Here's the most touching email I've received about my new novel in the last few weeks: A woman who works against human trafficking (aka slavery in the twenty-first century) told me that Sweeter than Birdsong had encouraged her, because it depicts a great victory for nineteenth-century abolitionists.
I told a friend about this email during the book launch last week and I couldn't keep tears from coming to my eyes.
One of my greatest hopes for my novels is that they will encourage people to work in ministries for the oppressed, imprisoned, and brokenhearted. Inspiring historical figures like the heroes of Sweeter than Birdsong fought for those without a voice, and that battle still resonates today with millions in various forms of slavery around the world.
Getting an email like that is really the fulfillment of my dream. It's not about being published--publication would mean nothing if the story were not worthwhile. My dearest hopes about publishing are about what good might come from the truth in the story I tell.
This month, on February 26th, over 4000 churches will celebrate Freedom Sunday by remembering those enslaved by human trafficking. If you'd like, you can sign up, and maybe offer a prayer at your own church on that day. To find out more, go to this site from Not for Sale and the Underground Church Network.
http://www.freedomsunday.org/
How do you hope your work might affect readers?
9 comments:
Thanks for sharing that beautiful story, Rosslyn.
Your words are an inspiration...God put them on your heart...you put them on the paper.
I agree~ as wonderful as it is to see your work in printed form, the most important work is the work that God does in souls through those words. Keep up the good writing:)) You are using your gift!
Your post gave me chills!
I hope/pray that someday my story will be published and that it will influence the way people think and how we act and show us how faithful God really is.
I trust in God's promise that his word will not return void. It is so good to hear your testimony- praise God that your work is inspiring others! What a truly remarkable experience.
Thank you for telling me about Feb 26th, I will definitely be praying. Going to check out the link now. Thanks again.
I am deeply touched by that email. Besides, that is what writing should do...touch and inspire and I think thats what happened with Sweeter Than Birdsong.
My stories will be more of an exercise in unanswered questions that I hope people have explored or will try to explore. I guess my works will be more "thinking and then feeling"-I never know. I hope it touches someone's mind and heart.
Very cool, Rosslyn. I love how God has honored your faithfulness with this gift.
Such a touching post, Rosslyn. A noble goal, to be sure. Writing truly can be something we do to honor and serve God and through that, bless others!
What a wonderful affirmation that you are exactly where the Lord wants you and fulfillment of HIS promise that when we cast His words upon the waters they will not turn void.
Loved your novel. Will be reviewing it soon on GraceReign's Fiction Friday.
Wow, I can only imagine how wonderful that letter must have felt. I'm so glad you're sharing your gifts with us. By the way, I saw your new book at Barnes & Noble this morning! It's even prettier in person!
I'm sure it's wonderful when your books touch other people's lives.
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