The First "Official" Email

What follows is a really cool letter that is...drumroll please...the first official letter in response to the book. Okay, I know this is silly, but this is how you act when you spent half a year writing a book and praying that God would use it to encourage His people. You know how it is...when you write a really important letter to someone you keep checking to see what their response is. I guess it's the same with a book. You write it then you're on pins and needles waiting to hear what they think. Good, bad...anything! It's just a thrill to know that real live human-beings are reading it and interacting with its message. Anyway, here's the letter:

Dear Josh,
I don't know if you remember me, but I wrote you when your last book released (Not Even a Hint). I wanted to express my gratitude that once again you have a written a thought provoking book. You have such a gift of sharing your passion for God and his word without sounding judgmental. You have convicted me several times over the years with how I ought to live my life. (Or better yet, how God wants me to live my life.)

When I first heard about your new book I was so excited. The subject has long been on my heart as well. While I am still coming out of my "dating" faze, I think this message should be spread especially with my generation. When I went off to college 5 years ago I noticed that kids my age (including myself) were so passionate about God and spreading His message of hope and love. But unfortunately when it comes to the church we aren't as passionate. We built up great youth groups and college groups but don't contribute and commit to the church as a whole.

Thank you for writing a book about how to fall in love with the church. You stirred my own heart to fall back in love. Making it a priority is my number one priority! The were two things in your book that really stood out to me. First, when you said that we are held accountable for what we have heard even if it didn‚t move us emotionally. That really hit home. Church isn't about me! (Huh, you'd think I would know that by now!) The second was when you said to trust God when it might not be possible to find the best church at the moment. It reminded me of Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God." Something I have to remind myself everyday.

Sorry if I talked your ear off, I just wanted to let you know that even from all the way across the United States you are spreading the Gospel and sharing the love of Jesus. Just from hearing the sermons online from your church it's easy to see hear why you love your church. Which no doubt makes you the best person to share this message. (Thanks for making the sermons available, they are another way to get fed!)

As silly as it might sound I do pray for you and your ministry. I was so excited for you and your church when you became the senior pastor. Congratulations and rock the world for Jesus!

Your sister in Christ,
Katie (Ephesians 4:15-16)

P.S. - Can you thank Shannon for me for her contribution to the study guide for Not Even a Hint. Her insight was really wonderful!