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Kiss of God: The Wisdom of a Silent Child

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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.

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!

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.

This book has the most original thought. It can't be compared to any other. It makes you go beyond the words to pure ideas. You can't say there is a particular philosophy in his writings, but you are made to realize a truth. That is the beginning of all understanding. He makes the truth so simple that any sincere seeker will be able to see it. Maybe it makes us listen so we can hear the truth. Marshall doesn't give the answers. He gives you just enough to trigger your already known understanding about life. It seems like a charge given to us, but we have to figure it out. Some say his style is elliptical. There are different people that help Marshall with his writing They do this by cradling his elbow in their hand. It would be impossible for three or four different people to all have the same style of writing. Why do some doubt this boy's ability? It is truly his gift.

Some may call him a boy genius. Others may 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.

Marshall began writing at the age of 5 but not in the way other children write. While his elbow is supported, he points to individual letters on an alphabet board. Someone jots down Marshall's message letter by letter, and Marshall alone provides the editing and title. Marshall does not compose his writings orally, because he cannot speak.

Through a veil of silence, Marshall Ball speaks by the Kiss of God to any heart yearning for inspiration. Marshall's style of writing is wholly original, and the most learned reader will marvel at Marshall's syntax. When Marshall was collecting the writings he wished to place in Kiss of God, by the way, he composed before his 12th birthday, his mother asked him how his book should be arranged. He responded, "Attempting good fine force badly spilts Kiss of God apart." When she asked him what he meant by "force," he answered, "Forcing is giving good book great organization. Can you give love by force?"

Kiss of God builds on the premise that God is good and that "Good God," as Marshall calls Him, is his "good candid teacher." Marshall sees only good in himself, and he imparts good effortlessly. The sheer innocence of this volume prevents it from being didactic. Marshall simply sets forth insights or what he calls "kisses" from God. "Great kisses are loving, grand, great little thoughts, " he writes.

Some kisses from God come to Marshall as poems. Some come as letters. And others arrive as aphorisms. In a single-sentence letter to his "Great Good Grandpa," Marshall writes, "My feeling is our thoughts ran together for love." This tone of love and yielding to love prevails throughout Marshall's work. "In pure great Love real intelligence is manifested," he says. And he says, "Good finds the sweet giver."

After setting the tone of love in Kiss of God, Marshall offers to the reader a note in which he sets forth the purpose of his book. In alluding to the eternal questions about happiness, Marshall says, "Questions want good answers. With the help of my family and dear friends, I have been able to answer thoughts concerning old beliefs about questions regarding why people are not happy." In the following pages of Kiss of God, Marshall proves his point.

Recognition of Kiss of God is surging. Already in a second printing since an intial self-publication two years ago, the book is being republished by Health Communications, Inc., the publisher of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul Series." Marshall's publicist, Phenix & Phenix, states in an exclusive interview with this editor that negotiations are underway for Marshall to appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

While many poets align with suffering and consume their creativity in crafting images of pain, Marshall Ball, seemingly fulfilling the biblical prophecy that "a little child shall lead them," writes from the perspective that there is no pain. It is not enough to say poet Marshall aligns to good, to love. Marshall IS love.

Last night in Austin, Texas, I once again got to see Marshall Ball. The Kiss of God remains upon his lovely cheeks. My 13 year old said she saw a glow about Marshall's face and she felt the presence of God. She had never seen Marshall before. God gives us miracles as His priceless gifts. In order to see a miracle, one must believe in miracles. Marshall is a miracle! His thoughts are pure, sweet, and without condemnation. Marshall sees only good in our world and that my friend is a miracle. The Battery, on page 79, is only one example of Marshall's gift of heavenly insight. Let the light and luster of God's gift to the world shine through this small child. Marshall Ball wishes to bring peace and harmony into the next century by teaching others to give, care, and love all God's people! Prepare your heart for the miracle of Marshall. God never makes mistakes and He uses the simple things in life that so often confound the wise. A miracle is anytime that God reaches down from heaven and touches a life in a profound and unexplainable way. Thank God for miracles!

A fleeting mention of "Kiss of God" and I was drawn to purchase it and read it before sleeping the first night, January 13. I cannot describe the effect it has on my soul. So much joy within its pages and so much Goodness, it is as if Marshall is an Angel, himself, and has specifically reached to touch only my soul with his peaceful, poignant words. I hesitate to agree he's a prophet, but I will say, my heart has longed for the Good Truth and Love within Marshall's heart for many years. Today I do Good deeds. Today I think Good deeds, because of Marshall and his (and my) Good God. Praise God for a pure soul that succeeds in speaking from within. Marshall is silenced no more, and the most truthful words I can utter are: Praise God!

Marshall Steward Ball has written a book which is an indespensable support of one's belief in the Almighty. His words can be instruments of peace for the soul and written so simply could not be more beautiful. Marshall, without question, is a blessed and gifted talent through whom God is communicating with us if we can only be quiet and listen.

This is a must have for anyone wishing to know about the love of God,He will speak to all who have the ears to hear and the heart to listen. This book puts God in a different perspective, one that all can relate to and accept. The wonderful gift of insight and love that shines through a truly remarkable child. This is a great book if you are having struggles relating to who God is.

This book will touch you. There is a simplicity and purity of thought, but there are deeper more profound meanings there for you to discover on your own. Marshall is a special child of God, as we all are in our own way. Love and listening are prevalent themes in Marshall's short poems and prose. I am a grown man with grown children, and I am not prone to tears, but many of Marshall's words brought tears to my eyes. I know God talks through Marshall. Share this book with your friends and family.