Contributor: Michelle Smeby

Illusions, The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach

I bought my first copy of Illusions in the 1980s, and remember that this was the first book I had read that challenged me to think about the choices I make, and have the power to make, in who I AM and what I can be. I was a teenager at the time, so this was a momentous realization for me - that though my parents, and teachers, and society had opinions about what I should do with my life, I am free to write my own story.

The book begins with a parable about a Master (messiah) who comes to Earth and who is completely happy working as an automobile mechanic. But he has powers and wisdom and can heal others, so soon he is healing and teaching and being sought by large crowds of people who want him to heal and teach them. When the crowds are unwilling to recognize their own abilities to heal and teach themselves, he tells them a story to help them see the light, and then chooses to return to where he was happiest - as an automobile mechanic.

What if the Savior that so many religions are predicting and praying will return in our lifetime, comes and informs us that we all have the power to help ourselves? And does what Joseph Campbell advised, and follows his or her own bliss? What choices will we make to take charge of our own spiritual mastery, and to follow our own bliss?

The book is filled with wisdom from the Master Richard Bach meets while following his own bliss of flying a biplane throughout the Midwestern United States. The Master gives Richard a book called the Messiah's Handbook. It is filled with whatever Richard needs, based on the situation he finds himself in.

Some examples:

"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however."

"The world is your exercise-book, the pages on which you do your sums. It is not reality, although you can express reality there if you wish. You are also free to write nonsense, or lies, or to tear the pages."

"Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you."

My current copy of Illusions is at least my 8th copy of this book, as somehow each time I pick one up, someone comes into my life whom I want to pass it on to. Sometimes I get the book back, but more often than not, the book has such a strong impact that the person needs to pass it along to the next person who will benefit from it.

May Illusions inspire you to find the Master that resides inside yourself, and to follow your true bliss!