The Orphans of God

By Mark Heard
From Satellite Sky

I will rise from my bed with a question again 

As I work to inherit the restless wind 

The view from my window is cold and obscene
I want to touch what my eyes haven't seen

But they have packaged our virtue in cellulose dreams 

And sold us the remnants 'til our pockets are clean 

‘Til our hopes fall 'round our feet like the dust and dead leaves
And we end up looking like what we believe

We are soot-covered urchins running wild and unshod 

We will always be remembered as the orphans of God 

They will dig up these ruins and make flutes of our bones 

And blow a hymn to the memory of the orphans of God

Like bees in a bottle we are flying at fate 

Beating our wings against the walls of this place 

Unaware that the struggle is the blood of the proof

In choosing to believe the unbelievable truth

But they have captured our siblings and rendered them mute 

They've disputed our lineage and poisoned our roots 

We have bought from the brokers who have broken their oaths

And we're out on the streets with a lump in our throats

We are soot-covered urchins running wild and unshod 

We will always be remembered as the orphans of God 

They will dig up these ruins 
and make flutes of our bones 

And blow a hymn to the memory of the orphans of God

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N58edukzT8c

What do Nick Hornby, Uncertainty, Cameron Crow, Curiosity and The School of Rock Have In Common?

The kind and insightful reviews of my book, Embracing the Gray: A Wing, A Prayer, and a Doubter’s Resolve (Wheatmark Press), continue to come in via Amazon.com.  To this point, of over a hundred reviews that have come in, 97% of the reviews have been “Five Stars.”  Here are half a dozen recent entries:

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Mark's writing is very captivating and easy to read. The stories that he tells of his life are funny, sad, insightful and thought provoking. In a polarized society, I appreciate Mark's honesty that some of life's answers come from struggling with the "gray" and that we can draw closer to God through those experiences.
H.T.

I have known Mark for a few years and have read his blog regularly in that time. I have seen and experienced first hand his own willingness to live his faith in an open, honest way, including not just the good times, but the hard questions and difficult circumstances. If you are looking for happy-go-lucky, pat on the back, feel-good themed book, you may want to pick up one of those fluff books. If, however, you want a book that will affirm your own struggles, is easy to read, and at the same time challenges you to take seriously the concepts of God, spirituality and help you in times where you may feel all alone, I couldn't recommend anything as much as Embracing the Gray. Mark writes from a place of honesty that many of us could learn from; his life has been an example; his words will inspire and challenge.

M.F.

It was difficult to put this book down once I started reading. Mark is such a great storyteller with such incredible picturesque descriptions. The U2 story in particular is one you won't forget. I highly recommend this and look forward to what he does next.  J.R.

Mark is such an amazing writer and communicator that I can still crack up (or tear up) when reading many of his adventures. I couldn't put the book down.

It's great fun to hear all the funny stories and adventures of trips around the world, hanging with rock stars or just the silly things life brings our way. The best part though is the authentic honesty that comes through Mark's spiritual journey as well as his care and thoughtfulness for people and meeting them where they are at.

The Christian walk often brings much doubt and uncertainty, particularly for people who are curious, thoughtful and intelligent. I found it very easy to relate to the various questions Mark has struggled with in his search for spiritual meaning. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book to any of my friends, regardless of where they are at in their spiritual journey or even if they don't realize they are on one.
C.S.

The author is brilliant at weaving in common-sense spiritual nuggets throughout his fascinating life story. I am hoping to pass it along to others with the same struggles, which many of us have. Bravo for telling things as they are, not as we want them to be within circles of Christianity. One honest voice & gracious heart can break the mold. Thank you. 
L.G.

Buy it for the U2 story, you will stay for the rest! Mark Hollingsworth is a great storyteller and he has more than his fair share of experiences to make his tales hold your attention. Part Cameron Crowe, part Nick Hornby and with vulnerability and soul-exposing honesty that confirms the authentic heart of the author. The book will be most interesting if you are a Kerry Livgren/Kansas fan, since Mark befriended and chronicled Kerry during his rise to fame. This book should have been required reading for Jack Black's School of Rock class! 
J.G.

I continue to be humbled by these thoughtful words.  And equally excited that the book is connecting with so many others.  If you would like to read more reviews, or write one of your own, or order a copy (now available in Kindle format as well) go to:

http://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Gray-Prayer-Doubters-Resolve/dp/160494417X/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

-or-

http://www.wheatmark.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=9781604944174&Category_Code=

-or-

Contact me directly if you would like to purchase a signed copy.   : )

Naming Sin: Flannery O’Connor’s Mark on Bruce Springsteen

I feel Damian J. Ference captures some of the essence of Springsteen's lyrics and how they've been deeply influenced by Flannery O'Connor:

http://dappledthings.org/1148/naming-sin-flannery-oconnors-mark-on-bruce-springsteen/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Dappledthingsmagazine+%28Dappled+Things%29&utm_content=FaceBook

Thoughts?

Letters About "Embracing the Gray"

I have gotten some thoughtful letters, notes, and messages about my first book, Embracing the Gray: A Wing, A Prayer, and A Doubter’s Resolve. Here are some excerpts:

Your book recalls some our shared days at Wheaton College. You were a deep sea diver without good equipment finding treasures many feet beyond the equipment you were given....you held your breath....and brought us truth...I will respect that forever. I appreciate that you aren’t a pretending or posturing follower of Jesus. You have earned every scar and survived many valleys and in the end have a fresh voice for real hope. No formulas here like you often find in many "Christian" books and novels. -B.M.

Quite a life you've had, Mark. Some of your experiences very heart warming and some pretty scary. But your search for answers, although a couple of bumps along the way, continues. Thank you for sharing your story. Your kind heart makes you a hero to many. -E.W.

You have embraced the grey, painted it with colors often brighter & sometimes darker. But...you kept seeing, looking, thinking, and praying. This posture is rare in an age where we are all tempted to give up & let others paint life for us. -D.B.

This book is some very beautiful fruit from a very tough season in your life. -K.T.

I finished your book this afternoon. It's absolutely fantastic-- the best thing I've read all year. I have a million things to say about it, but as for now, I'll leave it by saying that I'm so incredibly glad you shared your story. I really like that you acknowledge that not all our questions have easy answers, but still compellingly argue that God is with us as we face our questions. Too many Christians out there refuse to go beyond platitudes, and seem threatened by those who do. -A.S.

Finished your book last night, I laughed, I cried, I almost peed in my pants, :o/ I sang with the lyrics and I said out loud with no one else in the room: "what a privilege to know you and to be able to see into you soul." Thank you so much for putting word to paper. Blessings as God expands your territory and influence. -R.R.

My mom, dad and I are reading your book out loud in the living room, and mom is on the floor about to wake up the neighborhood with her laughter. thanks for the stories. :) -A.C.

Can't say that I'm all that surprised to hear about the responses you've received. You've really put it out there where your convictions shine through. Of course, it is still the well-spoken Mark I've always known. People identify with that type of honest struggle and it really does hit a nerve. Hopefully, this work will manifest itself by opening yet another door for your personal ministry and introduce others whose paths would have otherwise been obscured by their doubts. -C.D.

Wow, Mark. You totally have had me in tears reading your book... both laughing and crying. Thanks for putting so much out there. I mentioned it's a quick page turner, but I think it's also going to end up being a multiple times read for me. -S.G.

Just finished your book. Two sittings. It was such a pleasure to read and I thank you for sharing it. I hope you're having a good time basking in lots of affirmation over it! You really are an extraordinary guy who's had extraordinary experiences.

You probably didn't notice, but the night of your 'debut' when Amy was reading the piece about Mercy - I lost it. I was ugly crying on the back row. As God would have it, D.T. had just snuck in late and there was an empty chair right next to me. She basically held me while I wept over your eloquent, horrible, perfect, redeeming description of your story w/ Mercy. And - in light of their adoption of S. was deeply moved, too. Wow.

You've merely dented the surface w/ your tellings in this book. I do hope there will be another one (c'mon, admit it.. you're working on it, aren't you?). -C.M.

I just finished your book night before last... it was a great write. loved reading it. You made me laugh, you made me cry, and you even made me think... I want to be like you when I grow up. When does the next volume come out ; ) -L.H.

I love that U have always been who you are at whatever cost. You are an intense bright light in a world full of 10 watter's. I'm not surprised your book is having a great response. You have always said things that people wish they could say....or even think out loud. -S.S.

I continue to be humbled by these thoughtful words. And equally excited that the book is connecting with so many others. If you would like to read more reviews, or write one of your own, or order a copy (now available in Kindle format as well) go to:


Amazon

-or-

Wheatmark Books

-or-

Contact me directly if you would like to purchase a signed copy. : )