You know, often times when your writing has a purpose, interesting and creative works are born.  Such was the case for me with this letter.  I was to write a letter to an author, past or present, telling them how their book changed me.  Writing with this “purpose” really challenged me to think through this book (The Cross and the Switchblade by Mr. Wilkerson) and how it affected me.  Purpose actually gave me freedom to write.  I really encourage you to write with a purpose.

Dear Mr. Wilkerson,

As I try to unwind the jumble of emotions and thoughts that were so distinctly on my mind and heart after reading The Cross and the Switchblade, I wander back to some of the scenes that make up your book.  Each character, each addict or gang member that  entered your story were all something new....  touching in a very different way.  I had never experienced the kind of people that crossed your pages, until I met them in your book.  They were a new “territory” for me, an adventure somehow.  But, more than adventure they taught me! They taught me to love; they taught me that they can love, and that they need love.

I was moved as I read about the crime that was normal, the murders that were nightly, the drugs that were a part of life, and most touching of all, you.  It brought tears to my eyes as I read about you caring for these people.  Loving them in a way they probably never experienced.  Just being a friend to them no matter what they were involved in, or what their actions dictated, you were there for them.  It was so miraculous to read about ...them coming to know a love as unlikely for them to find as for me to find a diamond lying on the street.  I was truly intrigued by the way you so simply told their stories, and ultimately yours.

As I read, the message of the book started to sink into my heart and I began to understand that this dilemma is real. I began to want to go and work with these people.  I wanted to give love to someone who had never really been loved; I wanted to share with one of the kids how a big, awesome God truly loves them.  I wasn’t frightened for myself; just for them.  For some reason, as I read, I didn’t care if I had to go to the slums of the city, perhaps risking my own life, I just wanted to help.  The testimonies that were shared pounded themselves into my soul and I felt deep down that someday, perhaps I would be lead to this place to help these people in need.

I never really conciously thought or grasped until I read your book that “those” kind of people are real people.  They have feelings, and thoughts, and are as broken and confused as a lost child.  It was almost as if something or someone was tugging my heart as I read.  I was being drawn into the book, sobbing for these people who were broken, confused, and lost.  It was as if my mind was dancing in the words of the book, although my body was not..

The Cross and the Switchblade really made me think about who I am. It made me realize what a gift I possess to be brought up in the loving, caring, environment, that I now realize I’m a part of.  Your book had me probing my mind and heart for what kind of person I want to be, who I want to help, and in whose life I want to make a difference.  The Cross and the Switchblade opened the portals of my heart, searched my innermost mind, and handed back to me the wonderful prospect of life, and living it to the fullest.  Thank you so much for the contribution your book, and ultimately you, made in my life.

With Much Gratitude,

Hannah Kelly