Today I am continuing on in sharing my thoughts from my interview with author Mitch Albom about his book “Have a Little Faith” and the upcoming TV movie based on the book that will be on ABC Sunday, November 27th.
Three thoughts came out of my interview with Mitch:
- Faith should change our attitude.
- Responding to a crisis of faith.
- Questioning God.
Today I want to share Mitch’s response to another question I asked him and I want to share the resulting thoughts that surfaced for me .
Also, thanks to Hallmark Moving Pictures, I am going to be giving away two copies of “Have a Little Faith” this week.
Here’s how to enter:
- Leave a comment. (1 entry per comment)
- Tweet this: Win a copy of “Have a Little Faith” by @MitchAlbom @KevinMartineau’s blog. Details here: http://su.pr/4vrr90 #giveaways (1 entry for every tweet or RT)
- For bonus entries: Google +, Digg, Like on Facebook and/or stumble this post. (1 entry for each)
- Contest closes Thursday, November 24th at 9 pm PST. I will announce the winner’s here on Friday morning at 9 am PST.
Now on to the interview!
ME: Have you had any crisis’ of faith since writing the book? (This was a follow up question to the first question I asked him.)
MITCH ALBOM: Um … crisis is a tough word because it implies something that I am not sure I would agree with, you know, for me. But I did … when Pastor Henry died. Uh … we were in New York and we had gone to New York to film the “Today Show” to talk about the one year anniversary of fixing the roof and what a great story it was. You know, how the church had received so much attention since the book came out, how happy Henry was and we just had this great morning together at the “Today Show”
It was a crisp winter morning and it was December 21st and as we were going to the airport. Henry said “Boy, New York sure has changed since I was here all those years ago. I wish I could stay another night and see some of my family”
And I said “Well Henry you can stay another night. All you have to do is just change the ticket”
And he said “You can do that?”
And I said “Yeah. You just make a phone call and you can do it.”
So we did in the car. He ended up staying and I ended up going home. We hugged at the airport and we talked about seeing each other on Thursday and I never saw him again. He died that night.
I have had many, many … many hours of wondering, you know, why that happened. I wouldn’t call it a crisis it just sort of internal wondering.
You know, did God want to take him home then? Had He let him sort of see the mountaintop? You know, got him all the way back to where he began in New York and then said: “Okay that’s it?” You know, should we have gone in the first place?
You know, all those kinds of things goes through your mind when someone dies too young. I would say that would probably be one.
Responding to a crisis of faith
I think all of us have gone through some sort of crisis of faith or as Mitch called it “an internal wondering.”
We can’t believe that our parent died at such a young age.
We can’t believe that our spouse walked out on us
We can’t believe that we have just been diagnosed with cancer.
When we come to this point in our lives, it feels like there is no way past our problems. We’re convinced that life will never be the same again. We feel like there is no hope.
The truth is though, we can find hope in the midst of any crisis we face. We can have hope when it feels like there is no reason to have hope.
We can have hope when our hope is based on a powerful, in-control God who can do and will do the impossible.
This kind of hope is based on a God who has defeated death itself!
When everything seems hopeless we need to remember:
Even though life is uncertain, God is not. While our power is limited, God is limitless. He still has the whole world in His hands.
Your world may feel chaotic and hopeless right now but remember God is still in control!
Have you ever had a crisis of faith? If so, would you be willing to share your story with us?
A Few Related Posts You May Find Useful:
Oh ye of little faith . . .
Sermon Synopsis 8/17 – How do we by faith climb out of the dip?
What “but’s” do you need to put aside in order to step out in faith with God?
Are you an attender or a belonger? Part 4 Belonging helps us fortify our faith
What am I doing right now that requires faith?
How do we deal with the loss of loved ones who die with no faith?
Small acts of faith can make a huge difference
Faith should change our attitude!
Being fresh out of seminary and accepting a call to my first pastorate was a crisis of faith in my life. During this time I questioned God about why He does what He does. Why He puts us into circumstances that seem hopeless. It was a time of great reflection and a major turning point in my walk with Jesus. I learned I had to trust Jesus implicitly for all my needs. That God does not have to explain Himself. That there is a time for everything especially times of testing and of growth when you strive to live your life for Jesus.
Thanks for sharing your story Rob! I can have experienced very similar experiences.
I have not read the book, because I do not have much free time lately, but I will definitely try to see the movie, expect it to be really interesting!
I would highly recommend reading the book! It is not very long and you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks for sharing Simon!
Is that real kev’s I hope you share with me too, I’m so excited to read it.
Thanks Fatima!
No prob about that kev’s, because I want to learned about that topic, that I saying to that if you can share that to me..
Hello Kevin
The essence of faith consists in believing and receiving what God has revealed. His love and promises.For me there have been many instance of what Mitch called “an internal wondering”, and the outcome is a strengthening of my faith. These words of Paul, “so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” 1 cor 2.5, have been very helpful.
Thanks
Perry A Davis Jr
Music City
Crisis is usually the best tool for growth.
Thanks for sharing Perry!