In Praise of Christian Bookstore Owners: Bob1
In praise of Christian bookstore owners
Today I found out that a long-time friend has died.
He was Dutch. But the only way to tell was if you knew his last name.
Al ran an independent Christian bookstore in my city, for many years. It was a booklover’s store — crowded shelves, some books published twenty or thirty years previous. Not only that, but they were solid books – not the pap that passes for too much of Christian publishing today.
I spent many happy hours in Al’s store. The most enjoyable part was talking with Al.
He always seemed to have time to chat. He was kind, personable and also knowledgeable about theological and church issues. Though he went to seminary, bookstore running was his ‘ministry.’
I miss Al. I hadn’t seen him during the last ten years. Occasionally I’d wonder to myself, “I wonder what Al’s up to.”
Now I know. My world, and I’ll bet other of his bookstore patrons, is a little colder today. But also the richer for his steady friendship and counsel.
–bob1
The last time I went to a Christian bookstore it was mostly trinkets and coffee mugs. It was so sad, and then it closed. Now, I get just about everything from Amazon (after reading the reviews in CT Today). I miss Christian bookstores!
Sorry to hear of Bob1′ s friend passing – almost every person I’ve treasured over the years are now home with the Lord and, yes, it does make this world seem a little colder. …
Partial to the Dutch folk myself as the Puget Sound area where i spent 31 years of my life has quite a few… tough in business, but good hearted and mostly of the Dutch Reformed church
prayer for and condolences to Bob
Thanks much, Em!
My condolences Bob1!
When we meet beautiful flowers in the garden of our life, they have a place in our heart forever!
Thank you, Elena!
Sounds like a great bookstore and even greater bookseller. Sorry to hear this, Bob.