This book represents a lifetime of reflection translated into haiku poetry. It forms a personal case history of growth in grace and maturity through the fiery furnace of life’s trials. Richard’s book is an action/reflection study with deep personal dynamics. It demonstrates a process that is more than theoretical and intellectual, but one in which the very praxis of a renewal paradigm for life is portrayed through the poetry of haiku.

 

The hundreds of haiku draw out, in a compelling way, principles of life around spiritual themes of grace. As the themes unfold, quiet reflection instills a sense of confidence that fortifies our strength of character. The haiku insights, applied in the daily experience of life, provide practical depths of knowledge and a wealth of relevant truths.

 

This first hand account of life’s realities experienced by Richard in warfare and years of reflection as an airline pilot, is powerful in its portrayal of gratifying, sobering and, at times, shocking truths we all need to face in life. The lessons available to learn are timely in their relevance.

 

At the same time, the truths of the haiku testify to the spiritual power released. The themes carry a strong resurrection motif. By coming to terms with the barrenness of life’s mistakes, loneliness and grief, a new life emerges through the grace of God’s power as the truths contained in the haiku translate into applied reality. The haiku draw conclusions in practical suggestions for the wide variety of life’s challenges presented by a person who has passed through the fire, glimpsed death in the face, and survived to tell his story with recommendations in haiku poetry that we cannot afford to ignore.

 

 

This book of haiku poetry represents a significant point of personal transition in Richard’s life and service to the community, both professionally and in the church. It portrays a profound understanding of the paradigm of transformation available for renewal in the midst of loneliness and grief. In our contemporary preoccupation with success based on effective methods, this book is a powerful testimony to the effectual grace of restoration in the spirit of Jesus Christ. If we have “hit the wall” of unsupported grief in our life, we can, like Saint Paul, thank God “who, in Christ, always leads us in triumph” (2 Corinthians 2:14) by taking His truths conveyed so magnificently in this book and making

them live.

 

It gives me great pleasure to endorse this book. It will edify as well as instruct, and contribute to the renewal of all who discipline themselves to daily reflect on the truths in the haiku and then apply them in daily interactions with people at all levels of society.

 

Rev. Dr. John R Howell

Executive Chairman

Transforming Leadership, Inc.