I had my doubts about this book, since the last one I read authored by Rene Gutteridge, Skid, was in my opinon, just plain dumb. And this one sort of started out that way, with the main character, Jessie, complaining about being a brunette and never finding the right guy, so much so that she's been a bridesmaid 11 times!
Yet, in Never the Bride, authors Cheryl McKay and Rene Gutteridge have teamed up to write a lively story of 34 year old Jessie. Her main goal in life, finding a husband, has yet to be fulfilled. Journal after journal, with her feathered purple pen, she has recorded desires, dreams, fantasy wedding dresses and 1256 possible marraige proposals. Enter the scene: God. She is the only one who can see Him. Some of her questions He can answer, some He can't...yet. In exchange for her feathered purple pen, He offers to write her story for her. Noting everything she has accomplished has been without Him, she asks why she should trust Him to do that. God's answer, "Of course, you can keep doing things your way. If that's working for you." Ouch! (pg. 59) He gives her 24 hours to decide.
The next day we find Jessie about to give a major presentation at work, and God shows up. Remember, only she can see Him. Flustered, she ducks out of the meeting and confronts Him, questioning why He had to show up there. God: "I'm kind of on my own schedule. I'm not in the habit of checking if it's convenient." Jessie's thoughts: 'I put my hands on my hips but I don't say anything. That does sound very God of the universe. And it feels foolish arguing that he's not working with my schedule.' (pgs. 73-74)
Throughout Never the Bride, Jessie continues to grow and learn universal truths that we tend to ignore. Pondering why God isn't hooking her up with her lifelong friend who has grown into a hunk, Jessie thinks to herself, 'I mean, I know I'm not God and can't see all things, but sometimes there are things that feel so natural and so right. As humans, how do we know that they aren't? What do we have other than our instincts?'
Trials, tribulations, mistakes, and not listening to God make for a light yet thoughtful story, and lessons learned. And for the happy ending...
Jessie: "You know, it doesn't escape my notice that this could have happened a lot sooner had I not gotten in Your way."
God: "I know."
New from WaterBrook Press, in paperback.
Available here.
2 comments:
Do you ever do anything other than work and read?
@Linda...As a matter of fact, Laura and I are heading to the National Gallery in Ottawa tomorrow to see some Renaissance and photography exhibits. We plan to spend the whole day!
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