“Thank you, Lord, for the downloads and for causing me to journal them on my phone at four in the morning.”
Writer Hartzler offers inspirational messages found in poetic expressions, spiritual statements, and simple, human-scale utterances for the guidance and benefit of thinkers and seekers across a broad spectrum. Enhanced by delicate, nature-laden artworks by illustrator Eleanor Mathews on every page, Hartzler’s presentations are deeply significant, allowing readers to cherish particular favorites while pushing forward to garner further insight.
As the book’s title suggests, each creation conveys a sense of subtle messaging from a spiritual storehouse as absorbed by someone who is enjoying the quiet, restful rhythm of a porch swing, arising through the openness of mind and heart that may often accompany that activity. The initial contribution solidly establishes the earthly and ethereal template, expressing the author’s gratitude and his wish to develop unfettered, transcendent acceptance: “Lord, you have given me so much. Help me share without strings.” The gentle humor embedded in this request displays one of the gentle techniques notable in the collection.
Each of Hartzler’s “whispers” has been deftly intertwined with a call for further mental and spiritual exploration. This subtle and pragmatic partnering is shown in such offerings as “Lord, this isn’t what I planned. I guess you know better” and “I know you, but not enough.” Hartzler’s intention is clearly to strengthen the reader’s sense, likely shared by many, that one’s religious journey, deemed so crucial to leading an exceptional, exemplary life, can be stymied at times by one’s personal doubts, worries, and limitations. Acknowledging these shortcomings will be emphasized often through the collection’s panoramic perspective.
The intensely intimate relationship of the whisperer, the whispered messages, and those open to hearing them is poignantly purveyed by Hartzler in such examples as “Lord, it says in your Word that ‘you are love,’ and ‘perfect love casts out fear.’ Give me more of your love that I may have less of my fear.” The author provides special channels for modern believers wishing to maintain their faith while grappling with the many complexities of technological linguistics: “Lord, I’m thankful that when you speak to me, you don’t use emojis.” Throughout, Hartzler’s words have the power to demonstrate and elucidate the essentials of a God-based universe for the benefit of earth-bound aspirants.
Hartzler is a longtime resident of Ohio, where he now lives with extended family near Dalton, and has long enjoyed making music and leading worship teams at Journey Church of Northeast Ohio. Prompted by friends, he began to compose this satisfying and wise volume in hopes of giving to others what has been gifted to him through his relationship with “a God I don’t completely understand but would like to in a more intimate way.” The outreach he has achieved, underscored by Mathew’s delicate drawings, ranges from engaging whimsy to a poetic style that sometimes mirrors the love of nature found in the short but memorable style of haiku. Hartzler’s words and the concepts that underlie them will doubtless provide focus for discussion and sharing among a like-minded readership and allure for those who may be newly exploring such material.
