If you recall, on a previous occasion I talked about what sparked me off to start a new book. It was my Christian friend John. See the entry here.  I rang him this morning.

Brian: Following on our conversation on 1^st September about the inspiration for writing a diary. If you remember, I just wanted to tell you that the new book is going like an absolute rocket. I almost wonder what universe I’m in. Well, we know the answer to that, where we should be (as Christians),

You know, if you want to go to heaven, then you can beat the system and do what you do in heaven, which is be with others in one spirit and you’ve made it. It is a bit sneaky, I know.

But now I’ve written all I’ve had three interviews so far and written 7.500 words. I don’t know how it’s all going to fit; it is going to be a big book. How can I shorten articles. When someone says something to you, and every single thing is important, it’s very difficult to summarise and precis it.

Friend: It is impossible, in a sense. I think the benefit of such a book is not simply the book, per se, yes, but the reality that people say, ‘well, actually, Hang on, I’ve never really thought through my own story.’ And then that begins to generate that sort of discussion. You can do that so much on your own, thinking about this, that and the other, but then there’s the possibility of meeting up with others who maybe have similar attitudes, as when two stories are being shared. 

You begin to sort of look at your own situation with a different mindset, but I’m so encouraged for you, Brian, so encouraged.

Brian: I talked to a chap two days ago, and I said, “Do you want to take part in this diary?” And he said, “Well, actually, no, I don’t do this sort of thing.” I haven’t got much to say. So half an hour later, he was still going on about why he hadn’t got much to say. And it was fascinating, brilliant stuff. Everyone’s got a book inside them.

Friend:  They have, I mean, absolutely they have, but I think, you know, our—if I use the word “responsibility,” is probably the wrong word, but it’s how we engage with people and get them to look beyond the limits that they might have confined themselves to. And as I say, you might have the opportunity of just slipping in the role that the living God has in all of this?

Brian:  the more I go on, the more I realise it’s not about preaching and telling people what to do. It’s about being an example.

Friend: Yes, exactly, and which is exactly Christ’s way of operating? It was:   he went, he spoke, he acted and cleared off. Yes, people suddenly were left thinking, “Goodness me, what was going on there”. Some didn’t like it because they just wanted to do their own thing. They say, “Thank you very much, but I want to do it according to me.com.

 Dear Brian. It’s just so, so encouraging for you.

Brian: Yeah, it is. It’s amazing. And regarding my body, I think I’ve lost half a stone because my body feels lighter. A bit like being in love.