My '13 Year-End Inventory

As 2013 comes to a close, it’s always fun to look back on what I partook in.  I keep a pretty thorough calendar, so the following is culled from glancing through my records of the past 12 months (this is what consumes time on a boring flight across the country).  Here’s a sampling of what I was involved with this year…

WORK (It’s not so much a job as it is “a calling”):

10,051 needy third world children sponsored through 29 radio campaigns our

                     Radio Department at Compassion International organized

Represents approximately $23.1 million over the next 5 years for good health, education,

                    nutrition, clothing, Spiritual encouragement, and opportunities for these kids

6 radio marathons hosted in different cities

7 additional radio interviews regarding Compassion’s outreach

4 conventions/retreats

4 overseas trips where I was group leader: Ethiopia, Haiti, Colombia, and Guatemala

112 conference calls

TRAVEL:

55 flights (including my 1,900^th) going through 28 different airports covering 45,730

               miles.

38 cities in 18 states and 6 countries (grand total of countries still at 54)

19 different rental vehicles

20 different hotels

4,170 road miles while on the job/vacation

72 days on the road

WRITING:

70% finished with manuscript of my second book, tentatively titled, Riff Rock:

                 Confessions of a Not-So-Holy Roller

50 blogs for MarkAHollingsworth.com, Blogger, and Facebook

Over 5,000 e-mails/social networking posts

READING:

I read 32 books this year.  Here are my faves…

Life of Pi, Yan Martel

The Early Church on Killing, Ron Sider

The Devil’s Highway, Luis Alberto Urrea

Insurrection, Peter Rollins

Selected Writings, Dorothy Day

Benefit of the Doubt, Gregory Boyd

America and Its Guns: A Theological Expose, James E. Atwood

God on the Rocks: Phil Madeira

Ruthless Trust, Brennan Manning *

Ragamuffin Gospel, Brennan Manning *

The Poverty and Justice Bible (at least 48 different authors) *

*re-read

Also read…

Over 300 newspapers

Over 100 magazines

Over 150 articles on-line (research for writing)

Over 100 Facebook Profiles

Over 7,000 e-mails/social networking messages

FILM:

I saw 76 films in theaters and on DVD in ’13.  Here are my faves….

Sound City

Side Effects

To the Wonder

20 Feet from Stardom

The Heat

Springsteen and I

Gravity

Inequality for All

Captain Phillips

Muscle Shoals

12 Years a Slave

About Time

Philonema

American Hustle

Joe Bonomassa: How One Man Beat the Industry

MUSIC:

I acquired 33 new CD’s and listened to hundreds more albums. Here are my new faves from ‘13

Neal Morse: Live Momentum

Pinnick, Gales, Pridgen, (Self Titled)

The Choir: The Loudest Sound Ever Heard

Dawes: The North Hills

Dawes: Nothing Wrong Here

Dawes: Stories Don’t End

Rick Elias: Job

Daniel Amos: Dig Here Said the Angel

Kate Tucker and the Sons of Sweden: The Shape The Color The Feel

I saw 60 concerts/speaking engagements…here are the most memorable:

Corey Chisel & the Wandering Sons, The High Watt, Nashville, TN, 4-26-13

Anne Lamott, Nashville Downtown Library, 4-3-13

Rush, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 5-1-13

Mike Rayburn, Sirius Studios, Nashville, TN, 6-14-13

Doyle and Debbie Show, Zanies Comedy Club, Nashville, TN, 7-23-13

Steve Taylor and the Perfect Foil, 3^rd and Lindsley, Nashville, TN, 8-29-13

Frank Caliendo, Zanies Comedy Club, Nashville, TN, 8-16-13

The London Souls, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 9-28-13

Donald Miller, Neely Hall, Belmont University, Nashville, TN , 9-9-13

Steve Hackett Band, Arcada Theater, St. Charles, IL, 9-21-13

SUNDRY:

20 Nashville Predator hockey games

28 gatherings of Curious Souls support group

132 business and/or friendship lunches

13^th year as member of Servant Leadership Council for The Village Chapel

3^nd year as member of the board for Touchstone Youth Services

2 days in hospital for heart pacemaker

7 more pieces of property researched in Guatemala

14 parties/picnics

4 art shows

3 funerals

An imperfect gift for those who have it all together

My book, Embracing the Gray: A Wing a Prayer, and A Doubter’s Resolve, has been given over a hundred 5 Star Reviews at Amazon.com (97% of all responses). It might be an interesting gift idea for a friend or relative who is going through hard questions about life, faith, and purpose.  Here are some excerpts from readers that have been posted…

When I first set out to read Mark's book, it was with a view to enjoy a fellow road warrior's memoirs and reminisce on my time on the road while I read through stories of his times. Mission accomplished ... but wait, this book is far more than a simple set of stories and memories of being on the road!

Mark's influence in "the biz" is astounding. His depth of experience goes well beyond what I knew of him, taking on perspective and experiences from so many of the past 40 years of music and artists. He can speak with authority on many a friend or acquaintance from the music industry, yet this book is not about Mark, nor is it about the biz; yes, it speaks of him, but it's not about him. Instead, I was surprised to find a depth of insight and a clarity of direction that has been gleaned from a long search for meaning in life.

I found myself laughing, crying, moved beyond emotion to introspection, but ultimately, a powerful, well-written synopsis of a life richly lived. I never saw the end coming in this book. It crept up on me silently and without need of a summary, Mark beautifully wove words to the meaning of embracing the gray. Life is not about either/or, it's about both/and. The insights are so appreciated in this world of extremes where "embracing the pendulum" much more the norm. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Well done, Mark! 
S.L.

Mark Hollingsworth's Embracing The Gray is an amazing journey through one ordinary yet extraordinary man's life and faith. The book is refreshingly truthful. It portrays true humanity and glimpses of the divine. I'd highly recommend this autobiographical novel!  
K.S.

A captivating read. Mark's story draws you in as if you are reading an account that is both familiar and yet at times devastating. I laughed out loud and was brought to tears. His honesty about his doubts and faith called out and validated my own questions as something to embrace rather than try and run from or never face. Even apart from the story of faith that is woven throughout, the experiences of his life are simply fascinating to read.

I am not a quick reader and have left too many books unfinished because they did not hold my attention. I finished this book within a 24 hour period. I have already bought a copy for a Christmas present and may get a few more. I'd recommend this to nearly anyone out there. 
M.D.W.

Tears and laughter.  What a ride! As someone who has traveled a great deal, I could relate to some of the adventures Mark Hollingsworth experienced in his journeys, but that's where the comparison ends. The depth and insight Mark has into the people he met along the way, his keen sense of observation and compassion moved me to tears as I read the book on a flight home. His deep desire to help his fellow man (or woman) both abroad and in his hometown is inspiring, and has caused me to open my eyes for a sharper look for those who need a shoulder, a laugh or words of comfort. Good on you Mark for being a friend to those in need and the caring son and brother that enriched his family. 
S.V.

Loved this book for so MANY reasons! Embracing the Gray had me mesmerized from the very opening. The family dynamics, the questioning mind, the musical influences, the peer group, the range of viewpoints and the writing style that ties it all together really kept my interest from start to finish. Having grown up in a Christian household I had a foundation that I grew up on but I so related to the tragedies and the life events that brought Mark to his place of questioning. I was a wanderer for years and I am a music buff so I was hooked right from the beginning. I admired Mark's courage to step out and question verbally and to challenge his peers in college.

I SO enjoyed reading about his journey with Kerry Livgren (with the band Kansas) and I was happy yet saddened by the unfolding of his relationship with his brother. An unexpected surprise I received was the fact that I was given a new perspective on the music that I grew up on. I went back and listened to the songs Mark talked about in Embracing the Gray, and I love them more today than I did back then. It’s a book that I am so glad to have added to my collection  A+++++ MUST READ!!!

D.H.

I very much enjoyed this book. Mark's sheer honesty regarding his faith and experiences left me in contemplation and wonder. We are reminded that the world is full of darkness and beauty simultaneously. There is heartbreak and there is hope. The structure of this book is such that it is hard to put down. I found myself always curious about what would come next. This is a unique thing, I believe, for a writing of nonfiction. Mark has had an amazing life, and we are very privileged to be given the opportunity to witness his journey.
A.K.

Excellent.  I appreciate Mark's refreshing honesty about his faith, his struggles, and the joy and torment that life in general brings. I was moved to the brink of tears often. The compassion exhibited throughout is inspiring.

B.B.

I continue to be humbled by the response the book is generating. You can also check out other reader reviews, as well as order the book in hard copy at this link.  In fact, Embracing the Gray is also available for a limited time as a 99 cent Kindle download at this same link.

http://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Gray-Doubters-Resolve-ebook/dp/B004L62CN2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

If you would be interested in purchasing a signed copy, please contact me, and I can work with you directly on any of those requests, or answer any other questions you might have.  I answer all my mail.  : )

More Five Star Reviews for "Embracing the Gray"

I am so grateful for the positive reviews of my book, Embracing the Gray: A Wing, A Prayer, and A Doubter’s Resolve, that continue to be posted on Amazon.com…

Hollingsworth pulls no punches here. This is real, tough, faith in the trenches. The chapters dealing with family loss are heart-breaking and yet ultimately hopeful and full of grace and appreciation. One chapter (about a trans-Atlantic flight from Hell) had me laughing out loud, covering my mouth due to shock, the way I do when I read The Onion or humorist Dave Barry! I read the book in less than a week. For comparison's sake, my wife and I are still trying to get through The Shack after two and a half years. Get Embracing the Gray. 

-C.H.

Laugh, cry, think.  Embracing the Gray is fascinating. Mark A. Hollingsworth writes of his challenging life growing up in an era of great social change during which he is subject to even more scrutiny as a preacher's son. Added to that, his family carries extra burdens from multi-generational family problems with substance abuse. Despite this triple whammy (or maybe because of it) Mark's amazing life evolves as one of great joy, purpose and courage while questing for spiritual answers. I wanted to put this book down but I couldn't. This is a must read for anyone who admires books that cut thru BS. 
-K.C.

You may not recognize the name Mark Hollingsworth, but you’ve probably heard him on the radio, read an article he’s written, been a fan of a band he managed or at least heard of his employer, Compassion International.

Embracing the Gray is a beautiful journey of doubt, music, reality, mission and faith…or a lack thereof.  Through short stories from his work, confessing his renouncement of Christianity in college, destruction and restoration in his family, returning to faith, occasional looks at the every day … they are journeys and questions that I think we all need to consider if we really want to make our beliefs our own.

Walking through the gentle death of his father truly moved my spirit. I’m realizing that I’m not good at aging, and as I see my parents getting older I am forced to recognize how our relationship is starting to change. For Mark, the true realization his father was slipping was by beating him in checkers. For me, it involves deciphering recipes in the kitchen. It was comforting to look into not only what might be ahead, but to know that I won’t be navigating that road alone.

Out of the collection, the stories that truly touched me were his interactions with some of the least of these: a Kenyan girl named Mercy, a woman who broke rocks into gravel in India, children in Haiti who aren’t expected to survive so they have no names, the angel that showed up on Mark’s doorstep…all unexpected faces where grace is found.  Mark’s narrative is descriptive, yet open so I can remember the people I’ve encountered over my own journey.

The beauty of a well-written memoir is realizing all of our journeys interact.  And by looking at the lives of others, we learn more about our own.

Embracing The Gray is just such a book.

-L.L.

A journey toward meaning. This book shows that everything in life can move us toward meaning. I appreciate the author's willingness to expose his life on paper so that we share his journey. I was inspired by this to see my own life in a new way - which is all one can ask of a memoir. Lovely writing and full of humor, too. Five stars.
- S.A.

Mark's unique talent as a storyteller will have you laughing, sighing, & most importantly thinking ... often in the same chapter & sometimes in the same paragraph. I found myself making an effort to find "just a few minutes" to sneak in "just one more chapter", and know I will re-read it often. This is a book that would be enjoyed by & beneficial for everyone to read ... so buy it, read it, & share it! 
-B.D.

Something that I greatly appreciate about Mark and his book is his gift of story telling. It's one thing to tell a story face to face, but sharing an experience through the written word and making the reader feel like they are right there beside you is an art form. Mark is simply a fantastic writer. I found myself, like many of the other reviewers who have posted, not able to put the book down. I wanted to find out what happened next! This book has so many layers...it's deep and soul searching as well as light and hilarious. It's one of those books where you find yourself laughing and then running for the kleenex box. You will walk away feeling inspired, invigorated, and challenged. I can't recommend this book enough. Well done.
-A.G.

I continue to be humbled by the response the book is generating.  If you have read it and wish to correspond with me, I always interact with any communiqués.   You can also read many reader reviews (97% are Five Stars) at:

http://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Gray-Doubters-Resolve-ebook/dp/B004L62CN2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Embracing the Gray is still available for a limited time as a 99 cent Kindle download at that same link, or as a free PDF download at my website (donations accepted):

http://markahollingsworth.com/Node

Love Is Not the Only Thing

Another in my series of Mark Heard gems. This from his 1991 album, Second Hand.  He was truly one of the best I’ve ever been around.  You can hear the song on the Youtube link below.

Sun rises and we talk about the weather

Sun bleaches and we ponder it all

The fine line between the banker and the debtor

And what happens if the satellites fall

Too shy we are to come right out and say it

Too sly to let the other one know

Head full of this kaleidoscope of brain-freight

Heart full of something simple and slow

Love is not the only thing

It's the best thing

Love is never everything

But it's the best thing

Too tired to read another twenty pages

Too bored to see the anchorman's face

Too young to bear the burdens of the ages

Too old to keep an innocent pace

You see me like a prism sees a candle

I'm scattered into differing hues

Reality is happening at random

You're warming up the yellows and blues

Love is not the only thing

It's the best thing

Love is never everything

But it's the best thing

Let's go up on the roof beneath the neon

Pretend we're foreigners and drink the city in

Somewhere between the stairwell
and the starlight

I find myself holding your hand

Half-cousins to the angels and the demons

Half-brother to the fatherless sons

I lay awake and wonder at the reasons

One kiss and I am lost in your charms

Love is not the only thing

It's the best thing

Love is never everything

But it's the best thing

Written by Mark Heard
© 1991 Ideola Music/ASCAP

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zqm2F7ccGo&feature=related

Meditations on the Muse

While spending a few days this week with Kerry Livgren, who has to be one of the most musical people I have ever been blessed to know, I have pondered the gift that is music. Here are various thoughts on the same from others. Let me know which ones resonate with you…


A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. ~Leopold Stokowski

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. ~Berthold Auerbach

Without music life would be a mistake. ~Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

If a composer could say what he had to say in words he would not bother trying to say it in music. ~Gustav Mahler

Why waste money on psychotherapy when you can listen to the B Minor Mass? ~Michael Torke

Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness. ~Maya Angelou

Were it not for music, we might in these days say, the Beautiful is dead. ~Benjamin Disraeli

Music is what feelings sound like. ~Author Unknown

If I ever die of a heart attack, I hope it will be from playing my stereo too loud. ~Anonymous

There's music in all things, if men had ears:
Their earth is but an echo of the spheres. ~Lord Byron

Musical compositions, it should be remembered, do not inhabit certain countries, certain museums, like paintings and statues. The Mozart Quintet is not

shut up in Salzburg: I have it in my pocket. ~Henri Rabaud

Music is the poetry of the air. ~Richter

There is nothing in the world so much like prayer as music is. ~William P. Merrill

Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. ~Ludwig van Beethoven

Life can't be all bad when for ten dollars you can buy all the Beethoven sonatas and listen to them for ten years. ~William F. Buckley, Jr.

Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence. ~Robert Fripp

Music's the medicine of the mind. ~John A. Logan

Music is the universal language of mankind. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Outre-Mer

He who hears music, feels his solitude peopled at once. ~Robert Browning

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. ~Victor Hugo

Music has been my playmate, my lover, and my crying towel. ~Buffy Sainte-Marie

Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory. ~Oscar Wilde

Its language is a language which the soul alone understands, but which the soul can never translate. ~Arnold Bennett

Music expresses feeling and thought, without language; it was below and before speech, and it is above and beyond all words. ~Robert G. Ingersoll

Music is the literature of the heart; it commences where speech ends. ~Alphonse de Lamartine

When words leave off, music begins. ~Heinrich Heine

Music is the shorthand of emotion. ~Leo Tolstoy

A jazz musician is a juggler who uses harmonies instead of oranges. ~Benny Green

Silence is the fabric upon which the notes are woven. ~Lawrence Duncan

Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. ~Confucius

Music is love in search of a word. ~Sidney Lanier

It is incontestable that music induces in us a sense of the infinite and the contemplation of the invisible. ~Victor de LaPrade

Music is moonlight in the gloomy night of life. ~Jean Paul Richter

I worry that the person who thought up Muzak may be thinking up something else. ~Lily Tomlin

Thoughts?