Walking On Water [Paperback]

Ms. L'Engle takes as the theme of the book, Jesus' invitation to Peter to come to Christ walking on the water. For a brief moment, Peter did just that. Ms. L'Engle states that is how we were created to be, and even when we sink, and cry for help, that Jesus will pull us up. She says, "The impossible still happens to us, often during the work, sometimes when we are so tired that inadvertently we let down all the barriers we have built up. (Page 238).

Ms. L'Engle views the creative process as a successive letting down of barriers. Of opening to God. When one responds to the urge to create, one is one more than holy ground-one walks on water-since God is the Creator and God's creative energies are limitless and surprising. God's very unpredictability and joy become the same creative force in musicians and artists of all kinds. Ms. L'Engle speaks of the freedom to laugh at ourselves as one of the prerequisites for bringing about that which is worthwhile.

Lest we mistakenly think that Ms. L'Engle's approach is sweetly sentimental, listen to what she says about the rigors of faithful creativity, "Complicated creatures we are, aware of only the smallest fragment of ourselves; seeking good and yet far too often unable to tell the difference between right and wrong; misunderstanding each other and so blundering into the tragedies of warring nations, horrendous discrepancies between rich and poor, and the idiocy of a divided Christendom." (Page 153).

This would be an outstanding book to give or receive for a special occasion such as graduation or confirmation. For Christians of any stage in life, "Walking on Water" is a call to live expectantly and trustingly.

She writes about art and the flavor one's faith may give it. "Bad art is bad religion," she says, and I must agree with her. Whatever ones creates will be a reflection of the intrinsic beliefs of the individual: good or bad, Christian, Buddist, or atheist, we recreate what we are. She also ponders subjects such as art, human dignity, the individual Christian witness, creativity, and the Creator.

All wrapped up in an informal tone, "Walking on Water" feels like a peek into her journal. She addresses her thoughts on her craft as well as her life with her actor husband and children. This book is hands down my all-time favorite. I have read, reread, underlined, dog-eared and starred mine so many times that the binding is falling apart, and I fear that I may soon need to purchase a new copy. Even after her death, L'Engle has become my mentor, role model, and sister of my soul.

If you liked this book I highly suggest "A Circle of Quiet," also by Madeleine L'Engle. She uses the same informal writing style and addresses some similar topics.

I am excited to see that this edition includes a forward by Nichole Nordeman. In the notes to her album, "This Mystery", Nordeman speaks about how this book shaped and influenced her work. I recomend buying this album as a companion to "Walking on Water". If you read it, then listen to the cd, I think you'll agree that Nordeman's work works as a perfect soundtrack to the book.

Two incredible women.