Ride Your Donkey, Carry Your Cross is the title of Reggie Venter’s first Christian poetry book.
The book was released in July and according to Reggie, his goal will be accomplished if just one life is changed by what is written in his book.
Reggie worked as a psychologist while his call to the priesthood unfolded. Today, he is a retired Anglican priest of 37 years who has now been trained by the South African Jesuits in Ignatian Spirituality.
He assists individuals in deepening their relationship with God, directs individual and group spiritual retreats and helps train prayer guides and spiritual directors. Reggie has a passion for the Scriptures, for working across church denominations and expressions and, especially, for working with priests, ministers, pastors and other church leaders.
Two sides of love
Ride Your Donkey, Carry Your Cross is a Christian book of poetry and spiritual meditations that Reggie has written over the years. It also contains Christian teachings, themes, and references.
He wrote this book in order to share his experience of prayer and his relationship with God and to encourage others to have a good encounter with God.
“Most of my writing happened while I was on annual Christian retreats, as my way of remembering things is to write them down. I would never have thought I would one day be sitting here with my own book. It was through the encouragement of others that I decided to share what I know and what I’ve learnt with others.”
The theme of the book is Love, which could well have been the title.
“It is about our love for God, about His love for us and also about our love for one another,” he said.
The title takes you back to the time when Jesus rode on a donkey into Jerusalem and just two days later was crucified on the cross.
“This shows you there are two sides to loving – loving others and loving God. Love can be good and bring us great joy and pleasure, but love also entails sacrifice, hurt and pain. In the end, we all need love.”
According to Reggie, the book is very personal as it reveals some of his deepest thoughts and experiences.
“My relationship with our Lord goes back to when, at the age of about nine, I was led in a simple little prayer, asking Jesus to come into my heart and be my friend. What a friend He has been! “Now that I am becoming older and am retired, I am still growing and learning from my ageless friend, Jesus, who will one day call me finally to see Him face to face,” said Reggie.
The book is divided into four sections – Early Writing, Retreat Writing, My Retreat in Daily Life and Recent Writing.
“I have also tried to quote Bible passages or mention any other inspiration that may have given rise to each poem.”
Reggie’s deep desire is that God will draw His daughters and sons into a deeper relationship with and service to God.
A great gift
Reggie said lockdown made it a challenge for the book to be printed.
“I am glad it was released as we entered August, which is also Women’s Month. It would be a wonderful gift for women, as I feel they will identify with the book easier than men. And what better way to show that we value the softness, beauty and service of women?”
However, it is not a book only for women, but could be a gift for anyone whom you love.
On a personal note
Reggie was born in Pretoria and spent the last seven years of his ministry as rector of St Francis of Assisi in Alberton before retiring to Henley on Klip.
He and his wife, Ann, were married on September 6, 2008. They are blessed with two married sons and four grandchildren. In his spare time, of which he has more since retirement, he enjoys gardening. Reggie also plays guitar and is a huge fan of gospel music.
“Ann and I also love birdwatching; we have recorded more than 400 bird species. We love walking and nature,” he said.
His biggest inspiration is God, but people also inspire him.
“I like how creative people can be and that is why I also like to go to crafters’ markets and art museums.”
His advice for young writers is perseverance. “You must learn to let go and share those deep thoughts about yourself. Know you will not always be good, but now and then you will surprise yourself with something you wrote.”
Reggie hopes this book will bring comfort and hope to many in this difficult time.
Show your support
Ride Your Donkey, Carry Your Cross is available on Amazon in either hard copy or e-book format or on Smashword in e-book format only.
Reggie also has some hard copies available and those interested can contact him on 083 326 3896 or send him an email at reg2gog@gmail.com
