A Commonsense Approach to the Book of Revelation

In the fall of 1994 Dr. Marie Strong called me; she was excited to share the delightful news that her book Basic Teachings from Patmos was to be reprinted with her revision under the title A Commonsense Approach to the Book of Revelation. She asked if I might be willing to reread it and make suggestions to her. I agreed even though I was not sure that my help would be needed at all!

We spoke the last time just before I left for a trip to the Holy Land on January 2, 1995. She said “now Sharon, you are going to have to be stalwart” and proceeded to give me an update on a new reversal in her health. I assured Marie of my love and prayers and as I hung up the telephone, I had no idea that she would not completely finish her book, nor did I realize I was saying my last good-bye to her.

I was appointed the responsibility of finishing Marie’s book and several months later I dared to open her carefully organized drafts; even the first drafts of the first edition were there! She had almost completed her final draft of this revised edition; all that was left was follow through on some handwritten directions and notes about revision that was left to do. So my part in the presentation of this book was minimal. As I interpreted her handwriting and her directions I thanked God for this little book, so powerful in its simplicity and clarity! I blessed God for this woman who had lived among us with such grace and wisdom.

Marie is now a part of that great cloud of witnesses that inspires us to persevere by looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). This book is the legacy of Dr. Marie Strong to the church. Thanks be to God!

And, thank you, Marie!

Sharon Clark Pearson