Four in the Garden

2015 READERS' FAVORITE AWARD WINNER "This book definitely inspired me to trust more fully in God." -Pastor Doug McCoy, Columbus, OH "A must read for anyone on a spiritual journey." -Richard Rohr, OFM, Founder, Center for Action and Contemplation, Author of 30 books This inspirational book challenges readers to trust in God in spite of our fears and misconceptions. With memorable characters, rich symbolism, and vivid imagery, this story offers a soul-searching and thought-provoking allegory of one's deepening relationship with God. In this unusual retelling of the Garden of Eden story, Creator makes only one human, named Cherished. Instead of creating a second human, Creator wants to be that trusted companion. But Cherished struggles to relate to the invisible Creator. Three Teachers accompany Cherished on his erratic journey toward understanding and trusting in Creator, even though Creator’s actions don’t align with his expectations. Cherished grapples with disappointment, frustration, doubt, and failure, and with dangers such as wild animals and malevolent beings. He endures numerous challenges, not knowing that they are meant to prepare him for his greatest crisis of all, through which he learns that Creator's love is the only constant in his life. In its underlying theme, this biblically-based story presents life as a means for transformation when we entrust everything to God because our trust in God is what transforms us. To aid contemplation and spiritual growth, Four in the Garden is divided into short thematic chapters.