Title: In the Moment
Author: Mick E. Jones
Publisher: PageTurner, Press and Media LLC
ISBN: 978-1-64908-337-1
Pages: 214
Genre: Religion and Spirituality
Reviewed by: Jason Lulos

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There is a common notion that each moment in life is a gift from God: something we should cherish. It is so common, that perhaps we don’t meditate enough on the profundity of it. With In the Moment, Mick E. Jones suggests this is precisely what we should do. He threads together a fascinating string of poetic and philosophical musings on genuinely appreciating each moment and engaging with others. In large part, Jones focuses on the “mundane” (seemingly common, ordinary events); if all of life is precious, it is fitting to appreciate any and all aspects of our lives. This is a really thought-provoking, stylistically diverse piece of literature promoting a joyful relationship with God and a genuine appreciation of life.

Being a renaissance man: actor, poet, speaker, singer, author, boxing instructor; Jones has a lot to share. Thus, he plays many roles: friend, lover, preacher, and social experimenter. With this last role, given his many examples from his own life, it seems as if Jones approaches each situation with the aim of genuine experience. In one scenario, he is accosted by a homeless man at a gas station asking for a handout. Rather than simply giving to the poor man (which he inevitably does), Jones challenges him and attempts a genuine conversation about God and responsibility – all with a verve and energy which indicates his thinking: I could just give him something and walk away, but let’s really try to get somewhere (spiritually) and make the most of this moment. Jones illustrates this praxis with other examples. He shares poignant anecdotes with his wife, Sue, and other family members and friends. There is the seemingly more mundane as well: an encounter in which Jones reacted with benevolence at the mistreatment of a dog, which led to a born again moment that transformed a situation of angst into one of peace.

This book is a trip. It is a mix of personal reminiscence and supported Scripture. It moves sporadically from articulate analyses of culture and religion to thoughtful musings via a stream of consciousness with a poetic and sometimes hip-hop style. Part serious, part humorous and linguistically playful, these ruminations sometimes yield profound “ahah.” Jones is critical of organized religion and warns of the materialistic, superficial “masketeers” of the “church and sad state” complex. That’s why his motivations all come from his love of life, as it is founded upon an impassioned, personal relationship with God, and his method is being “present” in each moment.

The book is bewildering, inspiring, and fascinating. The tangents reach everywhere; from 9/11 to Scripture to being kind to animals. Such is the fluctuating style of analyses and tangential thought experiments facilitated by word play. Thus, it might help to read it as a spiritual poetry slam transcribed. In the end, what you have is a very thoughtful, poetic treatise guided by personal experiences and ideas: all crystalized in a message that it is right and fitting to make the effort to find insight and meaning in every moment.

In the Moment is definitely recommended for the spiritually inclined by also to readers interested in a linguistically playful work on being present.