Dear Friends,
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. Martin Luther King Jr.
Over that past few weeks I've enjoyed a number of wonderful opportunities to speak with some diverse audiences. Each event reinforces my conviction that I always receive more than I give.
I'm continually interested in the level at which "hope" seems to resonate with people. I encounter an almost desperate search for some level of realistic hope, especially in the current uncertain climate.
The key word for many folks seems to be realistic--how can one generate hope that's something more than a generalized wish. "I hope to win the lottery" may provide a pleasant fantasy, but it's not really a foundation for confidence about the future.
Hope, if it's more than a wish, must be based on something. I'm more convinced than ever that useful, realistic hope must be rooted in faith.
Every individual views the issue of faith from a unique perspective. I frequently encounter statements like, "I'm not religious. I don't believe in anything unless it can be proved rationally." But that itself is a statement of faith, because nobody can "know" with absolute certainty whether there's a reality beyond science and reason. Everyone believes in something, whether it's acknowledged or not.
Jim wallace says, "Faith allows you to choose hope in spite of the evidence, and then watch the evidence change."
I choose to place my faith in the gospel and teaching of Jesus. I invite you to examine the foundations of your personal faith and decide what allows you to choose hope in spite of the evidence.
Last time I mentioned two friends, Carley and Fred, who are in the midst of chemotherapy. I'm delighted to report that Carley is officially cancer-free and will not face radiation treatments. Fred's treatment is in progress, though early tests indicate that the nasty drugs are performing as planned.
I guess that means that Carley will soon be forced to deal with hair again, while Fred continues among those of us who proudly proclaim our national symbol of courage and independence--the "bald" eagle!
I appreciate the feedback on recent blog entries--even the note that asked, "What's a blog?" In recent days I've written about:
Wheel-cam (the view from a seated perspective):
God’s Version Of Special
Why Do You Believe In God?
Dignity and Disrespect
How Should We Pray?
Relentless Grace:
Eight Keys To Confronting Adversity
Grace Notes: Jesus In A T-shirt And Tennis Shoes
Set Free Today (my Friday contribution to SetFreeToday.com):
Foolish Wisdom/Wise Foolishness
Hypocrites, Hospitals, And The Hall Of Fame
I Want To Remember This Time …
If any of these look interesting (or if you just want to see what a blog is) click the link and join the conversation.
Click here to receive blog updates via email.
Thanks to everyone who participated in Grace Notes. which encourages folks to write a note to the special people who've walked beside them during difficult times. Notes are delivered via email and posted on the Grace Notes site.
Please click the button to learn more about this opportunity. I hope you'll consider sending a grace note to someone, and I'd appreciate your help in spreading the word to others about this project.
I continue to receive kind comments about Relentless Grace that reinforce my conviction that this is not simply my story:
For me, it took the death of my oldest friend ... for me to find my way to Christ. She and I literally shared same crib as our mothers were best friends. She died from breast cancer ...she found the lump in the 8th month of her pregnancy- her little baby survived, but she did not. I know that the Lord did not have her die in order that I (or anyone else) might be saved...but I am so grateful He turned something so horrific and terrible to good. I think she ... would have been very happy about this. Her last words to me were that she hoped and prayed something good would come from her death.
I thank you, that despite how difficult it must have been putting such struggles and horrors to paper, that you have found the will and strength to do so. You did not let evil have the final word. And because of that, good and peace and joy has come to so many and so many still to come.
In the unlikey event that you were not glued to the radio a few weeks back for my interview on KRFC, here's a link to a recording of the entire show. Get the snacks and drinks ready--you won't want to miss a single word!
1,300 followers on twitter.com and I'm beginning to understand how to distinguish chatter from useful content. I've actually established a couple of meaningful dislogues with fellow tweeters.
I'm pleased to learn that Postcards From The Valley: Messages From A Fellow Traveler will soon be used to comfort people in at least one hospital.
If you'd like to read these reflections or pass them along to someone else, please click on this link and complete the form. I'll reply via email with a link to a free e-version of the POSTCARDS.
If you prefer to read on your computer, Relentless Grace is now available as an ebook. Go to the order page to get your electronic version.
The book will also be available soon in a Kindle version and as an audio book.
Thank you all for your ongoing support through “word of mouth” recommendations to friends and family. The book world is increasingly an online community, and I appreciate anything you can do to raise the Internet profile of Relentless Grace. For more simple ways to help with building the buzz, this page has some suggestions.
The "Amazon ranking" for Relentless Grace actually climbed to 80,000 recently. Can the best-seller list be far away?.
On-going shameless self-promotion: If you enjoyed the book, please visit AMAZON.COM and contribute a five-star review.
I'm still seeking speaking engagements with both general and faith-based audiences. I’d welcome the opportunity to visit your community and share a bit of my story. As summer and more predictable weather approach, I'm eager to travel a bit and expand the circle even further.
Talking to individuals and groups about hope, love, and 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.
Calendar and News
Here are links to recent articles.
THE GOOD LITTLE GIRL: Signs of the Times (May, 09)
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)
June 5th: I'll speak to the residents at Good Samaritan nursing home in Fort Collins.
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.
October 17-18: Disability awareness day at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, Denver
November 5-7: TOUGH MINISTRIES CONFERENCE at The Woodlands United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas.
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.
Always do the right thing. It'll gratify some people, and astonish the rest.
Mark twain
Blessings,
- Please visit my web site: http://www.richdixon.net
- 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.
- Take a moment for an Interview With God
