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Christian Optimystics: Running the Rapids of the Spirit
Christian Optimystics Running the Rapids of the Spirit Author:Thomas G. Bandy, Dwayne Ratzlaff Christian OptiMystics: Running the Rapids of the Spirit, by Dwayne O. Ratzlaff and Thomas G. Bandy, is unique in methodology. A personal story of clergy misconduct is caught through the lens of a real-time spiritual practice. The book employs a dynamic methodology to present the story to the public. The template of transformation is dial... more »ogue. In dialogue with God, self, history and a diverse group of rafters, who approach as strangers then become team-mates. The metaphor of life is river-running white-water rapids. Adultery capsizes a pastor into chaotic waters. A white-water adventure surging with spirit, morality and calling becomes a dangerous and painful odyssey in search of all three. Desperation thrives in the undertow. The book explores the depths with vivid white-water imagery. Rescue teams dispatch from the great streams of Christian spirituality. The converging rapids of the Spirit heal a broken spirit, restore moral integrity, renew a call and transform a future. The book is unique in purpose. The purpose of the book is to pay forward the lessons earned from chaos. It is vulnerable in service of the greater good. The in-put of sin, guilt, hurt, despair and failure can out-put forgiveness, grace, healing, hope and mission. The insights for clergy, congregations and denominational leaders hold transforming new futures potential for both the wounded and the wounded healers. Readers in the marketplace who hear mostly about the loss of clergy credibility can now see clear through to the other side of repentance, confession, reconciliation and restoration. Readers that doubt the value of desperation can see it as the breeding ground of profound encounter with God. The book resurrects hope for all who experience failure in fundamental ways, including the clergy. In sync with God's design, good choices in the present can overcome destructive choices from the past. God co-creates new futures with real-time human choices. It sees all God's futures infused with faith, hope and love.« less