Wild Flowers
Along the way in this essay collection, be on the lookout for Bessler’s surprising take on things like the role of the soul in mental illness and the spiritual glory of nakedness.
There is a certain beauty in sameness—picture endless rows of red tulips or fields overflowing with sunflowers—but sometimes wisdom reveals itself on the scraggly edges of such displays, in the wildflowers that refuse to conform. In this aptly titled collection, Wild Flowers, self-described “wild flower” Francis William Bessler enthusiastically broadcasts his musings on everything from the afterlife of the soul to right-wing politics. Bessler’s expansive writing reflects the evolving philosophy of a former seminary student who challenges his traditional religious education with an unconventional view from the edge.
Twenty-seven essays and twenty-six songs or poems make up this volume, a collection of Bessler’s work drawn from pieces he has published on his blog (www.una-bella-vita.com) over the past two years. He’s been writing for far longer—he calls this book a fiftieth anniversary celebration of his writing life—and is quite prolific. Indeed, even though he limits the scope of this book to entries from December 2012 to July 2014, his musings run to nearly three hundred pages. Bessler loves life and is eager to share his inclusive view of the world.
The enthusiasm comes through in Bessler’s writing; an abundance of exclamation points and frequent phrases rendered in all caps make his optimism clear. Although he takes on many individual topics—the authenticity of the Gospels, the meaning of near-death experiences, and the likelihood of reincarnation, for instance—each essay celebrates his central theme: “An Infinite God must be Everywhere and in Everything.”
This thesis is supported with a variety of arguments, some more powerful than others. For instance, when Bessler discusses homosexuality, he rationally argues that if one is created a certain way by God, that cannot, by definition, be ungodly. At other times, though, he resorts to circular logic, often supporting his point of view by the very fact that it is the way he sees things, as when he writes, “I see ONLY GOOD in life because nothing in a Creation from God can be bad.”
Bessler’s poems, or songs (they’re offered up as both), offer lighter fare for the most part, with familiar rhyming patterns and themes that focus on love, acceptance, and light. They’re most interesting read as adjuncts to the accompanying essays, as they offer a variation on the themes Bessler has focused on in his prose.
Some thoughts and themes are repeated throughout the book, creating a rhythm that suggests a series of Sunday sermons. Bessler’s thoughts can be followed from cover to cover but can also be dipped into one essay/poem at a time. Along the way, the message might begin to seem repetitious, but be on the lookout for Bessler’s surprising take on things like the role of the soul in mental illness and the spiritual glory of nakedness. Wild Flowers is at heart a devotional to diversity, and there’s truly something here for everyone.
Reviewed by
Sheila M. Trask
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
