It's a book that's meant a lot to me over the years. The title is "God Calling". It's a "devotional diary" edited by A.J. Russell and written by two anonymous women who call themselves the Two Listeners. It is simply fascinating. This is the premise: In December of 1932, at the urging of one, the Two Listeners sat down together with pen and paper determined to hear the voice of God. The one whose idea it was continually came up with "results that were entirely negative" as her mind wandered. Her friend, on the other hand, was given beautiful words of wisdom and encouragement. She only received these revelations when the two of them met together. These were two singularly lonely friends who were courageously fighting illness and destitution and they were desperate to hear from "The Great Companion and Guide".
This book, although it started out as a mystery to me, has become a dear, close friend. Through the years as I've read it sometimes on a daily basis and other times at intervals when I've needed some wisdom in black and white. I purchased two copies of God Calling at the book sale, a paperback copy to give to a friend and this mystery edition. You're probably asking what is the mystery. Well, here's the inscription inside. (click on image to enlarge)
As you know, my last name is now Gilbert (whole other post for another day). So, the inscription by Virginia Gilbert intrigued me. But as I was thumbing through the book I came across this photo.
Turning it over I realized there was no inscription identifying the man...and I began to wonder. Who is this man with the piercing blue eyes that seem to delve right into my soul? What had he spent his life building with his large gentle hands? Was he Beula's husband? (Did you know that in the bible in Isaiah 62 the word Beulah means "married"?) Had he died and she still wanted him close? Was he very much alive and was she praying for him? Was he kind? What was he thinking at the moment that picture was taken? Was he thinking, "Hurry up and get this over with." or "I hope this turns out so my Beula will have a picture of me to cherish." In her loneliness had Virginia become Beula's confidante and companion? Did they sit together and listen for God? Do I pray enough for my husband? Do I have someone in my life I could sit quietly with and listen for God to speak? What would He say?
Therein lies the mystery.
6 comments:
Candy...man, you put me to shame as to how you have this amazing gift of watching for such small details that may end up being the most important ones after all. I want to slow my heart down like you and see what I am missing. You are an inspiration my friend!
Wow. This is so cool. What an engaging mystery this is and what an interesting book. Thanks for sharing. I love these kind of stories!
dear candy,
thanks for visiting my blog.
an image of isbella walking in the woods is all thats left in my mind. i left fairmount hills since then and vowed not to return.
jmacam
I found you today and absolutely love this post - the mystery of the picture was fascinating, and I love your thought processes.
Candy, next time we are together...ask me about my experience with this book. What is it about that book?
with all these new photos and poetic thoughts, I'm tempted to call you Candy Lou:)... there's just something about father-daughter act alikes...
JB
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