Sin Boldly - A Field Guide For Grace

There is no right way. There is no best. There is no perfect. It's not a competition. Not when it comes to faith. Not when we're talking about our relationship with the divine. In the end, it's about grace; it's about something you don't do. It just is.

That quote is taken from Cathleen Flasani's "Sin Boldly - A Field Guide for Grace". Zondervan provided me with an advance copy for review and it is slated for release in September of 2008.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this book and, I have to tell you, the subtitle is entirely accurate. Cathleen doesn't give us a weighty theological tome or a position paper laden with jargon. Instead we read a series of personal essays that illustrate examples of grace, in all its wonder and joy, found in the wilderness of real life. Grace playing in the background of a conversation with a Chicago disc jockey. Grace on the streets of Rome. Grace in the shade of tree named Henry. Grace among a group of widows in Kenya. Grace in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

Years ago I was walking along Yonge Street in downtown Toronto. Amidst all the noise and haste through which one could not go placidly, amidst the exhaust fumes and the rumble and roar of the traffic, somewhere amidst the thousands of footfalls and voices I heard a bird singing. I stopped, closed my eyes and forced my ears to listen. After a moment's focus I was able to tell where the melody was coming from and looked up to see a House Sparrow perched on a narrow ledge high above the street, warbling with all the joy her tiny heart could ever know, warbling with all the joy in the universe. Grace is often like that - an unexpected moment of joy and wonder amidst the bellow and strain of life. Just when I needed it most, "Sin Boldly" reminded me that God still sings in the hearts of sparrows, that his grace is still in the world.

Comments

[nancy]

"...reminded me that God still sings in the hearts of sparrows, that his grace is still in the world."

i like this.

[Michael]

My thoughts turn to the fact that God cares for and loves the sparrow and the scripture says How much more then does He love us. In recent times things are tough for me. The truth is this to shall pass. I also need to stay faithful that the victory is alredy in Jesus and is His. My position is seated with Christ and victoriuos in Him. I am lifted on the wing of the sparrow and the tears are caught by our Father.

[wilsonian]

You write so beautifully.
!

[Mich]

Sounds like a good book. Who doesn't need reminders of grace? I love your sparrow story.

[nancy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxTWQD91b5c

[nancy]

i think that you will enjoy this one...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi4R2YXv_AE#

[HeidiRenee]

thanks for the head's up, i think this will go in my to read pile. beautiful!

[Bill Huffhine]

Fantastic post on what promises to be an engaging read. I've linked your post on my site, www.wesojourn.org and I've added the book to my resources page.

Thanks much!