Some Story Excerpts

Mary.  I don’t have any hope. The string to that balloon was cut when my 6-year-old grandson was diagnosed with leukemia. [Secrets]

Kamal. We all have the same faith. It all has the same basis in a Supreme Being, and that basis is love. We are Hindu. Thus, the concept of Supreme Being. In Hinduism, we keep learning. There is still much I have to learn. [A Common Basis]

Ken. I do believe there is something out there that is bigger than me, and that there is probably an afterlife. But organized religion fills you with bullshit and tries to get money out of you. [Always ‘Always’]

Reactions from Some Whose Stories Comprise The Query

Frank.  I appreciate the way you captured the hopes, fears and dreams of all … you put humanity across a stranger’s face. There is a sense of Ernie Pyle to it all, with a spiritual twist and a bit of Studs Terkel. [Critical Analysis]

 Thom.  Your interpersonal gift to probe tactfully is best in class and would make Charlie Rose jealous.  [Peace]

Todd.  The draft of The Query came at a very difficult time, but it was at the right moment. Since we met, we have been subjected to many trials. But we would respond to your query in the same fashion and with an even greater hope.  [Everything Changed]

 Reactions from Industry and Church Professionals

Burnie Lenau.  … great and inspiring, makes you believe the world is going to be alright during these tumultuous times.  [President and CEO, Lawnman, Inc.] 

George Lytal.  An inspirational work. The fact that no one denied sharing their story is noteworthy and, in itself, merits further exploring. I truly feel that without hope, we die.  [President & CEO, Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc.]

Howard Vreeland.  I could not stop reading once I started. The Query is moving, thought provoking, uplifting.  [President & CEO, Anderson & Vreeland, Inc.]

The Rev. Bill Easum.  The writing is excellent. It’s not easy to write conversations. I was intrigued with the stories. It’s good stuff!  [Principal, 21st Century Strategies, Inc.]

The Rev. Dr. Phil Stevenson.  The first I heard of The Query, I was hooked. You will be compelled by what the author has learned … drawn in by the stories he shares. You will be challenged to more fully grasp the hope you have. And, you may even find God tapping on your shoulder.  [District Superintendent, Pacific-Southwest District, Wesleyan Church]