Out of The Ooze

On the “no publicity is bad publicity” front, my mother, hearing that I had an essay in Out of the Ooze, bought copies for my grandmothers on both sides along with copies for folks at church and all sorts of other folks.

When we visited my Grandma Gilmour (my son’s great-grandmother) this Christmas, I saw the book, and along with the bookmark where my short piece lies, she had another about a third of the way through the book at large.  I asked her if she’d been reading it, and my grandmother (she’s in her eighties, mind you) said, “I think those kids are right.  The Church just hasn’t been doing what it should be.”

I don’t know if that makes her the oldest ECer on record, but it sure did make me feel good about what we’re doing.

I have no idea how to use this form, as I’ve never blogged. So I’m shooting an arrow in the dark here.

Nonetheless, I think the book is gorgeous. NavPress and Spencer B. et. al. did a great job. Attractive cover, great text, captivating design, and the content is powerful.

‘Twas an honor to be included in such a great cast of writers.

Frankie V.

www.frankviola.com

Many thanks to Spencer, NavPress, and all the many people behind this project. The voices here are varied and the effort potent! It is a joy to read this book. May this project ignite, inspire, and bring new perspectives to this part of the journey for the Christian and secular communities alike. As I read my contribution, my ears got red. I wrote the article I submitted in about 20 minutes, and it was accepted quickly, but was of course published a number of months later. As comments were posted by readers I shot out responses with hardly a second thought, enjoying the exchanges, and learning from the readers. Now I sit and see my tripe in print, and I cringe. I never expected to see those words on paper, and I imagined very few people looking at the piece in its online version (no offense Spencer). I certainly would have put more thought into my article and the resulting comments, nevertheless, I am happy to join theooze cause in printed form. It’s yet another opportunity to be kept humble, too, no? God provides many venues for that for me, and maybe that’s what it’s all about–proper perspective–. The original intent of my article was to appeal to readers to see the importance that the journey with Jesus mustn’t lose traction or direction, but, must be chiefly about acquiring the character of Jesus. The one character trait we seem most often to overlook is in fact his chief characteristic–humility. As I re-read my article now, I wonder if all that was lost, in convoluted prose, and gunslinging repartee. I hope not. Let everything of my contribution be forgotten but my point: “Jesus and his true nature–front and center”.peace.lisa�

Hey everybody:

My prayer is this book will resonate the heart of each and every author who has contributed to the book - that Jesus may speak to you in words and ways that you’ve been unable to hear before. Yes, these writings are truly “Unlikely Love Letters to the Church From Beyond the Pew.”

To all the people behind TheOoze and to it’s founder, Spencer Burke, our sincere thanks for your ongoing perserverance and your vision to make this book a reality. I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention our appreciation to Lisa Burke, the phenomenal woman who lives day-in and day-out with Spencer. Finally, to David Sanford, the guy who gets it in print. Thank you David.

 My sincere thanks,

 Bill Dahl - Contributor - Out of the Ooze

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