After nearly 20 years away from Mississippi State, Charles Gaskin returned to campus Wednesday for a book signing of his first novel, “Beyond the Physical.”
Gaskin attended Mississippi State during the late ’70s and early ’80s. He decided to become a writer because he wanted to share his life experiences.
“I think everyone has a story to tell,” Gaskin said. “Everyone has had unique experiences that are worth sharing with the world. I write about the unique experiences that have happened in my life.”
As a student, Charles participated in religious campus organizations including Campus Crusade for Christ. Praying for wisdom and understanding occupied much of his time. “Beyond the Physical” portrays an event in Gaskin’s life where he says God gave him that wisdom and understanding.
“The book is about a vision I had when I was at Mississippi State asleep in Hamlin Hall,” Gaskin said. “An angel came to me and told me that he had things to show me beyond the physical world. He told me to focus on the things of God and not just on the things I see in front of me.”
The book highlights all of the things the angel told Gaskin. Gaskin reflects on the different experiences that have happened to him as a byproduct of the vision, also. In one of these visions, he said that the angel told him about what some would call the new Jerusalem.
“The angel took me to a beautiful land with mountains in the background,” Gaskin said. “He told me that a city rested beyond the mountains that I wasn’t yet prepared to see. I don’t know exactly what it was, and it’s not my place to say.”
Gaskin said he knows that many people won’t take his message seriously but that he still thinks it’s worth telling.
“A lot of people will just think I’m crazy,” Gaskin said. “That’s all right with me. The people that were meant to know will understand and believe what I’m saying. It’s all in God’s hands.”
Gaskin said he hopes that people who are searching for answers about the significance of life will read his book. Another goal of Gaskin’s is to use the money he earns from the book sales to begin a program to educate young men about spirituality.
“I just want to help people,” Gaskin said. “Hopefully, the Lord will give some people some insight from my experiences.”