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| Marianne Evans |
There
are times when I’m outgoing, engaging. There are times I love being part of a
‘party’ or a spirited gathering full of talk, laughter, discussion, and even more
laughter. But then come the times when I crave nothing more than solitude, and
the ability to blend into obscurity so I can people watch, listen, observe and
chronicle. I love those moments when I can sink inside
myself, absorb, and then share the world I've discovered.
As
such, I’ll never be a sales person. I admire those who can effectively sell a
product, or themselves. Doing so is a skill and a gift. Me? I detest the necessary
‘promo’ component of my writing ministry, because I never want this journey to
be about me. I want it to be about Christ, and the gifts I offer Him via storytelling.
In our present techno-based, social-driven world, however, there’s no escaping
the need to put yourself forward. Case in point? Last month I traveled to
Atlanta to tape a television segment for Preach the Word
TV’s ‘Book of the Month’ show. The topic? My second Harbourlight
Books release, Forgiveness.
Um…yeah.
This required things like studio sets. Stage lights. The daunting task of
trying to sound natural and confident while staring down the lens of a trolley
camera. Stage hands with cue cards would buzz with graceful stealth from spot
to spot during filming.
Daunting
puts a pretty accurate descriptive on the event.
The
host of the show, Bishop OC Pringle, pre-interviewed me, and intended to work
from a line of questions we had already discussed. During taping, however, he veered
off-script. I found myself open to God’s Spirit, and His vulnerability when
Bishop asked: “Marianne, what’s the most difficult thing you’ve ever had to
forgive?”
I
believe—with all that I am—that God prepared me for that question just moments
before taping. While sharing lunch with my editor and some newfound author
friends, a memory buzzed, and filled my soul: the memory of losing my
mother-in-law to a broadside automobile accident caused by an inebriated driver
who ran a red light and ended her life all too soon.
And
so, when he asked that question, sure, my nerves sang, and tears welled but God
kept me steady as I proceeded to answer Bishop’s question.
My
comfort zone had been left far behind, but God’s purpose, and call, had been
answered in full. I had been prepared in such a way that I hope others who have
been required to forgive much, can relate, empathize, and move forward in their
own faith journey.
Where is your comfort zone, friends? Where is God calling you to share—no matter how “uncomfortable” – or expand your horizons? I’d love to hear about it!
~~~~~
Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of
Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming
message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create. Devotion, earned
the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts
Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's
Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award, Then &
Now for Best Contemporary Romance and Finding Home for Best Novella. Marianne
is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of
America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as
President.
~~~~~
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Country music bad boy Chase Bradington
is on the comeback trail. Fresh from rehab for alcohol addiction, and
transformed by the power of Christ, Chase is battling to rediscover the music
he loves and a career he nearly ruined. Then he meets up and comer, Pyper
Brock, and instantly sparks ignite.
Pyper knows of Chase’s reputation, so
despite a rampant attraction to the handsome and talented icon, she soundly
dismisses his romantic overtures. Decades ago, her father, in a drunken rage,
tossed her and her mother onto the streets. No way will Pyper make the mistake
of falling for a man whose done battle with the bottle.
What happens when Chase’s quest to win
Pyper’s love breaks down chains of resentment and eases the long buried wounds
of her childhood? And what happens when Pyper’s father shows up in Nashville,
clean, sober and seeking a chance to apologize?
Can Pyper
follow a pathway to peace when it comes to her father? Can she fully trust
Chase? Above all, can a sin damaged past be released in favor of forgiveness?
Available in print and e-book formats:
