Thoughts on Following Jesus Through the Eye of the Needle

I finished this amazing book about two weeks ago, but its been percolating a while to post my thoughts on this profoundly moving book.  This is not a review of a book per se as when I think of a review, I think of it in the manner of saying whether one should or should not read a title or see a movie, etc.  For the review part of this...read this book.  Read it. End of review.

My thoughts.  I was profoundly moved by Kent's book.  Plain and simple.  There were many things in the book that kept calling me back to the lessons I learned from experiences in the past but have faded because of the separation over the years.  Yes, this book is significant considering the situation in Haiti following the earthquake, but even without that horrific event, the message in this book remains vital and necessary for us all to hear.  Kent's openness and deep honesty about their life in Haiti - the joys, the concerns, the blessings, the fears - its all there for us to read.  Its not a "triumphalism" book, but instead it is a realistic exploration of Kent & Shelly's life in Haiti with all the wonders and the trials that went along with it.

Most importantly, however, it was a book that helped to ground me.  It helped to remind me of the necessities, the basics, the foundation of our lives.  It reminded me of hte interconnectedness of our lives throughout the world and how my life here affects those in Haiti (and other places) and vice versa.  I serve my brothers & sisters in Haiti as much as I serve my sisters and brothers here.

The final pages of the book continue to ring with me.  The last two pages are filled with the areas of life that are now open.  23 things he lists over two pages.  How is my openness?  Sometimes pretty good.  Sometimes not so much.  A good challenge for me.

The final words of the book (sorry to tell you the ending here) are profound:

I've never done anything so hard or so rewarding as trying to follow Jesus through the eye of the needle.  Wherever and however this leads each of us, its more meaningful, connected, and true on the other side.

So very true.  So very true.  Lord, help me to try to live on that other side.