As many of you know, my life has been fundamentally impacted by the writings of author Brennan Manning. So much so, my son's name is John Brennan. As a new Christian, I happened to pick up his book, A Ragamuffin Gospel, & my life would never be the same. I read numerous stories of God's redeeming grace & how it changed peoples' lives. I read of Brennan's journey as he volunteered to be a prisoner in order to share God's love toward the inmates. Again, of the time when he served the homeless by becoming homeless. Also, I read stories of how the religious became disciples of Jesus, prostitutes who became loyal wives & mothers, prisoners whose spiritual chains were broken, alcoholics who became pastors, & more. Personally, God revealed to me through Brennan's writing that I could come to God as I am, not as I should be. I found freedom from legalism & accepted Christ's invitation to mercy. Even at this moment, I find it hard to adequately express what his writings have done for me. I have a deeper love because Brennan helped me realize the expanse of God's grace.
So, as a gift from my wife, she found out that Brennan Manning was going to be in Birmingham this weekend & contacted the host organization, thefreedomsource.com, to arrange my registration for the conference. (The director, Sandor Cheka, was very gracious & a pleasure to meet. We are about the same age & I was totally encouraged by his work to form the Addiction Coalition). When I arrived, I was met by the staff of Freedom Source & they allowed me some personal time with Brennan. In fact, I had the opportunity to have a brief lunch with him, just the two of us. May I share with you my journal entry from Friday:
"Its Octover 24th & I drove down to Birmingham this morning to see & meet one of my heroes of the faith--Brennan Manning. I was so nervous on the trip down because I wanted to find him as graceful as I had always imagine (or sensed from his books). By an act of grace from the Lord, I was privileged to sit & visit with him over a brief lunch. I told him that through his books, he has been a mentor to me & has helped heal my image of God & self. I was so grateful for the moment he turned to me, placed his hand on my forearm & said, "I am so glad you are here!" I couldn't agree more. Thank the Lord for His kindness--He made a dream of mine come true."
Conversation before lunch:
Myself & Brennan Manning
That is so awesome. I am glad that you got this opportunity, and I too have been mentored through his writings.
ReplyDeleteBen, you have been a great source of mentorship (I don't think that is a word, but oh well) in my life. I truly appreciate you for your encouragement and guidance. Know that you are, like Brennan, are a great example of humility and grace. Thanks Bro.