Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Eric and Leslie Ludy are best-selling authors, international speakers, and recording artists who challenge young adults to pursue a life completely devoted to Jesus Christ. Their bestselling books include Teaching True Love to a Sex-at-13 Generation.

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MEET MR. SMITH

Thomas Nelson

Contents

A Word Before-from Leslie...............................................................viiPART 1 Eric1. Imposter Sex.........................................................................32. Jimmy the Shrimp.....................................................................153. The League...........................................................................274. The Wiry Little Guy..................................................................325. The Deal.............................................................................426. Purity Test..........................................................................487. A Hundred Little Puppy Dogs..........................................................558. A Soul in the Stew...................................................................659. Spiritual Science....................................................................7210. Sacred Interview....................................................................7711. Becoming a Kook.....................................................................8712. Sacred Waiting......................................................................9813. Mr. Marvelous.......................................................................11014. Dearest Leslie......................................................................12215. My Darling Beef.....................................................................13016. Mr. Smith...........................................................................13817. Great Sex...........................................................................149PART 2 Leslie18. It's All True!......................................................................16519. What About ...? Candid Q & A About Sex, Lust, Purity, and More.....................17120. Doing It the Old-Fashioned Way......................................................205Appendix A: Taking the Purity Test......................................................208Appendix B: Taking the Sacred Test......................................................215Appendix C: More About Mr. Marvelous....................................................220Appendix D: More About Feminine Grace...................................................225Notes...................................................................................229

Chapter One

Just yesterday I sat down at a Starbucks in downtown Manhattan and had a very uncomfortable three-and-a-half minute conversation with Sex.

I realize that sounds a bit odd. And I assure you, odd is not a strong enough word to describe the experience.

As you know, Sex is a rather popular celebrity in our modern world, and it is easier, these days, to book the Dalai Lama for a keynote address on "The Beauty and Wonder of War" than to book Sex for an interview. His docket is crammed full with everything from nude photo shoots at the Playboy mansion, to steamy love scenes on the silver screen, to guest appearances on Howard Stern.

Let me give you a little background to help you understand what led to my conversation with Sex.

I have certain connections gained through my writing career, and I decided to cash in on one of the favors owed me. Yesterday, I caught wind that Sex would be on a movie set in a Manhattan high-rise. And after pulling a few strings, I was able to get a friend of a friend of a friend to slip a note to his agent.

The note read:

My name is Eric Ludy. I'm writing a book that will expose everything. I know you are an imposter. If you wish to defend your name, then give me a call. My cell number is ...

The message was short, but it accomplished its errand. Later that day, I received a phone call.

"Mr. Ludy?" The man's voice was raspy and condescending.

"Yes?" I answered. I could hear what sounded like a large piece of gum being mercilessly masticated in his mouth.

"Sex doesn't have time for your games!" the man insisted.

"This isn't a game," I said firmly. "I have hard evidence proving him a fraud. And I'm going public with it."

There was a long pause.

"He'll give you two minutes. The Ritz-Carlton, presidential suite, one o'clock tomorrow."

"No!" I insisted. "I want five minutes. Have him meet me at the Starbucks at 45th and Broadway, Manhattan, three o'clock today."

With that I hung up, feeling adrenaline explode through my veins. I'd seen people talk tough like that in the movies, but I'd never tried it in real life. It was sort of fun.

I was confident he would show. When you have that much to lose, you will do a lot to keep your secrets.

* * *

Sex.

Just study that short little word for a moment. Why does such a dwarfish word garner so much of our attention? I mean, if you think about it, sex is a very unimpressive word. If anything, it sounds oddly similar to a name you might give your dog, not the title you'd give to your life's great ambition. Sex boasts merely three letters, yet it struts about the stage of life as if it were ten boldfaced capital letters leaving four exclamation points in its wake.

Sex.

Take another moment and ponder that stumpy little word. It sits on our minds like a plump kitty preening itself, making it seem impossible for us to move without incurring a serious amount of scratches. But that's just it. Why does Sex have such a hold on us? Why are we such pushovers for its chicanery? When we sit down at the kitchen table in the morning, unfold the newspaper, and begin reading a fabulous editorial, why do we allow this overfed feline to jump up on the table and plant itself right smack in the middle of our attention?

Sex.

I realize the word, just like that plump cat, has a beautiful fluffy coat, purrs like a idling Maserati engine, and possesses an intoxicating ferocity-but let's not forget the set of teeth and claws these three letters are packing.

* * *

Just yesterday I sat down in a Starbucks caf on Broadway with this overfed feline, and the two of us had a heart-to-heart.

The place was packed, as usual, with an eclectic array of people sipping caffeinated beverages while typing on laptops, chatting with friends, or sealing business deals. Those of you who have spent time in Starbucks know it is possible to eavesdrop on at least five conversations at any given time if the conversation you find yourself in isn't suiting your fancy. In other words, it's crowded and close-sort of like an elevator ride to the seventy-seventh floor of the Chrysler Building.

Although the environment wasn't much to Sex's liking, seeing as how I had threatened to expose his impostership, he arrived, nevertheless, with two bodyguards and a haughty smirk splattered all over his face, as if he had left the lid off the blender that morning when mixing up his daily dose of self-importance.

My first glance of him came through the Starbucks' picture window as I noticed him with his bodyguards out near the curb. I was quite surprised at his appearance. Seeing as how this guy is all about glitz and glam, I'd expected a handsome, well-formed leading man sort of fellow-you know, Tom Cruise meets Russell Crowe. However,...