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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
Austin 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.
Julie Bonnin, Aunstin American Statesman, Sept. 26,1999
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).
Ron Jaeger, editor, Northwoods Journal
"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."
Book Description
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.
From the Publisher
Kiss of God was originally published as a gift to Marshall's father, Charlie, for a Christmas present in 1997 when Marshall was 11 years old. One hundred books were printed and given to family members and friends. In 1998 Marhshall was invited to be a guest writer at the Drippings Springs Library in Dripping Springs, Texas. They requested that Marshall bring books to offer the public, so an additional 500 books were printed in a slightly different cover. This second printing also included footnotes, providing some information about the pieces in the book. With the interest generated by his library apperance, Marshall decided it was finally time to make Kiss of God available to the public. He said "Kiss of God justifies all arranging that needs to be made." His parents, Troy and Charlie, decided to attend Bookexpo in Los Angeles in April of 1999 to find a distributor for the book. They not only located three distributors willing to take on the project, the! y were approached by Health Communication Inc. to publish Kiss of God. HCI is well-known for there inspirational books and the best selling Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
From the Author
We need to find perfect love in all.
From the Inside Flap
Kiss of God is an astonishing collection of inspiring writings by a young boy who is developmentally challenged. Born with a host of difficulties, including the inability to speak, Marshall has perservered despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Marshall communicates by pointing to specific letters on an alphbet board, and family members or friends transcribe each letter as Marshall indicates. When finished, he then titles and edits the selection, spelling each word correctly. From these letters and words come the inspiring selections collected in this book. His graceful, remarkable words are filled with the purity of his spirit and the love in his heart.
About the Author
MARSHALL STEWART BALL is, on all counts, an extraordinary child. Born with a host of developmental challenges, including inability to speak, walk and write, Marshall persevered despite these overwhelming physical obstacles. His infinite capacity to give and receive love is evident to all who meet him and to all who read his words. A specially designed pointing device that works with an alphabet board enables Marshall to communicate. By pointing to specific letters, which family members and/or friends then transcribed, he came to form words. From those words came the inspiring selections collected in this book. In the author's own inimitable words: "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. Answers come when we are listening to beautiful poetry. When good thoughts patiently come, questions are answered. I hope to gather thinkers to give them my thoughts about Love. Love to clean their ideas. That cleaning might loosen the love in their hearts. Good thinkers take LOVE to heart like gold in the evening, wild sun."
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