bloggedy blog: the personal weblog of a music lover and aging punk wannabe

:: Tuesday, January 21, 2003 ::

Communication breakthrough. Received an e-mail yesterday from Huntington House, the contents of which I won't divulge here, but suffice it to say that this approach -- putting my case before the court of online public opinion -- has done more than have all my e-mails and telephone calls over the past several months.

Since posting about this problem last Thursday, I've received a lot of support and advice from the blogging community. Many of you wrote e-mails to the publisher on my behalf. Many of you prayed on my behalf. Many of you provided wise counsel. Many of you provided links from your site to this one, and commented on the situation publicly as well as privately. Thank you, one and all, for your help.

Many of you may still be wondering whether I plan to sue to recover the royalties. Filing suit against Huntington House was never on my agenda. For the record, I am philosophically opposed to filing suit. (But it's one thing to be "philosophically opposed" to something and quite another to find one's self in a situation in which that philosophy is challenged by real-world events.) As for me, I think I need to spend a bit more time absorbing the themes from the Sermon on the Mount. Especially:

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. (Matt. 5:7)

"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment." (Matt. 5:21-22a)

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matt. 5:38-42)

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt. 6:19-21)

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matthew 7:1-2)

And especially:

Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matt. 6:12)

This is the first time I've really had to take Matt. 6:12 literally.

While you're saying a prayer for me, say a prayer for Huntington House as well. They're struggling financially, and need help.

Now playing (in the soundtrack of my mind): Hard, by Rich Mullins.

Lord, it's hard to turn the other cheek
Hard to bless when others curse you
Oh Lord, it's hard to be a man of peace
Lord, it's hard, oh it's hard,
You know it's hard to be like Jesus

:: Andrew 07:14 + ::
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