Chasing Francis

Mar 18, 2009

Practicality tells me to sleep before writing this post. After a full week of traveling, I’m exhausted. When I get this tired my transparency meter flips out. Dangerous.

The other me argues this is a perfect time to write. When the veil is lowered and emotions are raw. We’ll see. I’m still not sure I’ll post it. For now, I write. Before oughts and shoulds extinguish the moment.

I finally opened the book that’s long been collecting dust on my dresser. Though it came recommended, I avoided it, only throwing it into my suitcase last week as an afterthought. I doubted I’d actually read it. Whether by chance or spiritual nudge, today I cracked the cover while sitting in seat 1C on my way home.

In the middle of the journey of our life
I came to my senses in a dark forest,
For I had lost the straight path.

Oh, how hard it is to tell what a dense, wild, and tangled wood this was,
The thought of which renews my fear!

~Dante, Inferno, as quoted in Chasing Francis by Ian Morgan Cron

I didn’t expect this book to breach a dam that left me teary for the rest of the day, just as I didn’t expect to be 37 years old with so many questions about the path my life and faith have taken. It’s supposed to get easier as you get older, right? But here I sit. With unknowns and mascara running in equal measure down my face.

I’ve only read the first chapter, and therefore cannot speak to entire book. But I can tell you this: Through expertly crafted fiction, Cron spoke through a character many questions I’ve attempted to give voice.

Ah, the power of a book. Though it’s embarrassing to cry in front of strangers, it’s worth it to feel so alive. My guess is that Chasing Francis will be dust free for the next week or two. I know I’m leaving some question marks unanswered, so maybe I’ll post as I go.

Huh. Guess that means I’m posting THIS ONE when I get home. Nice.

7 Comments

  1. Jan Parrish

    Yes, very nice. Can’t wait to hear more.

    Reply
  2. Toni

    Sounds so familiar!

    Reply
  3. Michele

    The scary part is I haven’t a clue where it will lead. Not accustomed to so many loose ends. And I’m not talking about the book …

    Reply
  4. Deana

    1 – That poem made ME teary eyed
    2. Where did you learn to write like that? Michele, you are really good. wow.

    I’m too raw, I don’t make sense when I want to. You do. I like it.

    Reply
  5. Diane Shaw

    You convinced me. I checked the C.S. Library and they have two copies, both checked out, so I have put the book on hold.
    I think I have just gotten myself on the straight path. It is a little scary because it is different from where I have been before but it is also exciting.
    Thanks for sharing yourself so openly.

    Reply
  6. Michele

    Thank you, Deana. I don’t even know what else to say … your words are fuel to keep writing. Again, thank you.

    Diane, once you get the book and start reading, let me know what you think. It’s an interesting discussion, at the very least.

    Reply
  7. alece

    i’m glad you hit “post”.

    i think i may need to get this book.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download a Preview of Michele's New Book,
A Faith that Will Not Fail

A Faith that Will Not Fail is available for pre order. Get a free preview of the book by filling out the form below..

Thank you! I am excited to have you on board.

Get the Video Series in Your Inbox

You'll receive one video in your inbox for 7 days.  

Done! Check your email to confirm.

Get the 7-Day Video Series Delivered to YourEmail

You will receive one video per day for seven consecutive days.

Great! Check your email to confirm.

Let's Stick Together

 By subscribing you are agreeing to receive Michele's occasional blog posts, videos and newsletters in your email. Subscribers get exclusive access to her free premium resources.

Yay! Thank you! I am excited to have you on board.

Skip to content