Comments on: The Two Most Disarming Words

By: Stephen MacLeod

Stephen MacLeod — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 02:44:55 +0000

So often when I read your stories and your books something leaps right out at me.. Nothing so scary but so often your books contain great discoveries that cause me stop and find myself blessed. Keep writing Philip Yancy.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:57:06 +0000

Dear Philip, your books have been my lifeline since my wrenching away from ministry just over 3 years ago. Of all the experiences in my life that could’ve and should’ve put me on anti-depressants and at the very least, earned me a place on the psychologist’s couch, only my experience of total rejection and judgement by the people that I considered spiritual parents did. I grew up in the charismatic environment, the name-it, claim-it, frame-it variety. Right now, I am simply breathing in the Grace of God and keeping things simple. Jesus died for my sin, He is the Son of God, and God loves me. That is all I am capable of. The rest, well, I hope that one day it will all turn out alright. Until then, I will keep trusting in Him to lead me, and will keep reading your books. They ask the hard questions, and bring comfort in the most trying of circumstances. I am glad you still believe. Kind regards, Michelle

Michelle,
It sounds like a most painful way to nourish spiritual growth but you’ve done it. You have hit bottom, and grace, like light, only comes in through cracks. Bless you, and thank you for the encouragement.
Philip

By: Dianne McCallister, MD

Dianne McCallister, MD — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:28:07 +0000

In the 1990’s, after almost 10 years with the title of physician, a moment of ‘forgiveness’ occurred on a Sunday afternoon at a Service Of Relinquishment which a patients family called and asked me to participate in, along with another colleague on the case. We stood at the bedside of a patient which all the medical science we could bring to bear was unable to change. The surprise for us was when the prayer asked that my colleague and I be given the grace to move beyond/ heal from this experience so we could take care of others that were sick. It was the first time in my career that anyone had acknowledged aloud that we, the physicians, might have an emotional stake in the situation. Many times I was at the bedside with a feeling that we had failed. It was liberating to be recognized in, and ‘forgiven’ for, my inability to cure.
Out of that moment of grace, my career has changed. I am now moved in an administrative role, based on my call to be a physician to the physicians. With the support of my CEO, and the help of Lumunos, (formerly called Faith at Work), we have created a program of holistic health for physicians at our faith-based Denver hospital. The simple concept of the program is to allow a place for physicians to listen to one another – and be listened to. This experience seems to open up a crack in their 70-80 hour weeks that allows grace, and a reconnection with their calling to helping others, shine in.
The results are real – lives changed, hospital staff noticing a change in collegiality with physicians, and a grace filled approach to helping those physicians who get off-center is moving into our hospital culture. We still have room to grow and improve, but the change is real and palpable. Listening and forgiving – each other and ourselves – does open the door to a new reality.
In reading an article this month in the New York Times, “Physicians Have Feelings Too”, while serendipitously also reading What’s So Amazing About Grace, I am drawn to the notion that the idea of rehumanizing people – in our case, physicians, is a key concept to our program. Many physicians feel trapped in a healthcare environment that is changing, and in a role that sets them up to unrealistic expectations from themselves, and from our society. By listening to one another, and themselves, this program is freeing them to create a new reality for themselves, their colleagues and their patients; by apologizing for their humanity, and accepting the grace that is given by listening, they are more free to give to their patients.
Thank you for your deep thinking, which is helping us shape our program for physicians.

I am so glad to hear that Faith at Work is still going–I used to read their magazine faithfully–and that people like you are working to “humanize” medicine. My ten years writing with Dr. Paul Brand deeply affected my thinking, and my appreciation for what you now do. Thank you for this note.

By: pooben naidoo

pooben naidoo — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 23:36:39 +0000

Dear Mr Yancey

I can only affirm this lesson by the life of Nelson Mandela who enabled reconcialation in south africa by creating the space for all people oppressed and oppressors to apologize for the excesses, suffering and humilation that we all endured during Apartheid.The basis of apologizing comes from sincerity,humility and love that intuits our common divinty. Your work is inspirational. thanks.

By: mihaela

mihaela — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:30:16 +0000

Thank you Mr. Yancey. Yes, Jesus offended only the religious people. God’s lovers They never feel offended by Him. Thank you Mr Yancey for ALL you have written through the years. You are a blessing.

By: Aster Dibaba

Aster Dibaba — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 03:56:11 +0000

Mr. Yancey,you have no idea how long I have been trying to get any information as to how I could get in touch with you.I was introduced to your books by my brother, who is now with his Lord.There are few of your books I have not read yet, I will find them and I will read them.I am a first generation American,I love this country,I am very thankful to God, for those Missionaries, that came to my country and introduced me to my Lord Jesus Christ.I could never say enough thank yous, for what they did for my little village,If that was not so,I would only be beggar, I am crippled from having polio at 8months old.But God saw me way out there and paid the price, not only for my soul,but also gave me a heart that only He could fix.Right now, I am burdened for my fellow Christians in this country.Where is God,when Christians, blast one anther in front of the whole world,just so they get to .be elected to an office,

By: Paul Hinman

Paul Hinman — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 06:10:02 +0000

Response to Mary Miller
A year ago my wife and I joined the ranks of “the walking wounded from our traditional churches.” Although we have been married for 38 years and raised 5 children in a combined family, because we had divorce in our past, we were categorized as adulterers with no chance of redress.
Our culture needs more ministries like yours that practice love, kindness, freedom, and GRACE. Because we were unable to find grace in church, we left. I
have reluctantly come to the same conclusion as the Barna Group, that the traditional church is “Unchristian.” You can have my pew, second row, piano side.
And if you need a witness, yes they do shoot their wounded, and no I won’t hold my breath until I get an apology. Minister gone AWOL

By: John Little

John Little — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:44:21 +0000

Great story about relating to those with sensitivity to the mindset of others. I remember in college, on an Applachian Trail, my friends of Christians and myself were asked if we wanted a beer at our campsite. I, as the “spokesperson” said “No thanks, we’re Christians.” The thought of that night still bothers me after 30 years. I would love to meet those humans who heard me utter those words. We need to be sensitive and human regarding the feelings and attitudes we portray which often reflect on the Lord Jesus.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:26:45 +0000

Remarkable story. What I find really telling is that when you scratch the surface of hostility or indifference with a disarming confession like this, you find an incredible, very tender hunger in people that responds immediately, sloughing off the hostility and the indifference as if they were so many false husks. It’s as if something deep within has been called forth. How often do we trample on this rather than draw it out? I wish more Christians would focus on how to recognize, arouse, and encourage this deep desire for grace/God rather than trampling on it by criticizing all the “wrong” ways in which it is expressed outside the safe boundaries of what passes for Christianity.

By: Mary Miller

Mary Miller — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:26:21 +0000

We have been teaching grace to broken and despondent people for 30 years. Love, kindness, freedom and grace topple them from their own set of beliefs like so many 9 pins. Unfortunately, our ministry is mainly to the walking wounded from our traditional churches. As the saying goes, “The Christian church is the only army that shoots it’s own wounded.”