Bridge to the Beautiful City
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
My vantage point gave me a clear view of two cities. One was a place of promise; the other, nothing but empty promises. There is no question where I wanted to be, yet just at the bottom of the hillside was the barrier which had stopped me in my tracks. I felt like a prisoner gazing intently through iron bars, wishing for his freedom. And yet this prisoner had a key that could possibly click open the rusty lock of his cell—or ensure the death penalty.
I was faced with many choices that day, but the fact was that I had only two options: turn back, or take the leap forward. There was no in-between, no gray area, and no halfway mark. I couldn’t sit on the fence forever. I could either walk away or take the plunge. It was as simple as that.
Contradictory thoughts waged war in my mind, tugging in opposite directions. It was as if one part of me was pulling to one side: Turn around and go back. It’s an unnecessary risk that could cost your life. Forget this foolish pursuit and preserve your dignity. The risk isn’t worth it. Don’t be a fool. Be sensible!
Another part of me was pulling the other way, desperate to find freedom from my years of misery and uncertainty: You’ve come this far, and now you’re just one step from paradise. For years you’ve dreamed of this day, and you’d be a fool not to take this final step into a glorious and promising future. Don’t settle for second best. Achieve your dream!
The minutes seemed like hours; anxiety over a decision has that sort of effect on time. Having sat there for most of the day, I had plenty of time to think. In my mind, I conjured up images of both bliss and bitterness—the possible outcomes of the choice that loomed before me. Then I would snap back into reality, looking once again at the decision that I was yet to make. Would I go forward, hoping to claim the prize for which I had longed so many years? Would I forfeit the chance and go back home? If I played it safe, would I ever find out the truth, wondering with regret what I might have missed?
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Have you ever wondered if your life could be different? Do you sometimes feel like you’re missing out on something more exciting and fulfilling? From time to time, these thoughts cross our minds and leave us wondering if there’s more to life than just the drudgery of daily routines.
Bridge to the Beautiful City is the story of a man who is asking these very same questions. He is a man with an impossible dream and an undying passion to discover whether that dream is fact or fantasy—and he’s willing to put his life on the line to achieve it. Follow this traveler as he pursues the adventure of a lifetime!
“Ben Armacost offers a pill that The Matrix doesn’t. True, you may prefer a blue pill that numbs you into contentment—but enslaves to an attractive but inauthentic reality of your own invention. You may prefer a red pill that awakens you to the ugly truth of authentic reality, but leaves you in pain. Armacost offers another pill—the pill of your dreams—a bridge to the beautiful truth of authentic reality that will one day be pain-free. That is Bridge to the Beautiful City. Dare to dream, and cross the bridge.”
—Drew Parlee, Strategy Trainer, Greater Europe Mission
About the Author
Ben Armacost spent much of his childhood wondering if there is more to this life than meets the eye. He discovered the “bridge” as a young teenager, and the “beautiful city” changed his life and his heart radically. This journey has taken him around the world, opening doors of adventure and hope.
Ben lives in London with his wife Judy. They have three grown children and three precious grandchildren.