Looking back over the past six years or so I see something – although not evident at first – that began to change the course of my 
thinking and ultimately my life.
I remember when it began. I was valeting cars in Birmingham, AL on a weekend. Well actually I was watching everyone park their own car while I stood there with valet tickets in my hand.
There was a mom and pop book store next door. I quickly went in and asked for a book on leadership or Christian thought.
He had this real low voice and “the hair-do” of one of those…you know…maybe a “new ager” or a “liberal” . This young guy was the only hope I had of leading me to the perfect book for christian inspiration.
He asked me a series of questions that I particularly did not want to answer. I guess I did not want a look of disgust for my Christianity to come across his “liberal” face.
Come to find out – he was a believer as well. I judged the book by its cover… yeah, that was an attempt at a pun – lame at best – but you got it.
He asked me if I had ever read BLUE LIKE JAZZ by Donald Miller. I responded, “No, but I have heard of it.”
I HAD NEVER HEARD OF IT! I lied. I just wanted to feel important I guess.
He then walked over to where this life changing publication was supposed to be placed and said, “Sorry we are out.”
There goes all hope of inspiration for me. He then asks, “Are you familiar with Brian McLaren?” You guessed it – I lied again. “Yep”, I said. He smiled. He knew.
He recommended a book by the said author and I bought it. I had no idea what I had just over paid for. $18 later I began to read with a stack of valet tickets in one hand – so I would appear prepared in case of a convoy of vehicles decided to eat at Panera.
The book? Oh yeah – “A New Kind of Christian” I AM NOT endorsing this book. You will do as I and want to burn it or throw it. I cursed at it a couple times. However, there is much truth in McLaren’s books.
There is a lot of good theology in the book. But, you have to approach the book with an open mind and heart.
The first sentence in the book “Sometime in 1994, at the age of thirty-eight, I got sick of being a pastor.”
I immediately began to cry while holding my valet tickets. That’s when it happened for me.
From there – I ate the book – yes, I did want to throw it, burn it, and I DID curse out loud at the book. But I could not stop reading this truthful and MOST stretching book.
My journey took a shape that cost me some friends and colleagues. I’m happier.
So when did your conversion AFTER salvation take place? When did it happen for you? When did the light come on that there was something more than what you were experiencing and teaching?
Please share your story with me – it may end up in our book Human Like You.
If you do choose to share your story of freedom, please email me at info@emergenow.net
Human Like You,
Matt Wade
