Philip- A Review

Philip- A Novel is a piece of creative writing about one man's pondering of the Evangelist Philip. The author, Chris Duffett explains that this book has been painted in words from his synthesis of 25 verses of New Testament, his playful and down to earth imagination, and some research of Middle-Eastern history. Historical and Scriptural scrutiny are a waste of time because this was never meant to be that kind of book. The foreword forewarns any reader of furrowed brow not to go there.

So, with my pinch of salt and willing heart I delved into the poetic introduction. It was read to me at the book launch and I read it again. Like much creative writing it didn't make much sense but I was spurred on with deeper questions added to my previous sense of ignorance about the only person called 'evangelist' within the canon.

The early chapters are fun and silly. I am unsure as to how the two main characters were allowed to get away with even meeting let alone the plot we see unfold. I felt continually reminded of a 1960s children's book about some kids on an adventure and almost forget what century we're supposed to be in. I do wonder whether we have slipped into some auto-biographical symbolism, and why not? In art and music there is always something personal in artists' work, why should a novel be considered any different?

Things are tough for our hero and I start to get wearied as the story goes from oppressive to bleak. It deserves a sigh, readers like me wonder if they want to go on. The hopelessness on these pages is all too real, even nearly 2 millennia later. As a reader I come to this wall at just the perfect time. The author has successfully set us up and caught this kipper.

Either I was unclear on the dates or chronology of the loose biblical landmarks or we were meant to experience the God-event with complete surprise. For me, the Lord arrived as he did in my life, He makes a way for Philip where there was no way. Identifying with various characters; feeling their fellowship, family interactions; empathising with the betrayal and anguish. What leads people like me and Philip to Jesus is exhausting, what we face as we follow Him is exhilarating, daunting and exasperating. I feel I know Philip. Maybe it's Chris that I know?

As the Lord enters the plot, I recall what is so wonderful about the my God and why He is a such refreshing to dusty dirty hearts long overdue a cuddle and a kiss. He brings laughter to confusion and cuts straight to the chase about the most unbearable private hurts. He isn't afraid to go there. There are no illustrations in this book but we clearly see Jesus.

Much of Philip- a Novel especially the pain of its characters has such an impression on me that I am carrying it in my heart between instalments, hurried to find out what happens next, I love this kind of book. I can no longer ignore my sadness for friends and acquaintances maimed by life on this earth. I can't make them better and I can't change their circumstances. But to finally connect with my feelings seems to bring a sweetness. The consoling of God in my very heart allows me to feel more deeply as the hope simultaneously deepens within this pit.

Chris warns us that this book is designed to prod at evangelists, I had little idea that I would feel this recommissioning. I thought I was already there. I guess my feet were. In my case, I found his means to be by prompting emotional healing and a reawakening in my heart for the lost. In the days to follow I discover the freeing draw of giving myself to the tears and sorrow. I cry and laugh in one, is that possible?

This is the truth for God's people there will be suffering but He promises Joy. If the evangelist does not feel compassion then why on earth would they bother to go to difficult places and people to share the wonderful hope we bask in in Jesus? With Joy this call becomes an adventure, it's exciting and seeing your new friend or random acquaintance connect with Him is the only thing that beats your first encounter with the living God, it is the cherry on the top of the best relationship you can ever know. What beats knowing Jesus and embracing a full life in Him? Inviting others to dance with you.

Who would choose the bun without the cherry?

Emotional Healing that bought Psychological Breakthrough and Physical Wellness.

In September 2015 a couple of friends joined Slimming World, one of them was telling me about when her class was and it wasn't the first time she had told me about the weight loss programme. I knew it was a good move for her but not until then did I consider that I actually might need the same sort of initiative.
My weight had crept up steadily over the previous years and my digestive health was at an all time low. To be honest my gut has never been perfect but at this time in my life I knew something was very wrong with me and that if things didn't change, my risk of cancer would be worse than genetic.
I was the girl that never said no and in hindsight I ate large portions. I have always enjoyed my food. I have a healthy self-image too, knowing my worth is not in my appearance I just continued to live in such a way that subtly was endangering my health. I had begun to notice that I was experiencing a sort of acid re-flux. I googled this and learned that for some this is just something you have to live with but could be improved or cleared up by losing 10lb of weight.
I knew my weight had to be addressed and I knew I needed help.

Since joining SW one of my group members was even able to get clear of type 2 diabetes so it goes to show just what is possible when you start to take back your life in this way.

I was winning awards within my group and I took to the programme well. By Christmas I had lost around 2 stone, still eating much the amounts I had before (as this was possible on SW) but much more aware of what was a problem for me. Supported by my rep, slimming group and various freedom-seeking friends, I flourished.

In the new year my weight-loss began to slow, this was usual for someone nearing their target. What surprised me was that without having increased my exercise in the first few months I had still become much fitter and took to running for the first time in years. This spurred on my weight loss and I began to feel increasingly well and younger than ever.
I had been overweight for my whole adult life until this point, I was happier and knew myself better than ever too. This journey could not have been possible or so trans-formative had I not experienced emotional healing the summer before. God has been key to my wellness and ability to face the reality of decades of self-esteem issues and bereavement.
After a slow couple of months I finally reached my 3.5st target with various friends not far ahead or behind.
This journey for me was a group effort. With God, anything is possible, with friends it's more exciting and offers the opportunity to heal to others too.