Harry Saltsgaver, a member at Grace Community Church, a Charis Fellowship congregation in Seal Beach, Calif. (Bob Wriedt, senior pastor), is the executive editor of the Grunion Gazette in Long Beach, Calif. (He is featured in the current edition of GraceConnect magazine for his work on the Long Beach Water Commission.) In his regular column last week, he wrote about some of his favorite topics, which not only include his wife and his family, but his church and his favorite charities, including Precious Lamb Preschool, a cooperative ministry that includes several Charis Fellowship congregations in southern California. A portion of the column appears below. Click here to read the complete article.
Family Members As Column Fodder
We received a new “Chicken Soup for the Soul” book the other day at the office.
You remember “Chicken Soup,” don’t you? They are compilations of short stories, usually submitted by regular folk like you and me, centered around a particular theme. The stories are often inspirational, always positive.
Chicken soup — for the soul. Get it?
Someone gave me the volume that was about golf. I got a kick out of the one about lessons learned from the family dog. There are lots of “Chicken Soups” about miracles, redemption, etc.
The book that came this week is “Chicken Soup for the Soul — My Crazy Family.” It got me to thinking about why so many stories and columns (yes, this one) are about family members.
Almost every time we’re in a social situation with new people, someone comes up to my wife, Maria, and says something like “I feel as though I know you.” She smiles and bears it, knowing that person only knows what I’ve written about her in this space. Sometimes she likes the interaction, sometimes she doesn’t.
This is supposed to be a personal column where I try to convince you, faithful reader, that I’m an actual person — full of feelings, foibles and failures just like everyone else. And, just like everyone else, my family defines a good chunk of who I am.
Click here to read the complete article.