6/1/07

Unexpected Connection: Hospitality & Courage

In my last post, my birthday wish (and prayer) was for my boys to possess courage.

There is an unusual connection between hospitality and courage, which is pointed out in my husband’s new book, No More Jellyfish, Chickens or Wimps, which is available in bookstores today, June 1st! (by Paul Coughlin, Bethany House)

Here’s an excerpt from the powerful conclusion of his book, which relates to the character traits possessed by those who rescued Jews under the Nazi occupation:

The seventh and final trait [of the courageous] is the ability to offer hospitality. Most rescuers had an active church role in a church at some point and were aware of the biblical texts on hospitable acts and lifestyle. Their most frequently quoted passage was that of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus tells us to identify with those who are imprisoned, naked, sick, hungry, thirsty and foreign.

Hospitality is a powerful training ground for altruism, which must be present if one is to acquire courage. Said Henri Nouwen: “In a world full of strangers, estranged from their own past, culture, and country, from neighbors, friends, and family, from their deepest self and their God, we witness a painful search for a hospitable place where life can be lived without fear … That is our vocation, to convert the hostis into a hospes, the enemy into a guest and to create the free and fearless place where brotherhood and sisterhood can be formed and fully expressed. [Henri J.M. Nouwen, Reaching Out: Three Movements of the Spiritual Life]
Let’s ponder and remind one another about this connection between courage and hospitality as we aim to raise our children toward lives well lived.







If you want to win a copy of No More Jellyfish Chickens or Wimps, enter a comment today!

The WINNER will be drawn on Sunday, June 3rd! The book will be mailed out to the winner on June 4th!

Pass the word along …

26 comments:

linda t said...

Hi Sandy! I have been telling my friends about Paul's new book! I would LOVE to be in on the drawing!
How exciting to see the Lord use these truths for His glory in the lives of our children!
Made your awesome salad again! LOVE IT!

Anonymous said...

I'm boldly throwing my name into the drawing...
I don't want any jellyfish for grandchildren...:)

Anonymous said...

I am currently reading Married But Not Engaged and No More Christain Nice Guy both at the same time! With 3 ages 8,9,&11 there's no room for Jellys,chicks, or whimps!!!Angela

Unknown said...

The book sounds great! I'd love the opportunity to win it! I'm also planning to read Married, But Not Engaged too.

Donnetta said...

Are you kidding?! Who wouldn't want a copy of this book? It sounds great!! A hearty congrats to you both on it's official release!!

Barb said...

I don't know what Mr Paul had in mind for a cover, but I think that kid in green is a riot.... :oD

Laura said...

Hi Sandy, I would be so honored to win a copy of your husband's book. Please include my name.

Your site is a blessing to me.
Laura

Pam said...

Thanks for letting me know about the giveaway! Thanks, too, for the great comment. I've taught my three the very same thing about fear. I need to post it on a Friday soon.

So, enter me in the drawing, please. I'd love the book.

Rocks In My Dryer said...

Sounds very interesting..please enter me in the drawing!

Nadine said...

The book sounds very interesting. I like the title - it's catchy. Congratulations to your hubby for another published book. Please enter me in the drawing.

Jill said...

Congrats to your hubby - the book sounds wonderful. And, I'd love to be entered into the drawing!

An Ordinary Mom said...

Wow, what an accomplishment to have written a book! It sounds very interesting.

Anonymous said...

This sounds really interesting!! I'd love a copy!!

Tammy said...

Oh...I hadn't thought of courage in terms of hospitality- but I'm surprised I hadn't since I think that is what it boils down for with me...having the courage to be more hospitable!
Would love to have a copy of your husband's book!
Blessings! :)

Rachelle said...

Me, me, pick me!

The book looks great, Sandy. Congrats to you and Paul. I can't wait to read it.

Beth said...

Congratulations on the book. Looks fantastic. Maybe I'll win one

Qtpies7 said...

What a great book idea! I love the title, and I have a mixture of kiddos, some who are daring and some who are pretty "sensitive" that I would like to help without turning them into hard-hearted people.
I also want to look into No More Christian Nice Guy.

Katybug said...

Isn't that so like God to take something your husband didn't care much for (entertaining & showing hospitality) and change his heart so that he heartily endorses it! The book sounds wonderful! Sign me up! Thanks for letting me know about it, Sandy, and heartiest congrats to you & Paul!

Katy

Anonymous said...

I'm so excited that you stopped by my site! Hurray, now I can enter your drawing. How Fun!!!!! What a great way to learn about your books.
Thanks, thanks, thanks!

Carol said...

Would love to enter my name in your draw. Love your blog!

Carol

Anonymous said...

I'd love to read the book ... please enter me in the drawing! Blessings, Emily

La Tea Dah said...

Hi Sandy,

What a lovely picture of your family! The book sounds interesting and I would love to be entered in your drawing.

Thanks,
LaTeaDah

Unknown said...

I am SO sorry I missed this contest! What a day to choose to step away from blogging. I have been wanting to read your husband's books for quite awhile now. The next time I am at the bookstore, I'm gonna find them! You both are such an inspiration to everyone around you ;-)

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your comment on my blog, Sandy. I'm really getting a kick out of yours...and I'm very interested in this book!

Anonymous said...

Good morning! My husband heard of this book on Moody Radio in FL yesterday, so I'm stopping by this site to check it out! ;)

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