The Hidden Lamed Vov

About the Book

Stories have power of their own. A listener not only hears, but participates. Different recipients receive the same story in different ways. The same story told over and again takes on new meanings as the listener is never the same person who heard it the last time. Storytelling was Jesus’ preferred way to teach. These 51 stories were birthed in Christian scriptures, but usually have a twist – amplifying, illustrating, and generating new ways of thinking. You may use them for teaching, preaching, personal meditation or simply for joy. The stories are divided seasonally (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, Ordinary time) and thematically (kingdom of heaven, baptism, identity, mystery, awe, and how good news can be lived in ordinary lives.) All these stories are a reminder: each and all of us are part of THE story. It is a big story. It is a powerful story. It is as tender as a mother hen who longs to gather her chicks under her wing. These are all love stories: of an unconditional love our Creator has for each and all of us: beloved children of God, precious and beautiful to behold.

About the Author

Monty Brown lives in South Charleston, West Virginia. He has served in various West Virginia towns, hills, hollows, and cities, as a lawyer, prosecuting attorney, ordained United Methodist pastor, teacher, author, and artist. His previous book, Free Us for Joyful Obedience, was the pastoral caregiving textbook for the Pastoral Ministry Licensing School in West Virginia. These 51 stories were birthed in his peregrinatio of the past 45 years. The front cover, painted by Monty Brown, is Brandon Creek Cove, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Ireland, from which St. Brendan the Navigator began the story of his epic transatlantic journey to America in the early 6th century.