Writers have mentors they look up to and one of mine is author Calvin Miller. I met him once. He sat across from me at a table for six at a writers conference. He was one of many presenters and guests that day. I was delightfully surprised to see an open place at his table during our lunch break. Conference attendees were encouraged to choose and join a featured guest, agent, editor, or speaker at their assigned table with the promise of engaging with him or her one-on-one. It was a chance to get advice, pitch your book idea, or make a connection with someone in the Christian publishing industry. I didn’t care to sit with an agent or an acquisitions editor, nor anyone else, not when Calvin Miller was in the room! Holy Moly!
He was such a humble soul, Calvin Miller. A deep thinker. A man who understood God’s “Story” and was a gifted artist at revealing God, especially the heart and mind of God, to others.
I wish I could tell you what we talked about. Our eyes locked while we discussed whatever it was and that was enough for me. I knew God had given me the favor.
Here’s a sample of the beauty and depth of man who really knew God. This is an excerpt from A Requiem for Love, from The Singer Trilogy. (Here’s a link to this book from our book store.)
The setting is just outside the gates of the Garden of Eden. We’re in the middle of a scene with the Creator, whose name is Father-Spirit, and Slithe, the serpent.
“Welcome to your your Garden, Eminence,”
The rising reptile hissed.
Earthmaker turned,
“Slithe, once-loved, once crowned
Can this be you,
Self-damned, condemned to sand?”
Slithe laughed.
“Lock me from the green, it is only for a while.
Full well you know I will be in.”
“Once the entire universe was yours.
You chose these desert chains.”
“I chose a throne and got the chains,”
The serpent spewed his bitter grudge.
The Father-Spirit turned toward the gates
As they swung slowly open.
His old accuser blinked into the distant splendor.
“Will You succeed this time
In fashioning a lover?
Who will remain a lover?
Or, is Your new creation
Destined to betray You?
Why are You forever
Planting hope in high-walled gardens?”
The Father-Spirit looked away.
“Terra holds this Sanctuary as a dream
Where love abused by treachery
May mold a masterpiece of hope.
Today I crown all I have ever made
And honor Terra’s clay by stamping it Imago Mei,
A man, a prince–Regis, friend of spirit.
He shall wear the crown of love you cast aside.
But you will never see his coronation,
For only perfect love shall pass these gates.”
This, and the rest of their conversation, unveils more truth and depth of God’s Word, God’s heart, God’s purposes, in a short poetic story than if you were to study theology and philosophy all your life. Do your heart a favor, follow the link below and read the letter Calvin Miller wrote to you, as a member of the Church, before he passed on to heaven. This is an important reminder to all of us to focus on what is vital in life.
Calvin Miller’s Letter to the Church
I invite you to visit and subscribe to Burning Hearts for God where you can visit the book store for more information about Calvin Miller’s book!