Book Review: I Am Hutterite

Book cover image used with permission

I Am Hutterite  is a young woman’s account of her life as a little girl living in a religious colony, a group whose beliefs fall somewhere between the Mennonites and the Amish.  She reflects on her idyllic and simple childhood, as well as her struggle to adjust and be accepted by the outside world when her parents leave the colony she loves.  The story begins with a visit back to her childhood home and recounts her family’s heritage and personal journey.  It’s a story of faith, hope, and love in the midst of politics, intolerance, and unforgiveness.

Reading the book brought back memories of my own struggles.  Although I never lived as part of a religious colony, my family and I briefly worshiped and fellowshipped with a fledgling group having similar beliefs and practices as the Hutterites and looking to form their own community.  While there were many similarities between the fledgling group and Hutterite colonies, because people are different, each group is also different and usually assumes the personality and convictions of those leading them.  As Nicodemus admonished his fellow Pharisees by asking, “Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him and know what he doeth?” (John 7:51), we, too, should not judge a group of people before talking with and getting to know them.  Some well-meaning friends tried to dissuade us from fellowshipping with the group, but because they offered no personal experience, scriptural foundation, nor tried to get to know the group, our friends seemed disqualified as counselors and we didn’t listen.  While I do have some regrets from the experience as a whole, I am grateful for what I learned about life and relationships and through the exposure of my own heart.  I encourage you to read the book, and I think you, too, may discover the appeal and joy of living in community and the potential snares and heartache of trying to govern your life according to tradition and a strict religious code.

After writing a review for Same Kind of Difference As Me, I was contacted by Thomas Nelson Publishing and asked if I would like to receive a complimentary copy of two other books with no obligation to write another review.  Thank you, Thomas Nelson Publishing, for giving me the privilege and opportunity.  (^_^)

Jesus Saves

“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ...”  --Philippians 1:27a

My daughter wanted to take her new puppy for a nature walk in a local park that is home to a stone observation tower.  Knowing a lot of people and pets use the trails, she wanted to offer ‘Sally’ an opportunity for socialization and practice on her leash in a different environment.  It was a gorgeous day, and we encountered a Schnauzer and a dachshund, both unleashed who excitedly ran up to greet Sally.  As they bounded off after their owners, Sally wanted to run with them, but she was very obedient and stayed with us.  We also encountered a little girl who, despite being told Sally was very timid, chased her around and around our legs to pet the cute puppy.

When we’d first reached the tower and saw the words “JESUS SAVES” scratched into the outer, surrounding wall, being believers of Christ ourselves and wanting others to hear His message of forgiveness and hope, it was a pleasant sight.  At the top of the tower, we found the usual additions of sentiment one might find in such a place... declarations of having been there and romantic expressions of love to another.  The notes at the top seem almost fitting, but as I was processing the photo of my daughter and her puppy, the big, bold letters etched into the wall  below were recognized for what they are... graffiti.

While it may be satisfying to some well-intentioned believers to proclaim that 'sound byte' about the Gospel, I wonder if those same folks realize that obedience to authority and respect for property are aspects of the entire package of 'Good News'? And I considered my daughter's puppy, Sally. She had been excited to run and play with the other dogs we'd met, but she was also aware, in her little puppy mind, that she must be obedient.  I began thinking that many Christians enjoy the excitement of proclaiming the immediate message of the only way of our salvation, but they forget that obedience to authority and the property of others is an important means to demonstrate our love for Christ. Just as my daughter's puppy showed her love for my daughter by obedience and respect, we demonstrate our following the Lord the same way - obedience and respect.

Strawberry Heart = God's Love

Our church hosted a VBS (Vacation Bible School) last week.  I'm the 'Snack Lady', and I like to try to prepare healthy snacks that help reinforce the lessons.  This snack represented part of the feast given by the father after his prodigal son returned home.  The strawberry heart represents our heavenly Father's love.

"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him." -- Luke 15:20 

Book Review: What Difference Do It Make?

Cover image used by permission

What Difference Do It Make? is the second book featuring Ron Hall and Denver Moore, two unlikely friends brought together by a very special, yet ordinary woman.  The book also contains anecdotes from others around the world affected and inspired by the first book Same Kind of Difference As Me, a story of how one woman's faith brought the two men together and led to the transformation of many.  Although you don't need to read the first book to get a sense of the background and overall story, I think you will be the richer for it.

I was again moved by Denver's faith and wisdom despite the unbelievable life he experienced prior to his encounter with 'Miss Debbie'.  And I was touched and convicted by Ron's ability to forgive and demonstrate unconditional love to his 'ornery' father.  I also found it surprising and quite curious that his father regarded one particular gift above any other he'd received.  Not only that, but the fact Ron had learned so much from Denver and as a result of ministering to the homeless, he previously would never have even considered giving his father the gift.  Getting to know a person truly does make a real and abiding difference in how effectively we are able to love them.  What difference do it make?  It can make a huge difference.

After writing a review for Same Kind of Difference As Me, I was contacted by Thomas Nelson Publishing and asked if I would like to receive a complimentary copy of the second book with no obligation to write another review.  Thank you, Thomas Nelson Publishing, for giving me the privilege and opportunity.  (^_^)