A Response from Portia Hurney

Mark,

I am entirely unsure where to even begin. So many thoughts, ideas, revelations, and emotions have surfaced through my mind since I read The Book of Mev. I guess it is only appropriate for me—at this particular time—to speak in general, of the overall picture and impression that has been rumbling through my existence since my encounter with the book.

First, it is absolutely liberating to be faced with people such as Mev and yourself, in such intimate detail—being able to recognize triumphs as well as flaws. So often we are faced with this ridiculous illusion that “holy” or “spiritual” people are perfect, without flaw, and “god-like.” As I reflect on the personal spirituality throughout the book, in the lives of all the people that a reader comes into contact with, I realize such a simple and profound reality: That nobody is entirely perfect—and that we all have something incredible to offer to the world.

This leads me to the issue of vocation. We often separate a vocation from a “job” as if they are two entities. Mostly, we think of a vocation as being something given to us by God—our purpose in life, as if a vocation is something truly spectacular, that not everyone achieves in life. Seeing the vocational struggles, and uncertainty throughout the book is a marvelous breath of fresh air for those of us searching for our own life vocation. As I am preparing for the Episcopal priesthood, I have always been careful to steer away from terminology such as “I am discerning a ‘call’” or “I have a calling.” This terminology lends a presumption of superiority—as if, “God picked me because I’m special”. Of course, this isn’t the case. I noticed this in its truest and simplest form in reading The Book of Mev. Everyone has a “calling.” The world needs people with all types of gifts and abilities: Every single one of those gifts and abilities are important, and if we fail or stumble on the journey, it’s okay. I think that The Book of Mev profoundly echoes C.S. Lewis’ comment that “If the will to walk is really present, God is pleased even with your stumbles.”

Thank you Mark, for this book, a truly wonderful gift. It has truly been a pleasure to read, touch, see, and intimately feel.

– Portia is a junior at Creighton University and hopes to attend Episcopal Seminary in the near future.