The Most Important Question We Will Ever Ask
July 1, 2009 by Maria Keckler
Filed under Inspiration, The Whole Nine Yards, Writing to Serve
“Why?”
Yes, the most important question we will ever ask is “why?” Or better yet, “Can you help me understand?”
If you read my recent book review of The Noticer by Andy Andrews, and the subsequent update I added yesterday, you’ll discover that today’s post echoes the central theme of the book: “Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective.”
For the last five years, I have been trying to influence college students to question what they see, hear, or read. When we question — in the true spirit of wanting to know and understand — we are willing to withhold judgment until we have a complete picture or a clear perspective.
Today, with Andy’s permission, I want to share a note he wrote back when I asked “why?” At first, I tried to excerpt the note to give you the gist of his response, but then I realized that the sincerity and concern with which he wrote would be lost. So I include the entire piece.
Why share this personal note? Read on…
Hi Maria!
My friend and publisher, Mike Hyatt, forwarded your recent note outlining your concern about a passage in The Noticer and suggested I might want to contact you. I hope this doesn’t seem too forward… After all, you didn’t ask me the question! Knowing what my answer would be, however, I think Mike felt comfortable “putting us together”. I appreciate the way you shared your concern with Mike. It wasn’t accusing or mean. It was appropriately honest, humble, and searching. Thanks! Because reviewers always scare me!! …
First, let me say that I went to your website and read your entire review. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the careful and balanced manner in which you expressed your thoughts. I also learned a few things. So that was awesome! (btw…the site is beautiful)
One of the points you made in the review was that Jesus didn’t explain his parables. I never thought of that, but of course, you are right! That fact might even help me explain my mission to Christians…and ultimately provide an answer to your question about the book.
I should begin by affirming that I am indeed a born again believer of Jesus Christ. My wife, Polly, and our two boys are members of the United Methodist Church here in Orange Beach, Alabama. My father was a Baptist minister. I was raised in a Christian home by parents who loved the Lord, the church, each other, me, and I suppose, even my sister! Ha! My mother gave me to God when I was yet to be born–she dedicated me to be a missionary for Him. I know this because she told me once as a child and again before she died from cancer. I had no way of knowing then, what an unusual form my “missionary work” would take…
While you know some of what I experienced after my parents died (Daddy in an automobile accident), there are literally hours of stories to tell about how I came to be writing in partnership with Mike Hyatt and Thomas Nelson. Perhaps we will have time for that one day, but for now, without going into the many conversations I have had with spiritual mentors and extremely clear guidance from the Holy Spirit, let me explain my mission.
Very simply put… I write books that Christians can give to their non-Christian friends that they will actually read! Some of my friends–Andy Stanley, Max Lucado, Jentzen Frankin, and others–write Christian books in which I am deeply interested and that impact me greatly. Dr. Billy Graham is as straight forward and on-target a communicator as the Christian world is likely to ever see, but as hard as we try, many of us cannot compel our non-Christian friends to listen to the man speak or read his books!
Meanwhile, I have been amazed at how God has placed my books (and made His presence known) in situations that traditional “Christian” materials are dismissed absolutely and by policy! Good Morning America, PBS, the NFL, the United States military, and hundreds of major corporations…
Bill Gaither and I tease each other occasionally about our place in this world. While he and Gloria are “Christian” writers, I am, to his way of thinking, “a writer who is a Christian”. ”You know who reads what I write,” he’ll say with a wiggle of his eyebrows…”Christians! But you, Andy, have been called to minister to another group.”
Maria, I don’t share this with many people. And it is not my intention to make myself sound grand or saintly or even smart. But the Holy Spirit has made it very clear to me that my writing and speaking are to be a bridge between believers and non-believers. Specifically, I am to write stories (fiction) that encourage curiosity in non-believers and function as conversation starters for believers.
The passage about which you wondered could be considered an example of just that kind of an opportunity. Lately, we are receiving reports of many Christians starting book clubs built around fiction like The Noticer, The Traveler’s Gift, or Island of Saints in order to ask and answer questions these types of books pose. In fact, the question you asked was a very good one. ”This man is about to die. Why is the best yet to come? How do you know?” If the question was asked about this situation by one of your non-Christian friends, now having full knowledge of my mission and intent, how would you answer? What opportunities would exist to further the cause of Christ in that conversation? I can only imagine…
Just as you say in your review, “Jesus didn’t always interpret His parables for His listeners…He forced them to think…to reflect…to ponder for themselves…”, I have tried to follow His example in helping to create opportunities for a coming together of curious minds and open hearts with people like you, Maria, a person who is ready with the Truth and able to complete the ultimate picture!
Thank you so much for the chance you have created for us to “talk”. I sincerely hope this has been of some benefit to you. Again, I do appreciate what you taught me as you wrote! I look forward to reading more…and to REALLY talking in person sometime!
Respectfully,
Andy Andrews
So why share this note?
First, because Andy Andrews is a Servant Writer whose mission is to partner with you and me to make a real difference… In tomorrow’s post I will share “How to Partner with a Servant Writer to Make a Difference.”
Second, to pose these questions: what are the implications of casting judgment before asking “why?” Did reading Andy’s note give you some insights about perspective? Share your thoughts below.
Related Links:
1. Chat with Andy on Twitter July 1st at 1 pm
2. Updated Book Review: The Noticer by Andy Andrews
3. The Power of a Personal Letter
4. Five Reasons to Unleash the “Servant Writer” in You
I appreciate you sharing this letter very much. I have been guilty and judging others without giving them a chance to explain themselves. Had you done that, Maria, none of us would have seen this side of Andy. I learned something today too. I look forward to getting and reading The Noticer.