I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. After two frenetic months of manic activity and almost ceaseless travelling, I can sense a respite on the horizon. Apart from speaking at a homeschooling conference in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday May 25 (which is, in any case, only a two hour drive from my home), I have no other speaking engagements until June 7.
Last weekend I was at a homeschooling conference in Lafayette, Louisiana, one of my favourite parts of the country. I sampled southern hospitality and cajun cooking, the latter of which included deep-fried oysters and alligator legs. I also had a taste of home cooking when a teenage homeschooler brought me some home-baked English-style scones. They were truly scrumptious and reminded me of my home across the Water.
Returning home to South Carolina, I have also returned home to England this week. Perhaps I should clarify. I returned home to South Carolina in the present, sharing time and space with my family, but I have simultaneously returned home to the England of my past. I am presently writing a full-length book on my conversion to Catholicism, which is provisionally titled, “Race with the Devil: A Journey from Racial Hatred to Rational Love”. I am almost finished. Yesterday I found myself back in prision with my former self, serving a twelve month sentence for “hate crimes”. Thankfully, a twelve month sentence, when revisited in the memory, only lasts a few hours of written reminiscing.
Today I am released from prison but embark upon one of the darkest and unhappiest years of my life, a chapter of my past which will form a chapter in my book entitled “The Gutter and the Stars”.
I hope to finish the book within the next few days. Perhaps I might request the prayers of all Ink Deskers that I can glorify God in the writing of my story.
Joseph, you can be assured of my prayers as you finish this most important project. Having listened to your conversion story on CD a number of times, I know that the message will be a valuable one of hope; Our Lord’s blessings can overcome anything even in our time of darkness.
I’m sure writing this might be among the more difficult pieces you’ve had to complete in some ways, but your legions of friends and admirers -present and future – patiently await (well, not TOO patiently!) its publication.
Dear Joseph,
I have passed on your prayer intention to several friends, including two priests who have promised to remember you and your book at the altar. One of them, a Byzantine Catholic priest from New Mexico, has said that this book was clearly meant to see the light of day. Take heart and keep fighting the good fight.
Harry and Brendan,
Thanks so much for the notes of encouragement, and for the prayers and spiritual support.
I was received into the Catholic Church yesterday – in my book, that is! I am now on the final chapter and hope to send the finished manuscript to the publisher on Monday. I believe that an August publication is planned.