & Anglican divine Thomas Traherene:

You never enjoy the world aright

till the sea itself floweth in your veins,

till you are clothed with the heavens

And crowned with the stars,

And perceive yourself to be the sole heir of the whole world;

and more so,

Because men are in it who are

Everyone sole heirs as well as you...

till your spirit filleth the whole world,

and the stars are your jewels,

till you are familiar with the way of God

in all ages as well as with your walk and table

...till you delight in God for being good to all,

You never enjoy the world.

This quote from Touching the Holy spoke so expressively to me today.  I pass on the gift to you as well. 

  Poet Patricia Jabbeh Wesley

Visit Patricia's Website:  http://www.pjabbeh.com

Patricia Jabbeh Wesley is a prolific and powerful poet from Liberia, West Africa.  Before the Palm Could Bloom: Poems About West Africa is a collection of poems about her country and how her life was changed and affected by the Liberian Civil War.  The poems engage you with their simplicity and poignancy about how the normal mundane elements of life can be transformed symbolically when life and circumstances change dramatically.  They resound with hope, expectation and courage in the midst of danger and despair.  The lyrical quality of Ms. Wesley's work is punctuated by African prose, idioms and sayings which add richness and flavor to her writings.  For those who have traveled or lived in West Africa, these touches will make you smile and remember.... 

I highly recommend Patricia Jabbeh Wesleys books and encourage you to branch out of your comfort zone even if you are not a poet enthusiast.  Her writing will make you think, reflect, laugh and perhaps cry.  You can also purchase her books at good bookstores and on-line at www.amazon.com.

"The Healing Light" by Agnes Sanford

The author has also written another book entitled "The Healing Touch of God".  I have not read that book, but picked up "The Healing Light" many years ago and have enjoyed re-reading it periodically.  It is a simple, small classic.  It's size would make it readable in 1-2 sittings, but the profound nature of the truths that Ms. Sanford explores in her writing cause me to put down the book and think deeply.  Her style is almost conversational, but she writes with such beautiful clarity about sacred truths that you know that she is one who has deeply experienced healing and grace from the Creator, Regenerator and Sustainer of All Things, God Himself.  I higly recommend this book to anyone seeking knowledge, inspiration and encouragement in the area of healing, God's love, His Power and Forgiveness.

   The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, a National Bestseller written by Alexander McCall Smith is the first in a series of 6 books about the first lady detective in the African country of Botwsana.  This is delightful fiction at its' best.  My attention was drawn to this series by some good friends who thought I would enjoy it having grown up in West Africa.  Although, this tale is set is southern Africa, lovers of all that is good and wholesome in the African continent who are indigenes or expatriates will delight in the homespun wisdom and humor as this intelligent African lady with a "traditional figure" uses common sense (which unfortunately is no longer common) to find creative solutions to human dilemmas. 

I warn you, if you start the 1st one, you will not want to put this series down.  This series is charming and heartwarming, offering the reader a wonderful look into what provides heart & soul in African life and culture.  You can preview this book on-line at:

http://www.amazon.com

Enjoy!

PS. Other Books in the series include"

"The Tears of the Giraffe"

"Morality for Beautiful Girls"

"The Klahari Typing School for Men"

"The Cupboard of Life"

"In the Company of Cheerful Ladies"