People are talking about Parablelife and Uprooted!

Jesus’ parables were his own version of Balaam’s ass – a way to hurt and spare us all at once, and to startle us with a voice we didn’t see coming.  Michelle Van Loon’s wise, touching, funny and, at times, quirky take on these stories captures Jesus’ subversive style with verve.  She does pretty much what he did: confirms our best instincts, disrupts our worst prejudices, and renders things unseen in stark and earthy detail.

- Mark Buchanan, author of The Holy Wild and The Rest of God  

Christ’s stories seemed a little nearer to my own broken experience than they had before, and I resonated with so much of Michelle’s parallel narratives.  I can imagine many will appreciate the same perspective and encouragement, old and new to the faith.

- Ben DeVries, author of A Delicate Fade                             

Ms. Van Loon's excursion into the storytelling narratives of Jesus is a refreshing approach to living theology much needed in the Church. She seeks to unveil the truth behind the parables by retelling them, explaining their historical context and then

applying them to our lives through contemporary stories of her own that relive those parable truths. She addresses real life struggles that many are afraid to deal with, and she does it with a frank honesty that is very needed for healing and growth to occur. 

- Brian Godawa, author of Hollywood Worldviews

The church these days is sadly devoid of Christ-filled imagination. In Uprooted, Michele Van Loon provides us a re-telling of Christ’s parables that helps fill that void. Her creative yet practical approach makes this book worth reading for all those seeking fresh reflection on Christ’s parables!

- David Fitch, Lindner Chair Evangelical Theology, Northern Seminary

Michelle Van Loon takes a timely journey through 10 seed-planting, seed-bearing parables of Jesus and, not surprising, her harvest is candid, fresh and refreshing for anyone willing to walk this path with her.

- Patricia Raybon, author of I Told the Mountain to Move

Uprooted is a book full of parables on/of/about/through/in parables told by Jesus or from the turned soil of Michele Van Loon's life. No conspiracies or secret messages here. If

you have eyes that can hear what is being screamed through every page of this book, you will see that God is pulling you and everyone else upsideinsideoutinlove

- Stewart H. Redwine, Director of Photography for 36 Parables

Imitating her Master Storyteller, Michelle Van Loon crafts creative versions of Jesus’ parables, rooting them in today’s less-than-pretty world. Populated with people you know, these stories would be especially effective with the post-modern generation.               

-Jan Johnson, author of When the Soul Listens and Renovation of the Heart in                                Daily Practice

The parables of Jesus are packed with symbolism, insight, and meaning- they’re stories designed to make us think. That’s exactly what Michelle Van Loon has given us with this book: something significant to think about. Drawing on her unique story-telling abilities, Michelle not only offers a fresh perspective on the parables, but also challenges us to connect with them personally on a deep level. You will not look at the parables of Christ the same way after reading this book.

- Rory Noland, Heart of the Artist Ministries

I returned from Bolivia Wednesday night, and read your entire book while flying over South America. The flight attendant must have wondered what was wrong with this crazy woman who was giggling, then sobbing over the book she was reading. I am just amazed at your ability to write my thoughts in an entertaining and convicting way.  I used to love to listen to Keith Green because his songs would beat me up (convict me) and challenge me.  That is the gift of your book. 

– Dena, IL