THE BEGINNING…
Ancient Jewish Rabbis put together books called “Midrash.” These books consisted of stories, reflections and speculations on the Hebrew Bible (or Old Testament for Christians). The teachers wanted people to read these stories and reflect on them to find deeper meaning in Gods word.
This book is my Midrash. In addition to being a priest for fifteen years, Ive traveled all over the world. Ive preached to many different cultures and people. Ive learned to say prayers in different languages. Although I cant claim the wisdom of the ancient Jewish sages, Ive learned a lot through my own mistakes and crazy experiences.
Along the way, Ive met a lot of people (especially Highway State Troopers), and listened to their stories. Ive included their tales, my experiences and Gods word in my talks. People seem to love them and I love seeing their reactions. I love moving people to tears, laughter, and watching them embrace a deep sense of joy found in God. Somehow, He uses my life to transform people and help them find His Good News in the person of Jesus Christ.
Really, what more could I want?
For many years, people kept telling me I needed to write a book and put all my stories in one place. Finally, I broke down, opened my computer and hammered it out. I discovered a new found admiration for those who can turn a phrase on the printed page. As I sat at my desk, sweating, drinking vast amounts of water and looking at dictionary, I realized God didnt call me to be a writer. Im a preacher, and I admire people who can string words together and make sense.
Still, as you hold this book in your hand - via old fashioned print or a new world e-reader or tablet - you know I made it through alive.
As I learned in every part of life and ministry, no goal is ever accomplished alone. This book, Among Friends, is a product of hard work with my own personal scribes, Chas Allen and Jonathan Ryan, authors, and both fantastic writers in their own right.
Believe it or not, I taught Chas in ninth grade at a Catholic high school. Years later, our paths crossed again when Chas got involved in an art heist. One of the largest art thefts in history, Chas found himself on international news outlets, and I recognized him as a former student.
Although I prayed for him on a daily basis, I couldnt visit him during his six year sentence in a Federal prison. He told me later about the isolation, embarrassment and humiliation. Still, he drew closer to Christ through the experience and repented of his sins.
After Chas paid his debt to society, our paths crossed once again, and we began communicating. His knowledge, rooted in the journey of his faith and gift for the written word impressed me on all levels. A published author himself, we started talking about my book. He offered to help me in writing up my little Midrash for people to take home after one of my talks.
I met Jonathan through a parishioners daughter who is now my literary agent. He just completed a horror mystery novel that will be in bookstores October 2013. His natural ability to spin a yarn on the page made him a natural choice to help me hone my stories. Just know, unlike his book, mine wont keep you peeping around the corners and sleeping with the lights on.
And, so, the journey began.
Allow me to give you a word of advice for when you read this book at bed time or in the morning at the coffee house. Dont read it straight through like a novel. Youll notice that I jump around, tell stories and give personal reflections. I did that on purpose. I want you to enjoy the book by reflecting on it, talking about it, and letting it transform you.
You might even disagree with much of it, and thats great. Just tell everyone why.
Like the Midrash of the ancient Jewish scholars, I hope it prompts you to talk about Gods word, His love and the mystery of His presence. Many of the stories are just as they happened. Many are imaginative retellings of real events. Some are just plain made up to make a larger point.
And what is that point?
As a priest in Christs church, I hope it draws you closer to the One who rules our lives, made the world and died for our sins.
So, lets reason, laugh, cry, and walk together through this Midrash.
Amen? Amen.