You’re right, Loren—we can’t control other people’s perceptions. It reminds me of what Paul said in Romans 12:18—if it’s possible, as far as it depends on us, live peaceably with all. But it doesn’t all depend on us so we have to let that part go. Easier said sometimes than done…. We need to give grace to ourselves too.

Lots of us are buried under our own to-read lists, so join the crowd, Floyd. 🙂 This is a good one to be on anybody’s list though.

Yes, Jean, I discovered sadly a few years back that one of my favorite authors was a horrible speaker. ha. I guess no one can hog all the talents. So I was delighted that Yancey was indeed as engaging in person as he is on the page.

I just hope I can speak wisely and truthfully and be known for my truth and my grace. It’s a lot to think about – thanks for this thought-provoking reminder.

Yancey is one of my favorites too, Sharon. I’ve yet to grow tired of reading his works; he keeps coming up with good stuff again and again.

Interesting story he told us in Opelika about the church of his youth: I believe he was living in Georgia at the time, and a couple of young black theology students from a nearby college wanted to join their church. The church wouldn’t let them. One of the students was Tony Evans.

Now, years later, Tony’s son, Anthony Evans, is on this book tour with Philip Yancey leading the worship! I love how God turned all that around. Grace exemplified.

And side note: the church eventually did recognize their sin and held a repentance service, inviting back Tony Evans and others that they had wronged.

It is definitely a good book. Yancey has a way of provoking thought without provoking ire. ha. He challenges me gently to be more proactive in giving grace.

Yes, without grace we are lost indeed. With it, we are the most blessed of all!

Yes, may we learn to copy Jesus in everything we do. And, let us be dispensers of His grace, and not people who block others’ view of Him.

GOD BLESS!