Diary of a Believer
Article by Al Maxey
A Quest to Break Free
from Religious Mediocrity
The great Irish playwright, novelist and poet, Oscar Wilde (1854-1900), well-known for his biting wit, and also for his rather controversial lifestyle, observed, "I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in the train" [The Importance of Being Earnest]. Diaries can be a fascinating read, for they give us insight into the innermost recesses of the very soul of another, and through their words we experience their joys as well as their sorrows, their hopes and fears, and their journey through life. Who, for example, has not been touched deeply by the moving diary of a young German-born Jewish girl by the name of Anne Frank (1929-1945) that documents her harrowing, horrific experiences while hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II?
As one reads through the inspired Scriptures, one will find evidence of what might be classified as personal journals or diaries. A few noted scholars of the biblical record, for example, see the book of Ecclesiastes as an extremely well-written journal of King Solomon's quest for that which brings ultimate meaning to life; a record of various pursuits, with accompanying personal observations as to whether or not these activities brought any happiness and/or fulfillment. He ends his journal with the conclusion that true contentment is to be found only in relationship with one's Creator. Some scholars also see the book of Acts as part personal diary of the physician Luke, especially in the famous "we sections" of this historical document which details some of the acts of the Holy Spirit through the apostles as the church of Jesus Christ was formed, and as it expanded throughout the then known world. There are also those scholars who have suggested the Song of Solomon constitutes a beautiful, poetic, journal-like expression of intimacy between lovers. Indeed, at times one is almost tempted to feel guilty for sneaking a peek at this personal diary in which some extremely intimate thoughts are penned.
Nevertheless, in spite of all that has been written about them, pro and con, diaries and journals are here to stay. They provide an outlet for the thoughts and feelings of men, women and young people; a place where one may genuinely pour out one's very heart and soul. And, now and again, these intimate works are shared with the public ... and on rare occasion that sharing becomes memorable. Such has been the case with a diary that has recently been offered to the public by the woman who kept it. Her name is Sheila G. Gibson, and she was raised within an extremely legalistic wing of the Churches of Christ, an experience that truly challenged her personal well-being repeatedly and on a great many levels. In some ways it is a love story, and in other ways almost a horror story. Yet, ultimately, it is the journal of a courageous young woman whose faith would not be shackled or shattered by the rigid religiosity of the sect within which she was raised. It is a tale of triumph.
The title of her fabulous book is The Diary of a Believer. It is only 165 pages long, and very easy reading, but it will truly touch your heart. It may be purchased on Amazon.com, for those who prefer doing business online. Also, I would encourage you to check the web site devoted to this book [The Diary of a Believer] as well as Sheila's personal Blog Site. I'm pleased to have Sheila Gibson as a Reflections reader, and equally pleased to be able to take this opportunity to highly recommend her book to all of you. You really need to get a copy of this book and read it. It will "speak to you" as no other book has in a long time! On the back cover of the book it states: "The Diary of a Believer is the story of one believer's quest to break free from spiritual mediocrity in order to discover, know, and love the Lord described within the Holy Scriptures. It chronicles the journey that Sheila Gibson began as a young girl inside a common, traditional, Christian organization known as the Church of Christ. It explores the blueprints of religious patterns often used to seek Christ within that group of believers. It also reveals the disturbing lengths that some brethren will go to to protect those traditional formulas and doctrinal boundaries within the brotherhood."
In her Introduction, Sheila writes, "The Diary of a Believer chronicles the spiritual journey that I began in early childhood inside a fundamental Christian setting. It spans years in which I grossly misunderstood my own Creator and Lord as little more than a judge watching His children, awaiting our inevitable sin. Waiting not to redeem, but to punish, perhaps even with a hint of joy. ... The Diary of a Believer explores the blueprints commonly used to seek God through established religion, which often leaves its seekers doubting and unfulfilled in their faith. Formulas breed complacency, and complacency breeds mediocrity. Mediocre is what I found my own spiritual life to be until I began searching outside the spiritual fences erected long ago by well-intentioned, albeit misguided, brethren. ... The composition of this book was inspired by the desire to share what I've learned along my journey with my children, family and friends. But I also find it fitting for others who feel lost in the maze of Christian tradition. It's for those who've bought into the lie that says you must earn your salvation under the guidance of specific church doctrine." It's my strong belief you will all most definitely benefit from reading this book, and I urge you to get a copy.
0 comments:
Post a Comment