Into the Fire

This was a question posed to President George W. Bush by Rush Limbaugh concerning the president’s book Decision Points. This post isn’t about President Bush’s book. It’s about his answer to this question. He said he hoped people would find he had a good sense of humor and he wanted them to know how hard it was to send troops into battle—how difficult, how much he labored, consulted, and prayed over having to make that decision. Those are just a couple of his responses.

So I ask you. What do you want people to know about you?

Chip MacGregor has said he’s much “larger” in print. In person he insists he’s usually soft-spoken, and he doesn’t confront people unless they truly warrant it by what they say.

Mick Silva has said he wants to be a peacemaker, but I’ve met Mick in emails and in person, and he’s one of the most diplomatic and kind people on the planet to strangers and wannabe authors. So taking the extra step to becoming a true peacemaker in all situations shouldn’t stretch him that much farther.

What do I want people to know about me? I’m passionate. I love the Lord as much as I’m capable and if it doesn’t show: I’ve failed as a person. I love . . . deeply. Not something I can conjure up—it originates from God. I am easily hurt, way over-sensitive, but to compensate the Lord has made me resilient. I love to laugh, hysterically if possible. I want people to know I view everything, yes: everything, through a spiritual window. I’m a diehard romantic but not in a girly-girl kind of way. I love unpretentious symbolism. I tend to favor the underdog provided they exhibit a good heart. I’m a low-maintenance wife and friend. I value all kinds of people but struggle with whiny women, unmanly men, and hate selfishness (in myself first), hypocrisy (in myself first), and arrogance (in myself first). Writing is not a hobby for me. I take it seriously, but I seriously rebel at formulaic fiction and uniform rules. I’ve written seven novels, have two in progress, and two self-published. Principle is more important to me than compromise.

So. What do you want people to know about you?

Lord, you keep working on this flesh in spite of the slow progress. I love you for rescuing me and giving me worth. I can do nothing apart from you. Anything good in me you put there and nourished. I can claim no responsibility for the good parts. And take all the responsibility for the bad. I’m desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.