|
Angela Ruth Strong | Writing Real
There are some taboo subjects in the Christian writing world—some that
just don't get discussed as if they don't exist. Honestly, if you look at the
inspirational book section at Wal-Mart, you might think we've all turned Amish.
Women in the church today get boob jobs. Men struggle with porn addictions.
Abortions are kept secret. And ministers have been known to cheat.
It's the truth. So I wrote about it. But, as my former agent would say, I wrote
it in a way that "makes the tragic entertaining."
Yeah, Bethany is struggling with forgiving her father for running off with his
church secretary. And yeah, she starts to fall in love with her own pastor who
is counseling her to forgive him. But instead of focus on her own issues, she
gets into an assortment of embarrassing experiences while trying to fix
others—splitting her pants at a cosmic bowling alley and exposing her
white underwear beneath the black lights, running into her crush when trying on
maternity clothes over a fake baby belly, and overdosing on fruit punch when
fasting with the results of acting drunk. It's a humorous look at the lengths
Christians can go to in the effort to appear perfect, when really being
transparent is what offers hope for humanity.
Christians still have temptations. We still make mistakes. We still need help.
So I wrote about it.
And I'm okay that when I look at the Christian store bookshelf I hear the old
song from Sesame Street: "One of these things is not like the others. One of
these things just doesn't belong."
There's nothing wrong with Amish fiction, but if that's what I wrote, then I
wouldn't be true to myself. I'm a pastor's daughter who has seen the ugly side
of religion but still chooses to believe.
So I wrote about it.
What are the "real" things you think happen in life? One commenter will win a
cool water glass, some Starbucks tea and a copy of LIGHTEN UP!
Comments
27 comments posted.
Re: Angela Ruth Strong | Writing Real
We tell white lies to protect others but sometimes maybe we don't have the right to do that. We also tend to not tell our friends things that will hurt them even if we are aware of them.
(Darci Paice 2:13am May 27, 2013)
I don't think temptations are exclusive to those who don't
practice religion - I think religious people actually face
more temptations because they're constantly reminded of what
they shouldn't have or do.
(Margay Roberge 7:18am May 27, 2013)
I've read inspirational fiction which was in a historical pioneer setting, and modern western settings; and one where a single mother was supported and treated as having made a mistake but worth helping to lead a fine life and raise a fine girl.
So many things can go wrong in anyone's life and they are not all our fault. Nobody is ever going to be perfect, and maybe trying to appear perfect is one of the things we do that's wrong.
(Clare O'Beara 7:22am May 27, 2013)
I believed that once you got married, you were swept off into a "fairyland," so to speak, and everything was wonderful - no worries, and no hitches. You had children, and they turned out to be beautiful, warm, and polite, and became productive members of society. The world was your oyster, and when you awoke every day, it was a new day of discovery and laughter. Little did I know, since my Mother didn't clue me in on anything, the type of interference that I would have from my ex's family, which held me back from a loving relationship. I also didn't know that the Doctor would tell me not to have children, due to my health problems. There was an extra blow, since I love kids!! My life wasn't all rainbows, but had its' share of storm clouds, and I felt smart enough to get out before the downpour. I think that your book would do me some good to read. Perhaps I might find myself in one of your chapters, or else someone else I can relate to. I enjoy reading about the Amish, but this seems to be an amusing twist, and who would know better about the topic but you?? Congratulations on having the guts to write about it!!
(Peggy Roberson 8:44am May 27, 2013)
You know, thanks. I'm a Christian pastor who was raised and
live in liberal Protestantism, and I worry about how often
more conservative Protestantisms seem to be about excluding
things and people, rather than embracing people and
creation. Your approach sounds like something that's much-
needed. I'm with Peggy Roberson: I think that living with
other human beings is hard.
(Mary Ann Dimand 10:00am May 27, 2013)
The real things...well life, death and day to day challenges.
(Bonnie Capuano 10:31am May 27, 2013)
Real things are a family and a job.
(Wilma Frana 11:22am May 27, 2013)
real things are important, such as health and integrity.
Facing life each day is a struggle for many and we have to be
strong to withstand the onslaught. I was diagnosed with breast
cancer last year and had to overcome that obstacle. Life is
not easy but can be enjoyable and it depends upon our outlook.
(Sharon Berger 11:26am May 27, 2013)
From brith to death we a faced with life challenges and temptations.
(Sheila True 2:00pm May 27, 2013)
Real things in life family, friends and health.
(Aimee Robison 6:22pm May 27, 2013)
The real things are the day-to-day things of life.
(Jackie Robertson 6:38pm May 27, 2013)
real things to me are life daily what it brings to you and what you make of it.
(Lisa Fitzgibbons 7:48pm May 27, 2013)
I have lived through a bunch of stuff in my 50 plus years of
Life and I have seen and done and experienced many good and
bad trials and tribulations too. Through the good and bad,
happy and sad, I have learned to put GOD FIRST and that
helps to make the challenges in life easier for sure. I used
to think I lived in the Twilight Zone and never a dull
moment for sure. I am glad that GOD is with me always and
therefore no one can hurt me with GOD around. Thanks for the
great contest and book. I would love to read it and win it
too! Another thing that would help if people would just be
honest all the time and live by the 10 commandments and stop
playing all the mind games. Thanks, Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 10:12pm May 27, 2013)
The real things include everything that we have to deal with daily. Family, work, friends, joys and hardships. Throughout my life there have been many times that I have thought that it couldn't be "real" but it sure was. We deal with it and keep moving through life without losing the progress we've made.
Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 1:32am May 28, 2013)
Everyday life is filled to the brim with unimaginable "real things" - so varied and crazy that I could never dare to try and list them. Your book sounds great - and thank you for the chance to win a copy. Best of luck with it.
(Nancy Reynolds 10:26am May 28, 2013)
trust god go to him when you are feeling weak or need
uplifting. everyday life is filled with all kinds of things
happiness grief depression ext. it is how we deal with them.
i have a severe autistic daughter non verbal very
aggressive, i try to think about the good things that
happens and not dread on the bad things. the book looks good
love to read it
(Denise Smith 11:24am May 28, 2013)
Our eyes stray and our minds wander to whatever the
presented temptation might be...a man, easy money, etc.
It's refreshing to see Christian fiction that takes on the
struggles we face every day and admits to imperfection
within the church.
(Deidre Durance 12:11pm May 28, 2013)
I was taught to hate the sin but love the sinner. Doing this is not easy but I like to think that I am working on it. Thanks for your book.
(Kathleen Yohanna 1:40pm May 28, 2013)
read the bible and you'll find that the world was never without trials and tribulations.. We all face struggles and hardship.
(Cate Sparks 1:43pm May 28, 2013)
OMG! This sounds amazing!! Yes, I am guilty of looking at my pastor a certain way (even with DH next to me in the pew), have I had a bit of alcohol in me at the Italian Church Dinner, oh, yes, that was me... let's not forget the three hours to shower, do hair, make up and get dressed to go to church.
I think it is too true the fight for perfection, not just in our eyes but in others. The real things are in the quiet moment of reflection, the moment your loved ones hold you when sickness or fear creeps in, the kindness in a stranger.. these are real and much more valuable than perfection.
Thank you for a chance to win!!
(Carla Carlson 3:57pm May 28, 2013)
There is always a problem somewhere in this world and also in our lives.
(Bonnie Capuano 5:02pm May 28, 2013)
This sounds like a great book I love books that make me
laugh.
We are no where near perfect and crazy things happen all the
time so I tell my kids whenever something doesn't go quite
as planned that we are on an adventure..It has taught them
patience and how to laugh at ourselves.
(Josie Hink 5:18pm May 28, 2013)
Love all the perspective you girls are posting. Sometimes life just gets a little too real. It always helps me to find something to laugh at. Hope Bethany's story brings you much to giggle and think about.
(Angela Strong 5:25pm May 28, 2013)
People do not think clearly, act on impulse when they're infatuated with something new, then have their regrets later when things don't work out as they imagined they would. That how people learn from their mistakes, because temptation is always out there, especially when you find yourself most vulnerable because of something wrong in your life. It's best to avoid and work on a resolution for improvement for yourself first and with your current partner.
(Linda Luinstra 5:38pm May 28, 2013)
the real thinks in life is be good to others and treasure your
love ones. Great book giveaway too.
(Dayle Butler 6:29pm May 28, 2013)
The book sounds great. Would love to read it. Thank you.
(Cynthia Blain 11:29pm May 28, 2013)
Real things to me are the choices people make and how we as
Christians deal with our families and churches... What's
important :) but not perfect or judged on earth. Thanks.
(Dianne McVetty 11:40pm May 28, 2013)
Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!
| 
© 2003-2026