Dear Friends,
Relentless Grace has generated some incredible opportunities. Last week I was honored to meet two heroes.
Allen and Paul are part of the military’s “invisible wounded,” the thousands of veterans who return from war with unseen but very real injuries. They suffer from Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, and a multitude of life altering, debilitating wounds. They are casualties of war, joining the thousands of other injured and dead as the horrible consequence of international conflict.
Their immeasurable sacrifice secures the freedom I so frequently take for granted.
We met to talk about the service dogs they are receiving to help with their adjustment. As I watched these two men connect with their dogs, I marveled at the obvious comfort Frankie and Samba have already brought into their new partners’ lives.
We shared a great conversation about life with a service dog. As I prepared to leave, I thanked each of them for their service and sacrifice. They both responded quietly, “No problem—it’s just part of the job.”
I disagree. It’s a great deal more than that.
To read more about this amazing story and watch a video, click here. And take a moment to acknowledge dedication that's far beyond "part of the job."
For another touching reminder of the horrific human cost of war and the selfless sacrifice of our soldiers, sailors, and marines, here’s a link to a wonderfully bittersweet column written from Iraq by chaplain Norris Burkes: Norris Burkes 1.29.09.
The story of Relentless Grace took yet another improbable turn this week as I spoke to the congregation at Immanuel Church. Pastor John Terpstra guided me through an account of my initial visit to Immanuel twenty-eight years ago. We traced that church’s pivotal role in forming the foundation for so much of my journey.
Borrowing from Corrie ten Boom’s beautiful metaphor, I characterized the morning as a “tapestry moment.” Like the reverse side of a tapestry, life frequently doesn’t make sense. From our perspective, it’s a bizarre collection of loose threads, tangled knots, and obscured patterns. We’re unable to discern plan or progression in the chaos of apparently random, unrelated events and circumstances.
Occasionally, however, God offers a hint of His perspective with a peek at the front of the tapestry. Those moments reveal the rich textures, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns of His patient artwork. Even a brief glimpse of His handiwork inspires awe and wonder.
We’re reminded that there’s unperceived order and purpose in what so often appears as a jumbled mess. “Tapestry moments” reaffirm our certainty that the artist weaves harmony and goodness in even the most confused and difficult circumstances.
In many ways, the journey of Relentless Grace comprises a series of tapestry moments. Fleeting snapshots of incomprehensible blessings assure me that my limited perspective represents but a dim reflection of God’s faithfulness in the face of my persistent lack of faith.
I confess an interesting mixture of excitement and anxiety as I anticipate my initial radio interview on Friday. I’m taping a half hour episode of You Get The Blessing at KOA in Denver. It’s one more significant step in the process of telling the story to a broader spectrum of listeners.
The publicity process for the book is uncharted territory for me. As the circle of readers moves beyond those who are familiar with some of the characters or events, the question, “What’s it about?” assumes a slightly different slant. I’m quite curious about how the story will be perceived, and it’s an interesting challenge to summarize the book for potential readers who’ll “know” me only by my words.
I continue to be fascinated as the website receives hits from all parts of the U.S. as well as exotic locations like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, India, Uganda, Virgin Islands, and several locations in Europe. I appreciate the kind words and support through “word of mouth” recommendations to friends and family.Talking to individuals and groups about the story of Relentless Grace continues to be an enriching and meaningful experience. If you've read the book, please visit the Relentless Grace blog and join the conversation or send me a note at rich@richdixon.net.
Shameless self-promotion: If you enjoyed the book, please visit AMAZON.COM and contribute a five-star review. For more simple ways to help with building the buzz for Relentless Grace, this page has some suggestions.
Calendar and News
Here are links to recent articles. Those of you who participated in Le Tour de Pooch will appreciate the article in New Mobility.
HEAVEN: Today's Pentecostal Evangel (Mar 8, 09)
NOT ABANDONED: The Lookout (Jan 18, 09)
GRANDMA'S CAR: Mature Living (Feb 09)
LE TOUR de POOCH: New Mobility (Feb 09)
We'll do a book signing at The Cupboard in Fort Collins on February 14th. Proceeds will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
That same weekend (February 14th and 15th) I'll also share in the weekend services at Timberline Church as part of a sermon series.
March 15th at 7:00 AM (Mountain time) is the broadcast of my interview with Kyle Dodd and his show YOU GET THE BLESSING on KOA radio (850 AM in Denver). If you're not in the Denver area, you can listen online. Click this link (KOA radio) and click the LISTEN LIVE button on the right side of the KOA home page.
On April 16th I'll do a live interview on KRFC (88.9 FM) at 6:00 pm.
On June 13th I'll speak at Men & Boys BBQ, First Christian Church, Loveland, Co.
June 25th brings an opportunity to speak to the inmates at Larimer County Detention Center.
I'm still seeking speaking opportunities with both general and faith-based audiences. I’d welcome the opportunity to visit your community and share a bit of my story. If you know someone who is looking for a motivational speaker, please contact me or forward this information to an appropriate contact.
If you are engaged in raising funds for a group or individual, send me an email and let’s discuss using the book to support your efforts.
Thanks for your continued encouragement and support.
Blessings,
- Please visit my web site:
http://www.richdixon.net or www.relentlessgrace.com - I’d love to hear from you. Send me a note at: rich@richdixon.net
- If you haven't seen it yet, please click this link to view a short video trailer for Relentless Grace.
- Join the conversation about Relentless Grace at: Relentless Grace blog
- Read my blog post every Friday at: SetFreeToday.com
- To update your contact information: rich@richdixon.net
- I promise I won’t distribute your information to anyone for any reason.
