One question I am frequently asked is, “Where inspired your books?” For “SISTERS
OF LAZARUS; Beauty Unveiled,” it was sibling rivalry, a song and supermodels.
Whenever I have read the New Testament story of Mary listening to Jesus while
Martha is stressed over being the perfect hostess, it was obvious that the two
sisters didn’t get along. We often think of people in the Bible as being
stained-glass saints and above something as petty as sibling rivalry. But they
weren’t. They had flaws and strengths, likes and dislikes, favorite foods, hopes
and fears, pride and insecurities.
Just like us.
One reason I like writing biblical novels is that, for me, when I view these
people as simple humans—when I learn more about their time period and their
culture—the Bible stories come alive and I glean answers to some of my personal
struggles.
The second inspiration for this novel was birthed in 1982, when the Contemporary
Christian group Harvest released their song, “Because I Am.” With rich vocals
and epic music, Jerry Williams and Ed Kerr related the interaction between Jesus
and Mary outside the tomb of Lazarus. As I listened to the song, the biblical
story resonated and I could see Mary falling at the feet of Jesus, crying out
her grief for the loss of a beloved brother, and Jesus reminding her of ‘all the
words that I have said.’
One of the first things I did after I signed the book contract for “Beauty
Unveiled” was to pull out the album—yes, I still have it on vinyl—and listen to
that song. Even with the skips and scratches of a 30-year-old album, the song
was just as powerful as the first time I heard it. Every day, before I would
begin that day’s writing, I would listen to the song.
About the time I began writing this story, I read a news report that stated the
acceptable size for “plus” models had grown smaller. The supermodels from the
1980s and 1990s would be considered plus-size models today.
That is not only sad, it is tragic considering how many girls and young women
believe society’s claim that if you’re not as beautiful or skinny as an actress
or a fashion model, then you have no value. It is not just appearance; there are
many who place a person’s value on their skills, their accomplishments, their
possessions or their intellect.
All of these are lies; these things are temporal and, according to scripture,
our value is not found there. Jesus Christ said that we were worth so much more
than birds of the air or flowers in the field. Our value is not based upon what
we have, what we do or how we appear. It is based upon the fact that we are
created and loved by God.
Due to the encouraging interest of my readers and the fact that I couldn’t get
these characters out of my mind, I wrote a sequel. “SISTERS OF LAZARUS; Glory
Revealed” will be released by WordCrafts Press on July 12.
GIVEAWAY
What inspires you? One commenter will win a copy of SISTERS OF LAZARUS BEAUTY
UNVEILED.
Martha and Mary, the two sisters of Lazarus, couldn’t be
more different.
Martha, the elder, is plain and self-conscious; Mary, the
younger, is beautiful. One sees her value only in serving,
while the other believes her outward appearance is her only
asset. Their worlds are turned upside down when Lazarus
offers hospitality to an intriguing new teacher named Jesus.
Paula K. Parker is a freelance writer living near Nashville, Tennessee, with
her husband Mike, who is also a writer. Paula writes books, articles, plays,
celebrity profiles, entertainment reviews and inspirational devotionals. Her
latest biblical novel, “SISTERS OF LAZARUS: Beauty Unveiled,” reached Amazon’s
Top Ten Best-seller’s list for biblical fiction. When not writing, she spends
her days hanging with her hubby, playing with their three dogs, visiting with
their five grown children and four grandbabies, playing the harp, restoring
their vintage home and working in their garden.
My daughters inspire me. I'm not one to speak up but they sure do and I wish I could be like them. HA I'm more of a wall flower but they reach for the stars!
(Bonnie Capuano 8:40am June 4, 2016)
My inspiration come from things that people and animals do unexpectedly. These actions give me hope that there is a reason to believe.
(Kai Wong 12:55pm June 5, 2016)
My family inspire meal the time. We are a close-knit family. I also feel so close to our wounded warriors or Heroes as I call them. What they go through every day is so inspiring. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 7:34pm June 8, 2016)
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