Review: The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (read in 2006)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A few years ago I was reading allot of fiction about historical women. The book that opened the door to what I call my "female centric phase" was The Red Tent by Anita Diamant.

I want to put in a caveat right here that while I really enjoyed this book, it is not for everyone. Some people can't get past the first couple of chapters. There are many graphic depictions of physical and health related issues that are common to all women - cycles, pregnancy, birth.

Aside from the fact that I felt the writing was engaging I enjoyed the perspective this book gave me on what it meant in the past to be part of a community of women. Through the eyes of Jacob's daughter Dinah this novel takes the reader into the real lives that lay behind the book of Genesis.  Reading between the lines Anita Diamant embraces the truth of the bible, mixes in some real history, and invents characters and events that reflect the common issues and experiences of modern women.  The book made me laugh and cry - but in ways I didn't really expect. It made me cringe, and it also made me want to embrace my womanhood in a new way.

I would not recommend this book for men, anyone with a weak stomache, or anyone who wants a really fast paced plot.

This is a great book for people who are interested in biblical history, women's issues, or enjoyes novels that depict the intricate dramas of daily life.

See more of my bookshelf at Goodreads.com

Calling G-d's Bluff

Today, I was reading a new blog called "Reflections of a Secular Franciscan" written by one of my good friends, Mark B. I'm really excited about his blog, because I know he's going to share some really interesting perspectives.

One post, in particular, caught my attention. In "Be Happy," from August 18th, Mark reflects on Judges 6:11-24, when the angel of the Lord comes to Gideon and calls him to go as a warrior to save Israel from the Midianites. Mark captured a beautiful message about God's assurance that while the things in life are much bigger than we are, he will always be at our side (Judges 6:16), and that his love is ever-present. I like that message.

Whenever I read this story, and many other stories, my heart catches on a different message: our inability to really grasp G-d's influence in our lives. If you notice, G-d sends His angel to direct Gideon and Gideon says give me a sign that it's really you.

If you notice in verses 17-19 Gideon fully anticipates that this is indeed an angel of the Lord, a representative of G-d, the most high. On some level he recognizes his visitor, but his mind rebels against his heart, demanding "proof."

Well, what’s that about? I mean, when G-d’s presence touches our hearts – what better sign can there be? Yet, time and again, throughout the biblical stories and our own histories, people respond to G-d’s presence with a sort of poker play. “I meet your presence and raise you one miracle.” It’s as if we know God is there, we know he’s anted up, but we have to raise the stakes like we expect to call his bluff. I see you standing there, but you obviously don't want to talk to me!

What saddens me about this is that the attitude creates a distance between ourselves and the truth. When we close our minds, eyes, and ears to G-d's presence then we also inhibit our own ability to be His hands, heart, and feet present in this world. I would never say to turn from the written word, but what value is that word if it isn't active in our hearts? What value is living life by a set of rules if we never stop and listen to the more important truths G-d is trying to share with us?

On some level, I think many people turn away from the voice of G-d in their lives because they are unable to reconcile their own inadequacies with the idea that they are special enough to warrant individual attention from Him. In reality, that perspective is both flawed and limiting. G-d is our creator, our Father, and if he chooses to talk to us then we should listen! In demanding proof, signs, or miracles we are saying I am the one who is best able to judge this situation, I am the one who will recognize G-d. However, it's the other way around: God has ordained this situation, and G-d is able to recognize his beloved children.

So - while I am going through my day, I pray that I am able to see the hand of G-d, without questioning his ultimate presence. I pray that I am able to accept His love without the need to challenge His sanity in choosing me. He is the King of Kings – I am pretty sure he’s more likely to call *my* bluff than I am his!