I'm not sure I know that guy, but if he's me, I'd sure like to meet him...

Dr. Modders (Dave) recently emailed the following to me. Dave recommended Christian Soldier to a friend of his, and this friend of his wrote a personal review.

I receive letters and emails from people that make my head spin, and my heart hurt. I immediately have to pray that I am becoming more like the person God created me to be.

You know, I wonder sometimes if they, or I, know who they are writing to. As my theological logician friend Andrew and I were discussing recently:
"I'm glad they didn't hear what I said alone in my car fifteen minutes ago when someone cut me off."

Thank you God, for people like Marty. Thank you God that I got to meet him. Thank you for allowing me to write and giving me the words to inspire. Thank You for your grace. We're all a little messed up and one day, that part of me trying to be more like you, will perfectly match up with who I've become. I really love you.


From my new friend Marty:

There is only one word to accurately describe this book Dave....Real.
For a short book there is so much packed in to it. I am trying to organize my thoughts here.
1) Writing style. Ben writes like I think, short bursts and all over the place. I thought his style was engaging, challenging and kept me wondering where he was going next.
2) What was missing. I wanted to read more about his relationship with his real father, his experiences in Iraq, and how he eventually landed in police work. But I don't know if those stories would have enhanced his broader points. After all, this wasn't a biography, it was his testimony.
3) Language. I won't be recommending Ben's book to my mother-in-law's reading group. They would would faint after the first few pages, but that's ok because 60 year old Christian women are not the target audience. While the language is tough and the scenes are tougher, I think both are important to reach the people Ben wants to reach.
4) I can relate part I. Although my childhood was a Disney movie compared to Ben's, I can understand his mentality prior to fully committing to Jesus. I thought I had it all figured out to, and had no real use for God in my life. But in the end my life was empty until I turned it all over to him.
5) I can relate part II. Again my worst day wouldn't compare the anything Ben has experienced, but looking back on my life I can see how God was using everything to make me into who he needed me to be. Page 83 is is amazing.
6) Theology. This may come across wrong but to me there are three types of people. Those who profess no faith in Jesus, those who have said the sinner's prayer at some point in their life and then people like Ben. I want to be like Ben. To me Christianity is not just saying a prayer and attending church once a week. It should be the guiding force in your life and it is hard. It's throwing yourself on the alter everyday and saying "less of me and more of you"... taking two steps forward and one step back. It's a journey. Ben is a wonderful example of someone putting Christ at the center of his life.

I do have one question for you. How does this book sit within the frame work of modern day Baptists? Ben's book is closer to Blue Like Jazz than the hell fire and brimstone I was raised in. In particular the scene with his gay friend. That short scene said so much about Ben's heart, and while I agree with him it seems to be contrary to what I know about the Baptist denomination.

Thanks for recommending this book. If you can't tell I loved it.This must be a great resource for the young men you help. I would love to meet Ben sometime...although not in a dark alley when he was wearing the black spidey suit.

Thanks Again...
MartyC