Pearl In The Storm

My brother lent me a book called A Pearl In The Storm. He couldn't stop gushing about what an amazing book it is and how it's a life-changing read. Always a bit skeptical, but willing to trust my bro's recommendation, I accepted his loaner book.

It's an autobiographical story of a woman who rowed solo across the Atlantic Ocean--from North Carolina to France. I'm about halfway through it right now and it is a fairly interesting read. The part I'm still a bit unsure about is the solitary quest by a rugged individual to find meaning and wholeness in life.

It runs opposite the way Donald Miller or Henri Nouwen describe their spiritual pilgrimages. In fact, it also runs opposite to the community building ministry of Jesus Christ in the Gospels. Jesus was always pulling people out of isolation and into true community. All of Paul's letters address the joy and difficulty of living in Christian community.

Perhaps this book's appeal is because of the increase in individual athleticism among adults in our culture. It's the mentality of 'I can do it alone because I'm strong enough and good enough and I need to prove what I'm made of.' Marathons are run alone. Even the Tour de France is raced by solo cyclists who just happen to be grouped into teams. The only ones engaged actively in team sports anymore are kids and professionals. Maybe it's time for us adults to engage more seriously in kickball, volleyball, and basketball. Perhaps we could train together, practice together, and grow together.