The Walk - Michael Card

This is required reading in one of the classes here at Southern. So, once I heard a rave review about it - I thought I would pick it up as well. This book is mainly about discipleship - and living life together. And since that is my biggest heartbeat for the church, especially for women and for the ladies in my life - I really enjoyed it. It is also a quick read of 150 pages.
"Of all that makes our faith unique and true, one feature especially stands out: the Incarnation of Jesus of Nazareth" (22) One of the famous Young Life quotes we used in ministry was "be Jesus with skin on". Jesus was God with skin on - for us - to see the very face of God. No, none of us were there while He walked this earth, but we have very clear and true pictures of that life on earth from Scripture.
"Discipleship is peripatetic" (23)- I learned a new word. But, this just means living life - walking - with someone. This whole book is about a relationship between Michael Card and his mentor, Bill Lane. They modeled this - through the ups and downs of life, and eventually, even through Bill's death from cancer in 1999.
"You must develop a lifestyle of listening" (67) This is one of the things I struggle with most in life. I multitask so much in my life that when I am just sitting having a conversation one on one with someone (especially over the phone) - my mind wanders. I either think about how to help them (if they come to me with a problem) or I think about what I'm going to do when I get off the phone, or I think about what I'm going to say next (its all about me - see a problem).
"Trust His sufficiency" (86) This was indeed one of my profound statements in the book. Jesus is my sufficiency. I don't need knowledge, lots of friends, a busy schedule, a great job, great cooking skills, speaking engagements, a wedding ring, kids, long life...I just need Jesus.
"Let the excellence of your work be your protest" (96) Another aspect of my life that I don't like to admit to most people is how critical I am. I am critical of myself, of churches, of others, or situations. My Dad called me out on this not too long ago - and I know exactly from where it comes - but that is no excuse. So, instead of being critical of other things or people - I need to shut my mouth and let my life live out loud in response to what I see. Hopefully, others will see God's goodness and grace through me - and not here criticism always coming out of my mouth.
"Deeper down in a more selfish place, I am afraid of what my world will be like without him in it" (110). He was talking about his friend Bill here. But, this resonated with me today for some reason. It may be that I live far away from many friends and family who are very dear to me, but community with them is slightly harder now that I live so far away. It may be because my brother and sister in law are going on the mission field shortly and won' t just be a plane ride away. It may be because my parents are on vacation, so I haven't been in constant email communication with my Mom. How true, that even in death, we are selfish.
"Have a value system founded on God's Word" (143). My first mentor, Phyllis, taught me this more than anything else. The 3x5 cards in her house, on her walls. Journals everywhere of her prayers for her family (and thankfully me). Her mornings filled with the Word. This is where I learned to love the Word. I pray that this is one of the things I gave my girls - those who I have had the privilege to walk beside over the years.
Are you in a Paul/Timothy relationship with someone? If so, thank God for them and continue that. If not, pray God would lead someone to you or vice versa.
Great book.