Freemont and Me.

Twenty years ago, in a small town on the Oregon coast, Freemont took his first, big leap into the public eye as a cartoon character. Later rented out as an advertising gimmick, a quick shot of fame on T-shirts in Mervyn's department stores, and promptly joining the unemployment line until a few years later when I received clear inner direction that Freemont and I were to begin work on a novel about an angry, self-defeating character whose life-changing experiences would create a place for love to grow.

"Temple of the Rainbow" was, in its infancy, little more than a handful of dream seeds scattered to the winds of imagination. Captured from youthful inspiration, Freemont's story, along with four sequels-in-progress, show that life's lessons are not simply to teach us to survive, but exist to help us learn how to find more love and to give more love.

What one sees in Freemont is a reflection of the Divine Presence within our own heart—a vision of childlike trust and acceptance that is easily forgotten. Introduction of the blue star and a love song called HU (and ancient name for God) are further symbols of this sacred presence. A presence I have come to know as the Inner Master or Mahanta.

Regardless of what one wishes to call it, Holy Spirit will always find an inroad or means to open one's heart to God's love, and I find I am never closer to this great love than when I am doing what I do—just for love.

R. J. McBride

Back to Illustrated Excerpts