Remaining: Word Shop Newsletter December 2006
We are tromping into 2007 with twenty-three $100 sponsors, and a couple more promises to anty-up after the first of the year. Thanks be to God for this affirmation and support, for each sponsor, all the staff and for every one of you that brings light and love (not to even mention cash) into this little corner of the kingdom.It has occurred to me that if we had a hundred sponsors, that would cover all our expenses. We wouldn't have to charge for books at all. An interesting thought. We're already a quarter there. Surely bookstores in heaven--ride with me here--would let you take whatever you want. Then you could keep, pass on or return the books when you're done. How do we create that in this fallen world? A vision is brewing.
"If you have the same ideas as everybody else but have them one week earlier than everyone else then you will be hailed as a visionary. But if you have them five years earlier you will be named a lunatic." -Barry JonesRENAME THE RANT: So many people said the November rant I posted on the companyofsaints.com home page was insufficiently rantish, that I called December's offering the "Christmas unRant." I considered calling it "The Latest Runt" (the littlest rant in the litter) but runt sounds too much like grunt. When I got a Christmas card suggesting that I was falling into the sin of grousing, "Latest Grouse" became an option. However, someone would have to design a cute little, fluffy Grouse to go with it--a gargoyle mix of mouse and ground hog. Then we would have to market them making millions--which sounds like too much work. Therefore, I am holding a Rename-the-Rant contest. Please send your suggestions: Essay is too boring. Piece has unfortunate sexual allusions...surely you can come up with something better.
"Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation." -Oscar WildeThe best book of the month was Rome Sweet Home by Scott & Kimberly Hahn. It's the story of a Presbyterian theologian's road to the Roman church. Sometimes The Word Shop feels like a major freeway exchange--everyone speeding by in opposite directions. Anyway, it was a great read; Scott's blossoming desire for transcendence growing out of firmly grounded scriptural roots; Kimberly facing the agonizing loss of several generations of community while Scott doggedly pursues theological correctness. A spiritual adventure story with a happy ending. Here's my favorite clip:
One day Kimberly was having a difficult day with the children, and a friend suggested she think about Mary as a wonderful mother to go to for help. She responded, "Let's be honest. First you're telling me that I'm dealing with a woman who never sinned. Second you're telling me that this woman had only one child and he was perfect. Just think about it: something goes wrong at the dinner table, and everyone looks at St. Joseph--it had to be his fault!"What I like best about the Peruvian Nativity set on my kitchen table is Joseph's sandaled foot peeking out from under his robe. You can see a picture of it at the bottom of the Christmas unRant on the companyofsaints.com home page. Happy Ho Toes.
The Remains of the Day is an odd novel by Kazuo Ishiguro. The narrator, Stevens, is an elderly English Butler, who served Lord Darlington for 30 years spanning the second World War. In remarkably understated, beautifully written prose, a variety of personal, professional, and socio-political themes are woven through Stevens' reflections of his years of service. Having set aside his self for the dignity of his profession, Stevens slowly discovers a crack in his impeccable facade.
I picked The Remains of the Day off our $1 steals shelf because I vaguely recognized the title. I couldn't exactly remember why, but a little sleuthing in my "next newsletter" folder has revealed the path: Patrick wrote about reading The Raj Quartet (June 2005 Newsletter). Susan wrote that The Raj Quartet on video is called The Jewel in the Crown. She said it was a "great soap opera, character study, political intrigue, old ways vs new, young and elders, good and evil..." Ted wrote that the four Raj books were too much for him. He added he just read Never Let Me Go ("Man was it scary") by the Japanese author who wrote The Remains of the Day. "Hmm....this sounds familiar," I say a year and a half later, as I take Remains off the shelf.
"It takes two to speak the truth: one to speak, and another to hear." -Henry David ThoreauMeanwhile I'm reading Leadership Prayers by Richard Kriegbaum. Once in a while I even pray them. Leadership Prayers is a cute little book that was printed in the Philippines. It is, however, in English--unlike the Harry Potter book in Korean that showed up on our window sill. Did you know we had a foreign language shelf? It includes Bibles and other books, some in languages we haven't figured out yet. In case you're wondering, the Korean symbol for Harry's name includes a lightening bolt.
"He who would be a leader must be a bridge." -Welsh proverbOther recent arrivals include a whole stash of Bibles in great condition from Gordon. This stunning variety of translations, arrangements, and notes are in an assortment of bindings ranging from paperback to leather-bound. Ward spent a whole Friday sitting at the table in the back room surrounded by stacks of Bibles and sticky price slips. He'd start at one-third the catalogue price, and then go a bit up or down as condition, rarity or the mood of the moment struck him. The longer he sat there, the cheaper the Bibles got.
Sheri brought a lovely collection of popular evangelical books in great shape. There are several by Lucado, Stormy Omartian and If You Want to Walk on Water, You've got to get out of the Boat by John Ortberg. Come and see. (Or write and ask.)
And that's enough remains for this day.
Happy New Year.
Blessings,
Alliee +