This picture of Barrier Lake is my background on Twitter. Clairvaux Manifesto is full of many such moments – getting down at ground level, seeing the layers, capturing movement and light, viewing distant things beyond seemingly huge obstacles; just pebbles, small potatoes – beautiful just the same.

One month since official release, and we are starting to get feedback from various readers in various contexts. It’s an honor and privilege to hear and respond (let us know your thoughts: info at clairvaux manifesto dot com).

So far, readers are sharing things like: we can’t put it down; it’s a personal adventure packed with truth; it’s helping us see the potential of the Christian life through the eyes and experiences of a new friend on the journey; it’s leading us into seeking a relationship with this God you worship.

I like that last one the best… that they may know and love the God we worship! From small groups to whole teams, Clairvaux Manifesto is causing many conversations at many such levels; and we’re just getting started!

Yet, I have to be ready for the readers who don’t get it? Who won’t get it? Who will tell me I’m the one who doesn’t have a clue? That’s fine, I’m ready for a conversation with them as well. I’ll take the high road, not to wax overly diplomatic, but rather, sometimes people just don’t know or understand, and it has to be okay, for the time being, that they don’t know, or understand, or see, or hear, or perceive, or come to any positive conclusions whatsoever about what’s been said, done, and written.

Writing this book was emotional work. Living life in the way of these pages (gleaning life out of freedom) has it’s pressures and adversities. In this book, I wrote about some important themes in an open way. Certain readers may respect such exposure, vulnerability and authenticity; others may not. I’m not worried or anxious. I don’t think too much about it. But, as the future unfolds, I will do my best to respond with all wisdom and humility.

Those who know me, know I’m not afraid. Those who hurt others will hear about it from me. Those who love others will get my sword and shield as support. Basically, I don’t avoid living. I’ve never hidden from a fight or an opportunity. And the only reason I ever fight, is for the sake of the people. And the only reason I speak into the structures and powers that be, is to help establish better systems and constructs (relationships) that will be less stressful on the people squeezed by them. Two foci create stress and anxiety: technique and efficiency (Ellul and Kierkegaard).

Yesterday afternoon, around a board room table in downtown Calgary, I sat through meetings regarding the oil and gas company I helped form and develop. We were discussing future options. We were honoring one another. We were seeking wisdom and supporting dreams. We were scheming out the future of the company. Afterward over dinner, we spoke about the global vision Clairvaux Manifesto makes clear. We were speaking deeply from the heart, loving each other, redeeming the time, speaking the truth in love, remembering rightly in a right way, looking forward to breaking down barriers and getting things done.

The whole time I was in those meetings, two young men (one a business major, the other a fearless warrior) were walking the streets, praying for us in those meetings. What does prayer have to do with international business? Read Clairvaux Manifesto.

I’m not launching a brand. I don’t have a truck load of product, a shipment of commodities. I’m not spewing ideology fast becoming idolatry. I have lived openly. I have loved deeply. I have built very good teams. I have gained some ground. I have learned some things. I have taken much time to be silent, alone and reflective…

Now, at the turn of the tide, I’m reengaging the matrix.