How could anyone travel through a lingering darkness and still sing?
How could anyone limp through the valley of the shadow of death, disease, pain, and suffering, and come out of it with a smile?
Ask Nika.
"Yet, how breathtaking the realization: one who has experienced a hollowing heart-wound possesses an increased capacity for joy. Those who have not been hurt can merely cup joy in their hands; the inner well is only so deep. By contrast, the Initiated know a great deal of pain, and as a result, a great deal of joy. It is almost as if they have been carved out. They do not just cup a hand to receive joy; their entire being becomes a vessel. A fresh beauty born of Life's brutality. Able to feel, to receive...more. What is merely ladled for others is a pitcher-poured into them. This is not because they have earned more joy, but because they are thirstier for it."
Twelve Clean Pages, pg. 13
I love this book for so many reasons. For starters, it is a display of gifted and inspired writing. Simply put, I did not want to put the book down. Nika's writing style is clever, wise, witty. All of these characteristics lend to a book of the highest quality of authorship. Her soulful semantics lead to an immediate, personal connection that has the potential to move your heart in the direction of unshakeable joy.
Twelve Clean Pages is an unforgettable story of a life that found its way, not by strength or will, but by weakness and surrender, to greatness. I use the term greatness meaning a life that leaves a lasting impact on many others, a life that endues purpose to those that would be so impacted.
The book is also incredibly inspiring to me because of many personal connections. I kinda sorta know Nika. We went to the same high school and college. We grew up in the same youth group. Even though she is a few years older, I remember a time when our close-knit community was praying for Nika. I had only heard about her illness from afar. All I knew was that she had lupus and was sick a lot, and that it looked like she wore a wig. Then I heard something about a stroke and would see her from time to time using a cane to get around. I also remember thinking she must have had some funny friends because she was always laughing...
But now I know from whence her undying spirit has come. How thankful I am that she has told her story! What she said about the increased capacity of the Initiated to know joy is true. So many times in life when the carving-out process occurs, we have a tendency towards bitterness and a slow death of spirit. Nika will tell you herself in her memoir that surviving the blows of life is not a matter of happen chance, but a matter of choice. And the process of choosing is never perfect, but by the grace of the One who is, is worth every bit of the fight.
(I didn't even mention the fact that after her battle for survival, Nika went on to be recognized as a Teacher of the Year for the entire state of Texas. After she "walked out of the valley" she walked right into a large, public high school as a first-year teacher. She still inspires the youth of today in the classroom, and in her spare time engages numerous audiences as a motivational speaker.)
Check it out! nikamaples.com
