bearing witness: on human(kind)'s starred review

Our Mars Hill community just launched into a new series a couple Sundays ago. We’re taking an up-close look at Jesus as Messiah through the Gospel of John. (We could’ve spent a whole month in the first five verses of chapter one. A whole season in the first chapter alone. It’s so rich!)

And even though we didn’t break this verse down in its entirety, this one’s sticking with me:

“[John] came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.” -John 1:7-8 (ESV)

As a writer and pastor - or as a business owner, musician, amazing stay-at-home parent, speaker, CEO, manager . . . whatever role you find yourself in - it’s easy to try and strive to be light. To be the shining star in the galaxy of one’s environment, ahead of the rest and recognized for one’s achievements.

But here’s what John reminds us:

We’re not THE Light.

Yes, we’re called to be salt of the earth and light before all, that others may see our good works (Matt. 5). But that’s only so that those who see it may glorify God. Our light is meant for his glory.

So a couple things here. We get to emit light and bear witness about THE light. If you’ve got some light to shine, don’t let lies convince you it’s false humility to let that baby shine. Just remember to point that light straight at the real source of true life. Remember to bear witness.

That’s how I feel about this book releasing in a few weeks. I’ve been tentative to talk about it a ton out of fear that motive might be misconstrued. (“How dare a woman talk about her own work! What a self-serving move!” That’s the lie talking, by the way.)

But . . . guess what? I didn’t invent kindness. It’s a fruit of God’s Spirit.

I didn’t craft the movements of my life. That’s the mystery and omniscience and invitation of God.

What I hope happens is that someone picks up this book and see that kindness is more powerful than we give it credit for. It’s not weak. It’s radical when infused with Spirit and engaged with humility and courage. It’s harder than the quick quips and flying fingers and sarcastic clap-backs. Especially when applied to our own stories.

Perhaps part of the problem is that we’ve forgotten how to be kind to ourselves - our own stories and harms and triumphs. No wonder kindness seems insufficient when engaging anyone else. I hope that this book’s message can change that narrative even if just a little bit. Perhaps we’ll be inspired and motivated to engage each other a different way.

This is why today’s news was so meaningful. Publisher’s Weekly, a trusted leader in the book industry, gave Human(Kind) a starred review. I had no idea - but apparently this is a really good thing. PW has no incentive to be nice about the writing. (Ha!) And out of the thousands of reviews published each year, only a fraction are noted with stars. So I’m in shock a little. Very honored. And super excited for the message of Human(Kind).

Thanks to everyone who’s been a part of this book’s journey so far. And if you’re holding a glass of water/wine/milk - or eating ice-cream . . . imagine me giving whatever you’re holding a lil’ *clink*.

Cheers to bearing witness to THE Light.

Shine on, friends.

-A

P.S. Info on launch team coming soon. ;)