Goodwill toward Men

A few weeks back, I received in e-mail from someone who had read my blog.

Someone whom I have always highly admired. A writer. A gentleman.

My husband and I had planned a "Sanctity of Human Life" worship service at our church many, many January's ago. I cannot even remember how it came about that we did this.

As I recall, it started with the reading of the George MacDonald poem that starts "Where did you come from, baby dear...?" Somewhere in the service The Husband God Gave Me read a story we had discovered in an anthology by Jim Trelease that we had first read to our children. The story "The Power of the Powerless: A Brother's Lesson" was written, and was lived, by Christopher de Vinck.

You've probably read it. It's the story of Christopher de Vinck's brother, Oliver. I won't tell you more than that, because, if you haven't read it, you simply MUST. It's that good. And real. And meaningful. And, life changing.

From a comment I left on another blog Christopher de Vinck was led to a post I had written recommending his book, "Only the Heart Knows How to Find Them".

In my mail box this week, three books arrived. All three signed by Christopher de Vinck. I am so moved. In his e-mail, he mentioned that whenever someone tells him how the story of his brother Oliver has touched them, he calls his parents to let them know.

I have treasured the story of Oliver since I first heard it. As, I am sure, I will treasure the stories in the three books he gave THGGM and me for Christmas.

Do you still need a gift for someone? Please consider looking for any book by Christopher de Vinck.

Now, besides the anthology containing the beautiful story of Oliver, and the book "Only the Heart Knows How to Find Them", I have three more:

"Threads of Paradise", Simple Wonders", and "Love's Harvest".

And I bid you, "Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men".