Where to Now?

Now and again we receive unsolicited reviews about Animal Kingdom. I was truly humbled by the one below. It also caused me to expand my ideas about spirituality. I am confident you will gain great value from the comments below.

Good evening Dr. Guillory,

I HAD to e-mail you after reading such a powerful book. You had given us your book at one of the meetings we have at Calvary Church with Pastor Davis. I have to be honest with you, I never thought I would pick it up to read it. I'm so guilty of "judging a book by it's cover." If the title doesn't grab me first, I usually don't pick it up. Every now and then I would look at it feeling the need to just read it. Late Christmas evening, I picked it up and opened it reading the Comments and skipping to the Contents. But I felt in my spirit to read the Foreword by Mr. Phil Davis. After reading the first paragraph, I knew it was a must read for me. Before I go on any further Dr. Guillory. I must say this is a "jewel" in disguise. Even though the cover didn't grab me, after reading it, I held it close to my heart. I could relate to and have been every character in Animal Kingdom at times in my life. But I am very partial to Zebrala and the revered elder Sister. I automatically saw myself within them. I thank you for allowing the women to have such powerful insight and leadership! And it doesn't always have to carry a "title." I must say that the Hurricane Katrina experience and even the discussions at meetings are excellent examples of an imbalance ecosystem verses humility and harmony. It all starts within our selves. And this, Dr. Guillory, is what I need to talk about. But I must come to you from the spiritual relationship I have with my Father God and not spiritual as the mind (Science) would perceive it. Even though there is a connection, if I'm understanding correctly, my relationship with God far supersedes man's philosophy of the spiritual. WAIT!! Please Dr. Guillory, hear me out. But hear me from your heart. Let this be Spirit over the mind for now. And I say that because we are spiritual beings created by a Triune God in His image. In His image, you "see through His eyes", love from His Heart where compassion, humility, and harmony resides. We are able to hear what He (The Holy Spirit) says, and speak into existence what the Word of God says about our lives. You come to pursue and love the person you've always wanted to know. The real YOU! In all honesty Dr. Guillory, there were many things I despised about Darnell that I didn't want in my life, but the love for her and the relationship she has with the Holy Spirit, allowed me to forgive her,respect her and embrace all of life's experiences as "treasures." I find it beautiful when I step out of self to see me. Meaning, The Lord will expose you to you if you allow Him. Whether it's painful or not, I need to know her and find out what's needed to please Him. It's a constant spiritual renewal and growth that's infinite. But this all starts with falling in love with Jesus. I honestly never knew a Love liked that existed. Loving Him allowed me to love myself and asked questions of my existence, my purpose. It's the questioning of yourself that the Lord uses as a "mirror" so you can view yourself inside out. Isn't that beautiful? And He allows you to see just enough to walk into your destiny with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Seeing through the eyes of Jesus allows you to love mankind so unconditionally, to learn from everyone's mistakes(especially your own) and to SERVE others. Serving is such an act of humility. But sad to say it, some of us are not there yet. Servanthood takes many forms in life. Reading "Animal Kingdom" served me another view of self-awareness, in relationships we serve each other, in the workplace we service a need or product, and the world service each other through exports, trade,etc. It's unavoidable but so necessary. Jesus came to serve and humbled Himself before man. Having His Heart, Dr. Guillory, and seeing through His eyes is the actual transformation for mankind. Without being in a relationship with The Holy Spirit, I would literally die. Physically and spiritually die a slow death. I continue to learn about Darnell and even those I encounter. What a never ending experience Dr. Guillory! But a beautiful journey to behold. I thank you so,so much for listening. There's no wrong or right if love is in it. But more importantly, the love from Jesus and His Spirit within. Again, "Animal Kingdom" is truly a jewel. You never know the real value of it unless it's read from the heart. Bless you Dr. Guillory. What a beautiful mind and yes, a beautiful heart. Kindly, Sister Darnell Burrows


Thank you Sister Burrows
Bill Guillory