Part II of book introduction. But first...

...I want to offer some clarification. After the following response to the first part of posting the introduction to my next book I thought I might offer a small clarification:

"So are u intentionally trying to tick people off?"  My response:

"I am intentionally trying to stir people in! The ones who are tired of the non-sense and heavy handed guilting and pushing and probing and...time for grace and being in a loving God. So...I step into the line of fire. Nothing to lose but my self."

After further thought about this "subtle" nudge from a close friend, I felt that just maybe it might warrant some further reflection. And then at dinner last night with a terrific "bro" named Mike from Berlin (with whom I am working on the development of a "business as mission" model along with a terrific "bro" named Mark from DC who has an awesome church, coffeehouse, mission outreach, team and a passion chasing geese & lions), it was suggested that I might want to let people know that I have a gentle and true heart of grace for people, a desire to share my raw and organic love of God, to not judge others but to share my perspectives to "stir them up a bit" into thinking outside the lines of (seemingly some) pre-packaged paradigms -- versus a "sometimes it reads like you are angry and judgmental and a bit militant" persona. Noted.

So, here's the deal: I have learned from my personal life experiences that all the books, and messages, and steps, and programs, and guides to and the like can never replace the amazing patience, grace, margin, embrace, forgiveness, love, compassion, like, understanding that is offered through our God. Toss out the "countless" denominations you have to choose from (much easier being Jewish -- you get three choices), the interpretations, the blunders, statement of faith debates, battles about this "pre ism" and that "post ism," "this millennial" and "that millennial," who this guy Herman Nutics is, really?"... and you still have this amazing Father who runs to you with open and loving arms...who wants to celebrate you even though you are covered with mud and pig crud (some might say crap, but not me)...if only you will come home to His forgiving, understanding and adoring embrace. 

Whatever you want to "label" that, I'm in!

So, all this is to say that I ask you not to confuse my fervor, with anger. My exuberance, with judgement. My passion, with compassion. My impatience, with grace. There are some historical examples of those who expressed "unpopular" thoughts and expressions to challenge and stir the pot of complacency and confined thinking. Ours is a life of creative possibilities. From hope, love and grace. A gift. The art of life. 

Stir it up. The paints are radiant.

(b)