On the Wings of the Wind

Booksigning Report

June 24, 2008 on 2:45 am | In On the Wings of the Wind & Authors |

This past Saturday, James and I enjoyed a reading and booksigning at Viva Bookstore in San Antonio. The event was held in the lovely gallery adjoining the bookstore.

Every chair in the room was filled, and we were pleased to see many friends and neighbors in attendance. We got off a slow start because people arrived late, thinking they could show up any time during the two-hour period. Next time, we’ll know to emphasize if we are going to be reading as well as signing books. Hopefully, then people will show up at the appointed time so we can get off to a better start.

But even though we were a little unsure of how to get started, the event went really well after we began. James and I did a tag-team. First one would talk, then the other. We told our story, how I started as a young girl growing up with the Holy Spirit and matured through life. We shared how to look for the Holy Spirit in your everyday life. Learn to listen and wait for him. We talked about the crisis we are in today and the need to reach as many people as possible to bring them closer than ever to the Holy Spirit.

James, who has a wonderful voice, read some of our favorite passages from On the Wings of the Wing. I saw several people wipe tears from their eyes as James read about a ceremony for fallen soldiers from Iraq. The heroes arrived at the base in Germany and were transferred to another plane for the final trip home. On this occasion, there were only two chaplains and a bugler honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Later, fallen soldiers were honored with larger, more elaborate ceremonies. But even on this simple occasion, the haunting tones of Taps sounding in the cold air touched us. James’ reading of this passage, including the words to Taps, touched everyone in the room.

There are no official words to the tune, but the most popular version is this:

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well.
Speedeth all To their rest.
Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day,
And the stars Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.

May you be filled with the Holy Spirit, Patricia Eytcheson Taylor