She sat in my office, this sad mother who was concerned for her daughter. “Surely, this isn’t possible,” she said. “They’ve been married 20 years and the whole family goes to church.” “I’m sorry, but it is possible. Not only possible, but it happens more often than you might think.” The mental images of several […]
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A memory from my past whispers, “Shame on you,” and suddenly I am four years old again. I have spilled my ice cream on the floor. An accident. A lack of mature motor skills. I know that now, but my four-year-old self only heard the phrase, “Shame on you.” That phrase was often used in
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To increase awareness of Domestic Violence Month, this is a re-post about the intensity of writing a novel on the topic of domestic abuse. One out of four women live in destructive relationships. Some of them sit next to you at church or at work. Some of them are in your family. It is important
To increase awareness of Domestic Violence Month, this is a re-post about the intensity of writing a novel on the topic of domestic abuse. One out of four women live in destructive relationships. Some of them sit next to you at church or at work. Some of them are in your family. It is important
“Your book is so intense.” Several readers have used this statement to describe my novel No Visible Scars. “Yes,” I answer. “This book IS intense. It’s supposed to be because of the topic.” Without the intensity, I would not be true to my characters or to the major plot lines of the story. The main
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Throughout the years, she has been pictured as the “not enough” woman. Not enough faith, not enough like her sister, not enough commitment to stop everything and listen to Jesus. Yet, I like her. Martha. Legend says she was a wealthy widow, and it was her home in Bethany where she cared for her
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Disclaimer: I do not wish to vilify any pastors or church leaders. Please read this entire blog post before making a judgment. A reader of my novel, “No Visible Scars” recently asked me, “Is that Pastor Dennis in your book for real? Surely, a pastor wouldn’t act that way toward a woman who is being
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Dear Deb, The book is finished. You would be so glad. If you were here, we would celebrate at a Mexican restaurant with fabulous guacamole. Plenty of chips. Constant refills. You would give me hugs and “I knew you could do it” words. Throughout our meal, I would be thanking you for pushing me, for
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“Surely that isn’t possible,” she said, this woman who loved and was loved by an amazing man for thirty-three years. “Oh, but it is possible. Not only possible, but it happens more often than you might think.” I countered with the mental images of countless women whose stories underscore the truth. Domestic abuse DOES happen
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Have you ever told God, “No!” How did that work out for ya’? Ten years ago, God nudged me to write a book about the Biblical character, Abigail. He especially wanted me to focus on the fact that Abigail lived in an abusive marriage yet was strong enough to do what was necessary to save
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