You’re a writer’s dream: actual proof that I’m connecting with someone out there at a deep, transparent level. Thank you for “listening,” and encouraging me to keep going. –Philip

I’m delighted to hear from you, Larry. I was too young to have many memories of Blair Village, but I remember the Griffiths family, and my mother has often commented on you all. (She’s now 93, and living in north Georgia.) I’ll send her your comment. And of course you’re welcome to use the quote. Your words are very kind and thoughtful. Thank you.

The best memory of Momma #2 is that she told me, in my late teens, that she believed every word I ever said to her. Because, she knew, that if it was a lie, I would be back within 3 days to tell her the truth. God would make me feel so guilty and I would just have to repent and go tell Momma.

My youngest brother made a statement about our mother that I wish could have been put on her tombstone. The preacher did not know Mom, so he asked us what he could say about her. My brother said, “The best thing you can say about Mom is that she took 3 families and made them 1.” I do hope Mom heard that. And still today I get people who were raised in our church and in the Children’s Church talk about Mom. She was in charge of their behavior and did a memorable job.

Yes, a “note” can revive our souls for a week, but your books on grace have sustained me for years. The culture has moved away from those teachings at a frightening level. Almost to the level that the concept that we can demonstrate radical grace on a human level might seem to have been a mirage, but I think of examples from your books, and they have kept me during the confusing times.

Also, when I was struggling with my brain, I often thought of the woman typing with one finger or the prisoners who were still able to sing in a crowded cell.

There are very few authors, who have fed me as many stories for a cold Winter’s night season.

Your talking about reading, and these stories of father figures and those stories seem like vitamin supplements to my soul.

Yes, the Bible is the real food version, but there have been times, when I found myself needing to hear the heart-warming stories to understand that it is possible to keep my heart from waxing cold.

I genuinely consider grace to be the supplement we all probably need like a B Vitamin. Love, gets to be Vitamin A.

What a journey you have been on! And now this “grace note” to me–it will keep me going for at least a week. I am humbled and blessed. –Philip

When you come to Christ as an adult, there are no mentors or people to disciple you. It is books and the radio and when I am blessed to have time at home, television. Nowadays, the internet.

You are a father in my faith.

Billy Graham was another one, because he was the one voice who kept saying that I could come just as I am and your voice talked about grace and about a real form of Christianity, which I didn’t know really existed anywhere anymore, but I read about it in stories of great Christians.

I came here today, because I needed your voice.

Thank you that you are so eloquent and so devoted to the cause of grace.

That’s the Jay I know–always steady and wise. (Although he went through a frenetic, zealous phase too, and only mellowed over time.) In his place, I would have stepped on your husband’s foot! –Philip