Penned Diaries

As you’ve probably noticed, I’m reading a book called “Heroes and Monsters” right now, by Josh Riebock. I’ve heard Josh speak twice now when he came to my university, and I can tell you right now I have not met a more raw and real person, in all aspects. In this book, he holds nothing back about his life, either public or private. Like…nothing. Especially about his walk with Jesus. It’s actually a bit comforting reading this book, because I find that a lot of the conversations he has with Jesus, or just personal ponderings at that, are some that I’ve had, and I’ve been too skiddish and embarrassed to think that somebody else could very well be asking the same stuff. So if you see it, buy it. Let that be a “subtle” command. Worth it.

One of the more intriguing things about Josh that I find is that he always refers to God, or Jesus….as “Jack”. I love it. So he’ll describe that “Corbett (his sister) and Jack walked into the room”. His relationship is that constant, not just during “rituals”. He’s come to the point where he is so aware of his desperate and constant need of God, that he truly believes that He is with him [us] wherever he [we] go[es]. And conversations are never-ending. Constant.

And a good thing to read, too, is that Josh questions everything. Constantly. He knows he doesn’t have all the answers, but instead writes a book that simply tells of how he goes, as he goes along. He has quite the wandering, questioning, probing, clogged, over-thinking mind that I sometimes find that I have. What he finds and discovers, he just writes, instead of shoving stuff down people’s throats. And trust me- he’s gone through a lot.

Here’s one of my favorite excerpts: A simple conversation with his friend, Gus. Josh, saying he’s a believer, is in the midst of questioning. A wandering soul and mind. Wanting everyone to think he knows everything, but is really a pit of question marks in his gut. 

-So, Josh.
+Yeah, Gus.
-I got a question for you.
+Okay.
-What do you think the point of a relationship with Jack is?
+…..
-You want me to just tell you?
+Sure. I’d love to know what the point of having a relationship with Jack is. (Lie).
-I’m being serious.
+I know that.
-Really, do you want to know the point?
+You’re going to tell me the point of a relationship with Jack?
-Actually, yeah, if you want to know.
+Yeah. I really do. (Lie).
-Intimacy.
+What?
-Yeah. Intimacy. The point is being with him, knowing him, letting him know you. It’s about keeping nothing from him, sharing yourself, being together, being deeply connected.
+….
-It’s about letting Jack into all of you, being completely naked, so to speak, with Jack, just like things were in the very beginning. That must’ve been something. back then there was no pretending, no games, no hiding, no shame. It must have been awesome.
+You think?
-Absolutely! Are you kidding? Nothing got in the way, you know? They didn’t even wear clothes, not even a leaf covering…well, anything. Just honest, beautiful, naked vulnerability. Complete connection. Intimacy. That’s the point.

That’s the point.