Thoughts on God and life
Lieut-Colonel Maxwell Ryan marched into my life in the early 1990s. I still remember the joke someone was telling when I first met The Salvation Army wordsmith who at the time was editor of the Sally Anne's War Cry publication. "What do you get if you cross a person who has dyslexia with an agnostic and with an insomniac?" Answer: "Someone who lies awake at night wondering, 'is there really a dog?'"
The group of editors and journalists at the Christian writers' conference laughed uproariously. This small event from two decades ago sticks with me because Max, the veteran editor with extensive national and international leadership experience, showed a personal interest in a young journalist. He encouraged me in my craft and spoke kindly of ChristianWeek. We became friends.
I recall one occasion a few years later when Max, who was living in Toronto, stopped by our Winnipeg office on his way through the city. As we enjoyed a cup of coffee together, he asked perceptive questions about my work and the progress of ChristianWeek, whose mission he endorsed. And I'll never forget his pastoral demeanor as he looked me in the eye and inquired about the state of my soul. Then he prayed, fluent in his communication with God and great discernment in his words.
Our paths have crossed many times since then. For several years Max served formally as a ChristianWeek senior editorial advisor. And back in 2001 he even joined us on staff for a four-month stint. His caring voice has always been just a phone call away.
Last month I had a chance to spend a night with Max and his wife, Pat (whom he describes as "my best friend for more than 50 years"), at their retirement condo in Ontario. It was an oasis of serenity in the midst of rush-hour busyness, a place of rest in a weary world. In their home I again encountered the same lively questions, the same deep piety and the familiar gracious hospitality.
And there was something new as well—an attractive book featuring Max's gentle visage on the cover and a collection of short reflections culled from the countless columns he's written over the years. Old Words, Short Words, by Max Ryan, was pulled together by his appreciative children and presented to him in book form last Christmas.
Max is eager to share his thoughts on God and life. Contact pax@tundralights.com to receive your own copy at a very modest price.
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