The Rhythm Of Secrets by Patti Lacy
Since 1955, Sheila Franklin, a talented musician, has perfectly performed the role of devout pastor’s wife, locking away her past as Sheba Alexander and Sylvia Allen. Her carefully constructed façade crumbles with a single phone call from a young Marine named Samuel, the illegitimate son she secretly put up for adoption. Samuel begs Sheila to use her government contacts to get his fiancé, Mali, a Thai prostitute, into America. A dangerous mixture of love and guilt spurs her to help her only child even though it devastates her husband Edward and exposes her questionable past. After a quarrel with Edward, Sheila and Samuel board a C-130 for Thailand and then search Bangkok’s steamy streets for a Madonna-faced prostitute. The two whisk Mali from a brothel but are seized by a warlord who considers Mali his “number one girl.” In a teak “ghost house,” Sheila discovers God’s grace and gains the freedom she needs to find her own identity—Sheila, Sylvia, and Sheba. A framed story, this novel has roots in the bohemian 1940s New Orleans French Quarter and spans three decades, including the turbulent Vietnam era.
This was a powerful, enjoyable book that I highly recommend. Sheila has secrets – secrets that she’s never exposed to her husband, a big-time pastor. He doesn’t know about her mixed parentage, or parents’ background, or about the fact that she has an illegitimate son with dark skin.
This book shows how one simple, single mistake can haunt you for years and years. I know we’re supposed to accept God’s grace for our sins, but, even when/if we do this, our sins and our bad choices can still affect our lives for a long time.
This novel also shows that it’s best to tell the truth, especially to those that you love. Don’t hide secrets, what if they come out to bite you later, causing turmoil in your current relationships?
This book also has a pretty deep inspirational message – showing that no matter how tough things get, even if it appears that we may lose our lives, it’s best to call upon the Lord, our creator, during times of trouble.
I loved the way the author truthfully showed how judgmental we can be as Christians. You know, this book had me thinking about how some Christians are quick to punish, judge, make others feel unworthy, not following the example that Christ set forth for us in the Gospels. When Sheila, the main character in Rhythm of Secrets, loses her parents and goes to live with her grandmother Mimi, she’s forced to suffer from Mimi’s judgmental attitude towards her. This attitude partially stems from Sheila’s parentage. Yet, Mimi is a Christian? Sadly, the church is filled with Mimis and it’d be great if, the next time we find ourselves judging others for their mistakes, then we should stop, and take a hard look at ourselves. What sins have we committed in our own lives?
I guarantee that this book will get a strong emotional response out of you. For me, the most emotional part happens when Sheila is forced to give up her baby, a baby that she loves fully and unconditionally. Her son’s dark skin doesn’t bother her, as her baby’s complexion is a result of her mixed parentage.
Give this book a try. If you’ve read it, let me know what you thought about the story.
I’ll top off this blog post with a question: Have you experienced a lot of judgmental Christians in your life? Did the judgmental actions affect your faith?
Many thanks to Kregel for providing me with a free review copy.
Yes, I have run into a number of people like that. My goal is to be very different from that stereotype, which is often an unfortunate reality. In fact, lately I was told by an unbeliever that she was expecting me to be judgmental of her because she had never met any Christians who weren’t that way. She said I blew her theory out of the water (that all Christians are judgmental and unloving) and because of my response to her she is now interesting in knowing more about God and checking out a church in her area. She said she is seeking the Lord now and got a devotional to start her day with. That’s what being NON judgmental does. It shows people the heart of Jesus and His heart was always to save the lost, not push them away by acting like self-righteous and unloving people.
Yes, I have run into a lot of judgmental people both Christian and non-christian alike. It seems to be the nature of a lot of people sadly. Even though the Bible tells us not to judge lest we be judged, people do.
I have read a few reviews on this book and am very interested in reading this book.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
Yes, I have met a number of people like that, both Christian and non-Christian alike. It is really sad especially when the Bible tells us not to judge others lest we be judged ourselves.
I have read reviews on this book and am really wanting to read it.
Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
Sadly, I have witnessed many judgmental attitudes by those who say they are followers of Christ. In reality, I have also come to realize that judgmental natures extend beyond Christians.
A true disciple of Christ understands that he must put on the character of Christ. He acknowledges that he must speak the things Christ spoke, serve the way Christ served, stand for truth in the way Christ stood for truth, and love the way Christ loved. He recognizes that false perceptions are of no value, but he also understands that there is a righteous discernment.
Sometimes, well-intentioned people lose the Christ-factor and instead execute a self-based judgmental stance. The way of self is wrong and very often misleading.
In terms of judgmental attitudes affecting my faith, I can honestly say my answer is yes and no. At a time, when I was young and impressionable, I found that I had adopted a “righteous” judgment mentally. I did not yet understand the truth of God’s word for myself and so I was easily swayed into thinking what I did, by way of judging was right. I thought it was my responsibility to determine what people were or were not. (There is more to that thought process, but in the interest of time, I’ll leave it there.) The mindset I had at that time was ignorant and it demonstrated my lack of spiritual maturity. Thankfully, as I continued to grow in faith and in knowledge, and as I began to earnestly seek out an authentic relationship with the LORD, I began to see what judgment was and what it was not, who was to judge and who was not judge, what righteous judgment really meant, and what standing on the purity of the word was all about as it related to people and self. This type of growth required study and an openness to godly transformation of mind and heart.
The topic you mention is vast and layered. It must be visited in detail. Bottom line, however, “do not judge…” Also, “study to show thyself approved.”
Great questions, Cecelia. Loved them!!!
Have an inspired day.
Blessings,
Kim
Cecilia, yes, yes, yes! Sadly, it’s the Christian wounds which stab deepest and heal slowest.
Do you agree?
Thanks ever so much for being a wonderful influencer!!!!
Blessings,
Patti
@Michelle, great comment! Glad your positive Christian attitude drew somebody closer to Jesus!
@Jo, ya know, I wonder if it’s just our imperfect human nature to be judgmental? Let me know if you like the book.
@Kim, yes, at times, as we get older, we get more mature in our relationship with Christ and we may learn not to be so judgmental of others.
@Patti, yes, the Christian wounds definitely hurt the most and take the most effort to forgive, so I do agree with you! It’s like, being stabbed in the back by your brother instead of by some nameless, faceless stranger. Being stabbed by your brother would cause deep emotional wounds that would take a LONG time to heal!
Just found your blog through Twitter…I love it, and am going to add it to the sidebar on my book blog! Please do stop by and say hi:
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