Seeing

Mateo was in the country illegally. After having been deported, he was back, driving cross-country at night in a borrowed car. He was trying to get back to middle Georgia to help his wife care for their gravely ill daughter. But he dozed off, resulting in an accident that killed Kendrick’s wife and severely injured Kendrick’s daughter. Now, after seeing Mateo across the court room for the first time, Kendrick sits across the desk from Derrick, the District Attorney.

“Up till yesterday, all I had in my head was an idea about how he was the ‘thing’ that hurt my little girl. And I didn’t mind what y’all did to that thing. But what changed me was I looked at his face…Real good. Real hard…His eyes had tears in ‘em. And I saw hurt and fear, and it changed me.”

“…all I could see was one little man who loves his baby girl lookin’ at another little man who loves his baby girl.” (Theo of Golden by Allen Levi)

Our January neighborhood Book Club read was Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Admittedly, at first the title confused me. I had no idea what it meant or what it was about. Now, having read it, it will be one of those books that changed me, that left an impression on my heart that I will not forget.

I won’t spoil it for you. I won’t tell you any more of the story, but I will say that if you read it with your heart, you will get a glimpse into a truly selfless life. You will see others through the eyes of a humble and quiet man, aware of his own flaws and shortcomings, as he meets and accepts other flawed and imperfect people. You will see through the lens of his love.

The story is fictional. If you live in eastern middle Alabama or western Georgia, you might recognize many of the places, and people, who were the inspiration for Mr. Levi’s story. But, that will only enhance your experience, add to the joy of it. And, if you choose to listen to the audiobook, you will also have the treat of hearing Allen Levi recount his journey as its author. It is well worth the listen.

As we begin a new year, I cannot think of a better book to start with. The story of Theo has renewed my confidence that there is hope for us yet. The characters portrayed come from all stations, all cultures, all places in life. Theo not only encourages them to look at each other differently, to see each other, but to look at themselves with forgiveness, hope, and love. After all, if we are to “Love our neighbor as ourselves,” we first must love ourselves. And, to truly do that, we must see ourselves as our Creator sees us. We must open ourselves up to accept how very much He loves us and all that He has already done to redeem us. Only by accepting His love can we truly love ourselves and each other.

Theo of Golden starts out slowly. It is not a book that will keep you up all night reading. But, if you are willing to slow down, to take the time to follow through to the end, I think you will be glad you did. And, you will be given a chance to see the world, and the people in it, through the lens of hope and love.

Another book, a middle grade one–Pocket Bear-by Katherine Applegate–was my last read of 2025. It fits right beside Theo and complements it perfectly. The setting for Pocket Bear is a refurbishment center for second-hand toys as they wait to be loved again. Pocket Bear is the boss of the toys. He speaks to them each night and gives them the rules and responsibilities expected of all residents.

“‘Our job,’ Pocket said, ‘our only job, is to wait with hope. Always with hope. And while we wait, to care for each other.’” (Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate)

Yes. We need to wait with hope, we need to care for each other, and we need to love.

I see you and I will wait with hope as I care with love. Happy Reading!

Blessings!

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi, © Atria Paperback, An imprint of Simon & Schuster, LLC,1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020

Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate, Feiwel &Friends, an imprint of Macmillan © 2025

Matthew 22:39