The mural writer

"Some people just can't catch a break. Born and raised in a chicken coop, brain-damaged by scarlet fever, and blamed for the death of his baby brother, Ed Lantzer became what everyone expected him to be: unworthy of love and unable to give it. Knowing no other way, he made sure he lived up to this label by concealing his feelings for his wife and children, eventually abandoning them and setting off in search of his purpose--a purpose he was sure existed, even though he had no idea what it was. He couldn't write and his only skills involved working with wood, but he had a gift. When he put two pieces of wood together, something magical happened, and people noticed. But Ed continued to sabotage himself and lost everything, until one day his purpose was revealed. This enormous task involved complicated mathematical formulas, esoteric knowledge, and an ability to see in ways inaccessible to normal human beings. And it required that he live the rest of his life in seclusion, deprivation, and complete faith. The result was a masterpiece so exceptional, so profound, that it stands alone in the world. Ed's amazing journey will inspire some to renew their faith. It will move others to understand the power of love. Ultimately, this is a story that pulls those hidden emotions and secrets from deep down inside our hearts and brings them to the surface. It tells us we're not alone and that we are loved more than we could possibly have dreamed. We are all born into this world with a purpose. We just need to be quiet and listen for it. Can you hear yours?"--Back cover. A biography of Michigan native Ed Lantzer, who used marquetry to create massive panels depicting Biblical scenes, which he saw completed in his mind before he began to create them. These murals have been displayed in Michigan, Indiana and Florida.