If You Don't Like the Possum, Enjoy the Sweet Potatoes: Some Principles for Travel Along the Road of Life

by John H. Hayes

In short, direct prose, John Hayes admonishes us to pay attention to the ready wisdom available in the metaphors of everyday life. Drawn from his studies, his childhood, and anywhere else Hayes could discover lessons for us all, this volume combines humor, philosophy, and traditional and practical wisdom. Both entertaining and thought-provoking, If You Don't Like the Possum???????????? provides new perspectives on old issues and perennial problems from dealing with failure, juggling the multiple personas with all carry with us, and learning from our mistakes, to the dangers of certitude, the consequences of burning bridges, and the complexity of being alone and yet in community. Whether picking cotton or plumbing the Bible, Hayes finds kernels of enlightenment as well as laughter in the myriad experiences of a rich life.

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

Reviews

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I worked with the author and he was my professor. This is very different from his textbooks and reference materials. It contains his own perspective and life and offers a very personal view into his life. Some students were taken back by Dr. Hays folksiness but underneath his outer personality was a brilliant and sensitive man.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having had the joy of interacting with Dr. Hayes on a somewhat regular basis while in grad school, this collection of essays, musings, and deep theological insights truly come to life. Hayes' essays carry with them a great of lived truth and earthy spiritual reflection. I highly recommend this short, yet fantastic read!