Ha!
No wonder Eric had me on his show. Could I be any funnier?
Please don’t answer.
The details about Eric’s show can be found at his extremely snazzy website, www.erichogue.com. The show’s slogan is “The New Talk of Northern California.” I think, though, that since I went on, they’re gonna change their slogan to, “We Once Had John Shore On.” But I could be wrong about that. I’ll have to ask Eric.
I like Eric’s show. He is what I am: Theologically conservative, but socially progressive.
I guess. I don’t know. I hate those kinds of categories, really. Who fits into a box?
Let’s say this: Eric’s got a heart of gold. On his show it’s clear how deeply he really feels for people. So that’s … pretty much what I’m looking for in a talk show host.
The reason Eric had me on his show is because he read and liked a book I have just out, I’m OK—You’re Not: The Message We’re Sending Nonbelievers and Why We Should Stop. Eric was even kind enough to blurb the book for me. Here’s what he wrote:
“Warning; Shore's I'm OK—You're Not is a radical read. It's right on the money. If you're up to being challenged to reach today's post-modern culture, John's perspective will flip your switch. There is a new awakening in today's missional-minded generation: Let's see people not as projects, but as ... well ... people. Build a relationship, and evangelism will be the rule, without all of the plastic formulas. The book is worth reading for the story of John's life alone. Buy it, then live it.”
Isn’t it awesome of him to have said that?
And isn’t it shameless of me to show it to you?
It is, I know.
Sorry.
But it’s neat. If you’re me. Which you’re not. So again, I apologize.
On a different not, it’s so … weird, having a book out. For one, you have about no idea if anyone’s actually reading it.
Whoa. That was Entirely Freaky. At the moment I hit the period for that last sentence, I got an e-mail from the publisher of I’m OK telling me how many copies of the book have sold since its release in March.
Okay, so people are reading/buying the book. Nice!
And, again, weird.
You know why it’s weird? I’m a writer, right? I’ve spent my whole life learning to do exactly that, and nothing else. And when I became a Christian, I had to start writing about Christianity and God and Jesus, because what choice did I have? I’m here to tell you: When the Holy Spirit wants you to write a book, you write that book. It’s been my humble experience that the Holy Spirit is unabashedly bossy when it comes to stuff like that.
But matters of religion and faith are so intensely personal, aren’t they? I mean, I enjoy the ol’ Communal Worship as much as the next parishioner, for sure. But basically, anything having to do with one’s soul and God is so profoundly private that … well, that people directly involving themselves in that relationship tend to do so in a private place with their eyes closed.
I close my eyes to do that—and then, because it's basically my job, I write the results. Before long, what I’ve written as a result of that private experience becomes a product that exists out in the world. With, like … a cover on it. And a price tag.
And people want to talk to me on the radio about it!
To be clear: I am not even almost complaining. Um. Hardly. I’ve had an insane number of regular jobs in my life. (Fifty-two, at last count.) I’m More Than Aware that writing for a living seriously beats having a regular job.
And of course I’m mind-bogglingly honored to be able to participate in the conversation we’re all having in this country about Christianity and our faith. Not to mention the privilege and thrill of actually doing the work the Holy Spirit tells me to.
Not complaining. How could I? Could I be any happier with my life? Could I be any luckier?
And do you know what one of the absolute best things about my humble, Christ-centered little life is?
It’s getting to meet guys like Eric Hogue.