Kiss of God: The Wisdom of a Silent Child [Paperback]

Marshall Stewart Ball (Author), Troylyn Ball (Preface)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1999

Kiss of God is a collection of astonishingly inspiring writings by a developmentally challenged boy. His graceful, remarkable words are filled with the purity of his spirit and the love in his heart. In our fast-paced world with all its turmoil and tragedy, the simple and gentle wisdom of The Kiss of God is sure to make it a treasured favorite with readers for many years to come.

Some of the selections this collection includes are:
"My five favorite words are:
Love-a feeling of God that needs no one.
Good-the answer that gives real meaning to life.
Tame-the management of thought.
Teach-giving.
Think-how we listen."

"Twenty years in the future we see a world that has a time of perfect harmony. Perhaps man will become loving. Answers need to come about how people see God. Realizing a good God will bring harmony."

"Answers come to the good listeners that hear God. Go to God and God will teach you." In addition to these beautiful and loving pieces of inspiration, this book contains endnotes that explain the circumstances under which Marshall created each piece.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Marshall Stewart Ball had his first book of spiritual writings published at the age of 13, an impressive feat for any young teenager. But Marshall is not just any teenager. Soon after he was born it was discovered that he would probably never walk or speak. Despite his numerous physical disabilities (no doctor has been able to diagnose him with any specific diseases, illnesses, or genetic abnormalities), Marshall learned to communicate by pointing to letters on an alphabet board.

He first wrote about God at age five in a compelling poem titled "Altogether Lovely." It soon became apparent that this special child liked to "speak" often and deeply about God, love, knowledge, and freedom--sophisticated topics for a sheltered lad of 5. By age 9 Marshall tested above a 12th-grade reading level. Meanwhile, he continued with his laborious pointing/writing sessions--revealing an unusual voice with a distinct rhythm and a disarming spiritual wisdom. Fortunately, Marshall's parents saved his writings and compiled them into Kiss of God, allowing the world to behold this "silent" teacher. Each poem or essay gets a brief introduction so that readers know the story behind his loving words and how old Marshall was when he wrote it. These intimate introductions help readers see the true miracles of Marshall's life and gifts. --Gail Hudson

Review

"Some call him a boy genius. Others call him a prophet. One thing is certain about poet Marshall Ball: Anyone who has ever used the phrase 'simple but profound' does not know the meaning of that phrase until he or she reads Marshall's Kiss of God." -- Ron Jaeger, editor, Northwoods Journal

Marshall answers even the most mundane inquiries in his ever-elliptical, evocative style. In "Kiss of God", Marshall Stewart Ball writes of everything form Princess Diana (Caring greatly, kissing people with your good heart you became definitely a Princess..." to his dreams of climbing a tree, realized vicariously through his brother Luke (see that good tree as a peace of me. Fortunately, I have fine, lovely Luke growing free, dearly waiting for me to climb that tree). -- Julie Bonnin, Aunstin American Statesman, Sept. 26,1999

The Miracle of Marshall - Meet the little boy with a boundless mind that can't be imprisoned by his broken body. He's changed his loved ones forever, and now he has written a book that just might change you, too. -- Austin American Statesman, Sept. 26, 1999

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 205 pages
• Publisher: Health Communications (September 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558747435
• ISBN-13: 978-1558747432
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #755,933 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

71 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Marshall Teaches Us To Listen., December 29, 1999

By 

Gloria (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kiss of God: The Wisdom of a Silent Child (Paperback)

The New Testament says we should be like children. Marshall Ball is God's example to us of the open heart of a child. This is how God speaks to us and shows us how He wants us to be, open to His thoughts and wishes. I was profoundly touched by the clarity of Marshall's listening. For those of us of who seek to know God, Marshall shows the way. He speaks of learning to be a good listener, thinking good thoughts that grow love and harmony. "Poetry is a magnificent kindness of the heart." Perhaps, poetry of all writings speaks heart to heart and is not a exercise of cynicism or a bending of wills or of the mind. Mashall is a pure soul who speaks with a clear voice.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gift of Beauty, May 2, 2000

By 

Judith E. Pavluvcik (Dreaming of the beach in Hawaii, but living in the reality of the desert in Arizona!!) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kiss of God: The Wisdom of a Silent Child (Paperback)

The Kiss of God is an incredibly beautiful book. It is thekind of book that you want to refer to again and again as well as tohand it out to other people. Marshall's writing and poetry conveysensitivity, awareness, comfort, and upliftment and are amazingly profound. I read the book in one sitting and was crying through most of the book! I was so touched at a deep level. The simplistic messages of the beauty of God and of love come across so sweetly. Marshall's insights and caring are remarkable for a young child. He is truly gifted. God has blessed him and in turn Marshall has blessed us with God's messages. It is said that our children are indeed our teachers and this child, so filled with love, teaches purely from the heart. The wisdom contained in his writings, reminds one of an "old soul". I commend his parents and relatives for fostering his talent and thank them for allowing the rest of the world to bask in Marshall's teachings of love. Marshall's "poetry is the magnificent kindness of the heart".

In the forward by Dr. Laurence A. Becker, I was so moved by his reflection of Marshall's parents. "I am convinced that it came about primarily through the powerful and unconditional love of his family who refused to see him as incomplete in any way. They acted toward him as the perfect being they see him to be. They acted as though he were already the magnificent being he has come to be."

And as Marshall says, "Will we free the world to think perfectly about the listening and marvelous children?" Just imagine the possibilities for future generations if our love were indeed unconditional.

I found this book to be a great comfort for me at this point in my life. I learned so much from this angelic teenager and now I am learning how to listen. I cannot recommend this book enough and I know that the reader will be profoundly moved on many levels.

Marshall you are a gift to us all and I eagerly anticipate your next book! Just please don't wait too long!

48 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Knowledge is not the same as knowing, December 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Kiss of God: The Wisdom of a Silent Child (Paperback)

Those who do not accept the messages that are being brought to us at this most spiritually significant time, are those not yet ready to understand. Marshall is certainly not the only soul who has manifested into physical form in order to remind us of our origins and our destination. He shows us the simplicity of Spirit and assists us in remembering the connection to Home.

All belief systems are valid and are simply different flavors of the same truth. Marshall shows us with profound clarity that we are all on the same journey, and will eventually arrive at the same destination, no matter which beliefs we cling to in the here and now. It is so true - as Marshall says, when you judge others, you judge God.