In January 2008, I had a problem. Not a big one, mind you, but one large enough to force a fix-it. The problem? Not being able to leave a comment on Alicia Chole’s blog regarding her incredible book “anonymous: Jesus’ hidden years and yours” (you can read about “anonymous” by clicking here). At that time, her blog didn’t allow for “anonymous” comments. The solution? Create a blogger account so that I could leave a comment.
There you have it. The sole and initial reason for my entering into this land we call blogosphere (I’m not kidding). It was a simple doing motivated by a simple desire—to be able to communicate with an incredible author whose words had literally changed my heart, almost overnight. There was no immediate desire within me to create my own blog; I just wanted to express my thanks to Alicia for writing her heart so profoundly. Who knew that in doing so, the beginnings of my own “writing of the heart” would surface in a very public way?
God knew. And now you know, and I suppose I have Alicia to thank for that. So thanks, Alicia. But that’s not the fullness of what I want to share with you today. It only scratches at the surface of a deeper sharing. A sharing that springs forth from the treasure of Alicia’s newest book, Finding an Unseen God: Reflections of a Former Atheist.
I received an advance copy last Friday around noon. By 3:00 PM, I had finished my first consumption. I have since read it a second time so as to more fully absorb its truth and, therefore, be able to offer you a few reasons about why this book resonates with me. I’ve decided to take a “cue” from Alicia as to how I might most effectively put my thoughts into words.
Alicia concludes the book with the “five things in particular that this former Atheist really likes about God.”[i] I would like to share with you the “five things in particular” that this avid fan of Alicia’s writing really likes about Finding an Unseen God.
#1. The author.
Alicia is a woman on a mission to serve her God, her family, and her world through her many giftings and graces, in particular … her words. She doesn’t waste a one. She doesn’t write fluff; she simply writes the truth in a way that precisely cuts through the layers to root at the issue of understanding. As I’ve said before (at least a bagillion times), Alicia makes me want to be a better…
writer.
thinker.
mother.
seeker.
God hasn’t grown a more authentic and genuine story-teller than Alicia Britt Chole. She lives what she writes. She writes what she lives. That alone, is enough reason to read anything she’s authored.
#2. The subject.
Our reading choices are mostly mandated by personal preferences, many of them worthy for many different reasons. But as for me, I prefer the non-fiction truth of Jesus Christ over any other genre of literature. I’m not a big reader; for me to read an entire book in one sitting, the subject matter must be compelling. Finding an Unseen God is chock full of compelling and truth.
The “behind the scenes” coming about of Alicia’s faith speaks to the power and providence of a God who is ever-present and profoundly willing to weave the threads of a single life into a strong and powerful conclusion. Alicia’s life is a living-witness to that conclusion. For readers who are struggling with the “bigger picture”—with desperately wanting to trace God’s hands within a murky that currently clouds personal perspective—Finding an Unseen God sheds light and hope toward that end.
What God has done and is continuing to do for Alicia, God is doing for us … shaping perspective and hearts for his kingdom purposes.
#3. The needful knowing.
Many Christians balk at the word “atheism” and are tempted to run in the opposite direction when presented with its position. Why? Well, atheism is sometimes an “odd” fit with our religious speak. We are offended by it because it rubs against the grain of everything we hold sacred—our belief in Jesus Christ. Confronting the truth of Jesus Christ with the antithesis of that truth isn’t an easy swallow. Does that mean we should forego the discussion?
I don’t think so, nor do I think that our Father would have us avoid the confrontation. The Apostle Peter admonishes us toward that end…
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”. (1 Peter 3:15).
You and I are the keepers of an extraordinary kingdom. Accordingly, we are commissioned with its worth, with its telling, with its defense, and with its love. How can we properly dispense its grace without confronting its contrast? Finding an Unseen God beautifully explains that contrast without all the academic trappings that can sometimes confound the process of understanding.
#4. The permission to unpack
I really like this one. Finding an Unseen God gives us the permission to unpack our faith before our Father. It quietly encourages us to examine our own foundations of truth—how we arrived at the point of believing what we believe. By following Alicia’s spiritual sketching along these lines, we, too, are confronted with the underlying challenge to frame our spiritual history.
#5. The conclusion of truth.
Finding an Unseen God leads to a convincing conclusion:
That in fact, there is an unseen God intent on being found.
Alicia arrives at that conclusion after many years of struggling through the questions that voiced to the contrary. I’ve arrived at the same conclusion. And although our journeys have walked through different strides to get there, both of us have conceded our hearts and lives to the One and Only God whose truth sows certain. Whose love measures endless. And whose grace weaves the threads of the most “unlikely” of us into a masterpiece worthy of the throne room of heaven.
The author. The subject. The needful knowing. The permission to unpack. The conclusion of truth. Five things I like about Alicia’s Finding an Unseen God.
Alicia’s life started with questions that led her to faith. My life started with faith that led me to questions.
Both of us (at 43 years old if I’m correct) have landed here, at this moment in time, applauding and lauding the Lover of our Souls and desperately desiring for you to know the same. We’ve been fashioned for the find, friends. God has commissioned our interior with a “need to know.” And one of the things that both Alicia and I find most likeable about our Creator is that he is the only God who can be known. This sets him apart from every other “god” in the universe.
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,’ declares the LORD.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24).
Find your unseen God this day while he still may be found, and know him. He is the only worthy boast of our lives.
As always,
[i] Alicia Chole, Finding an Unseen God (Minneapolis: Bethany House, 2009), 141.
PS: The winner of the bronze pearl earrings by Lisa Leonard is … Mary at Refreshmoments. Congrats Mary; please send me your snail mail via my email. But wait…
I have 3 autographed copies of Alicia’s book to give-away. Leave a comment, and I will announce the winners next week! Shalom.
He can be known…it’s our job to make sure He’s known! 🙂
Count me in! I’m lucky number 2!
Elaine, thank you so much! I’m so surprised! Honestly, I almost didn’t even scroll past your signature today; I wasn’t thinking about the giveaway at all.
The earrings are lovely and I look forward to wearing them, but I will most appreciate the tangible connection they’ll give this friendship we’ve developed. Thank you friend.
Thanks for the wonderful book review. Count me in on your book give-away. Blessings! Donna
I look forward to reading this book. I always find fresh insight from those who have journeyed the path of conversion. As one who does not remember a time of not being in the Christian world, I am often given the gift of “new eyes” through their story to challenge my own journey. Often, I am made better for it.
So whether I win or not, I will be reading. Thanks for sharing your insights.
As a side note, I must thank Alicia Britt Chole for making it necessary for you to go through such lengths for a comment. I can’t imagine this bloggy world without your presence! I have been so blessed, encouraged and challenged by your writing.
Shalom,
Denise
Elaine, I don’t think I realized this is how you entered blogworld! I want to thank Alicia too! :o) You are such a treasured friend to me. You have enriched my life in so many ways. I selfishly think the Lord encouraged you to start a blog, just so I could find you. (OK…so it’s all about me today!)
I trust your endorsement completely, so I can’t wait to read this book. Count me in on your giveaway.
Have a great day..and for the record…I’m feeling better today.
Hugs,
Joy
Wonderful book review.
Blessings,
Carol
"That in fact, there is an unseen God intent on being found."
That sentence alone was worth dropping by! So few every get to connect the fact dot with the unseen God dot, much less the found dot.
I'm looking forward to reading Alicia's book. I'm also looking forward to seeing & being the well-equipped and loving force (aka the body of Christ) that mobilizes in such a way that more dots get connected.
Be blessed,
Kathleen
Our Lord can be known, its just our choice to let him in. I would love to be considered for the giveaway Elaine, but if I don’t win it will be the first book I buy.
Can’t wait to read this Elaine! Your review has given us just a “taste” of what I am sure is a wonderful work!!
You know I want in on the giveaway of this book! Marvelous review; it whetted my appetite for a good read and a greater understanding.
Hugs,
Melinda
Elaine, of course, I want to get in on this giveaway! 🙂
By the way, I loved this line of yours: “She lives what she writes. She writes what she lives.” Wow — what an amazing goal to set before those of us who are writers. Thank you!
Blogger just lost my first comment…let’s try this again:
How grateful I am that your determination to leave a blog comment lead to the beginnings of Peace for the Journey as we now know it. I’ve heard you mention her many times both here and even in a video clip or two. Based on your high praise, I had purposed to read one of her books this summer, so please do include me in your giveaway. If I don’t win, I’ll be picking up a copy soon.
Thank you my friend!
Blessings,
Tracy
Thanks for the facebook invite, I have visited Alicia’s website and blog. She is very creative with words~so are you.
I enjoyed reading your review. I will look forward to reading her book as well.
Elaine, thank you for sharing the wonderful way in which this particular stage of your journey began! I love to hear about the Lord’s Divine appointments in the lives of others. And, thanks for introducing me to Alicia. I look forward to reading her book!
PS-Finally posted something … and there’s a shout-out for you there. 🙂
Sounds like a fascinating (and timely) book. My children just finished a class at church on understanding atheism and countering its claims. I was nervous about it at first and went to the sessions, too but it seems to have made them less fearful about a word that I personally have always been afraid of for some reason.
I’d love to be included in the drawing for the book! Thanks for reviewing it!
Hi Elaine! I’ve been thinking about you all week, praying for peace and direction re:WIP. Loved this book review. Hope you and your precious brood have a good weekend.
Oh, I would LOVE a copy of that book, Elaine! I followed her blog for a while (pretty sure I found it through you) but stopped for some reason. Think I need to start up again! Sounds WONDERFUL.
Just wanted to let you know that I had problems with my blog. I had to start a new one. :O(
I hope you will visit me there.
Shalom,
Denise (formerly Teacups and Time)
This book sounds like a really good read, Mrs. Elaine:)
Blessings to you! Thank you for your prayers for me, they were needed on the 29th. I had a morning that day. The Lord knew I needed prayer-praise HIM!:)
katiegfromtennessee
Sounds like a wonderful read!! I am a major reader and pretty much consume any book that is a decent read. I’d love to win it.
Leah
You writing is compelling Elaine.
God is a compelling subject!
Funny I started a blog for the same reason. Except the blog I wanted to leave a comment on was Beth Moore’s. That was over two years ago….I am glad that God brought us to this place…it is such a place of encouragement and opportunity to help each other grow.
Glad He brought you here girl!
Elaine,
After that beautiful book review, how can I not want this book?
Hurry up and have the drawing, would ya!?
Hi Elaine,
Thanks for sharing that with us! We love your
site!! Amen & amen! 🙂
Hey. If you get the opportunity, would you
mind praying for the prayer requests that are
on our main page?
May the Lord bless you and your family!!
Mark, Lynn, Brooke & Carley Seay
http://www.LighthousePrayerLine.org
ps – please consider "following" our blog
-or- atleast grab one of our free, linking,
blue buttons. ( see top sidebar at
http://www.LighthousePrayerLine.org ).
•´.¸¸.•¨¯`♥.Visit Us Soon!.♥´¯¨•.¸¸.´•
I loved hearing your story of how you entered the bloggy world Elaine. I’m so thankful that your desire to give thanksgiving and encouragement to someone that had blessed you, has in turn, turned the writings of your heart into blessings for so many others. We serve an amazing God!
And thank you kindly for the giveaway.
I love the scripture from Isaiah that you quoted! It pierces my soul each time I read it!
Alicia’s book sounds so awesome! I am longing to hear her story, now. Thank you for sharing and providing an amazing review of her book.
Many blessings to you this weekend, dear friend-in-Christ.
Andrea
I’m not sure what is going on right now… I started reading Anonymous… and then I notice Alicia commenting on your blog… then I receive a FB request from another friend who is encouraging me to join TruthPortraits…hmmmm… Of course, I’ll be getting her book…
Loved Alicia Chole’s Anonymous! Sounds like another wow of a book.
I had no idea that’s why you started a blog. God is amazing!
Oh, goody! She has a new book! I too loved Anonymous, and yes, this heart was changed also.
Imagine! How God used that book to lead you to touching so many lives through your own writing.
His ways amaze and delight.
:)Laura
Oh!! Pick me! Pick me! My husband and I loved the book “Jesus the Annonymus Years”. It was powerfully deep. I look forward to this new book.
You are such a blessing!
In His Graces~Pamela
WOW! I will have to visit Alicia’s blog/website and I appreciate your review of her book.
Thank you for this review. The book sounds intriguing, and I wouldn’t mind winning one!
🙂
Pretty! This was an extremely wonderful article.
Many thanks for providing this information.
I am truly thankful to the holder of this web page who has shared this
wonderful post at at this time.