Sharing your story is not as easy as you might think in Australia. Even when your book has been published and marketed by a well known publisher, reaching the hands of readers is a difficult process. This is especially so, if your book speaks of God.
Sam's Heart is the story of our medical journey with Sam and his funky heart, but is also our spiritual journey with God along the way. The moment I revealed God openly in our book, I sabotaged any hope of getting my book into the mainstream bookshops. Book buyers will very rarely take on your product if you speak of God openly. I also received many cold shoulders from those in the 'heart' community, my family, and many others who may have read it if God was not mentioned. You see people want to be told that my strength and theirs, comes from within ourselves, that we have some sort of chamber of untold strength that only emerges in times of crisis. They want to hear that if they just trust in themselves and rely on those around them that they will make it through. Unfortunately they fail to see that it is God that gives them strength and if they try to rely on their own strength for too long they will fall, into exhaustion, depression and anxiety. Relationships will be tested and tried, broken and sometimes repaired. The same is true with God, we are all human. The difference is that
God will not let us fall...beyond where he can reach us.
If I was to sing the praises of surgeons and doctors and their amazing skills, not giving credit to the One who gives them the skills and mind to do their job, it may make reading it more acceptable.
It is often in times of great crisis that people look outside of themselves for someone or something bigger than themselves, when they come to the realisation that they are nearing the edge.
Unfortunately the stories and books that could encourage and help others are regulated to being available in Christian bookshops and are not readily available in the shopping centre book shop. Thankfully Amazon and other bookshops are now selling online.
The sad thing is that our Christian heritage and our trust in God has been bartered for the sake of multiculturalism, in which Christians seem to have no place. We have removed God from our schools and communities, even Christmas has not been spared, just in case someone is offended by our faith. Bit by bit God and those who love Him are being gagged until we will be considered a little odd, those kooky Christians that believe in a God they can't see.
Perhaps the reason that Sam's Heart is not received well by some is that they are afraid to read a little bit of truth. Perhaps people no longer wish to believe that miracles happen, or that hope prevails. Perhaps they don't want to hear that God is faithful, even when everyone else gives up on you.
Perhaps it might cause the world to think outside of the box they live in...
Perhaps they might find what they were looking for...
Perhaps they may find miracles do happen after all.
Just imagine that.
Your book sounds beautiful, and I for one would like to buy it and encourage you.
ReplyDeleteI have also just recently released a Christian fiction romance.The publishers have placed it on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and many other book distributors on the net. Next tome I publish I think I will go with Xulon as I feel they are a better proposition.Blessings Crystal Mary
I have ordered my copy from Amazon..
ReplyDeleteI will also advertise the book on my site. xx
ReplyDeleteDon't be discouraged, it is not you they are rejecting (or Sam)! If your book saves even one soul, it was worth writing, but I'm sure it will reach more than that!
ReplyDeleteThank you for having the courage to write about God's faithfulness and the miracle of Sam. You have inspired me to write a book too, to help encourage mothers of preschoolers.
The more "small voices" out there, the more God will be heard, I'm sure!
God bless you!
Many rejected Jesus stories too, Nicole, so you're in good company!You have been faithful in writing a stunningly honest and inspiring work. I pray the Holy Spirit will continue to use it for years!
ReplyDeletestryNicole. d your courage and willingness to speak up even when it's hard is so inspiring. God's richest blessings to you, and your family, and continued blessing on the book. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your book will be found in the hands of those who need to read it. God will have his way.
ReplyDeleteBless you xx
Thank you Crystal Mary for your encouragment and zest. May God bless you. I look forward to reading and reviewing 'Shadows of Time' also. :)
ReplyDeleteAmen Mamamia,one soul is enough for me.
ReplyDeleteI am so touched and excited to hear that you are writing. May God bless the work that you are doing, and may His kiss seal every page.
I am glad to have your small voice calling out with me :)x
Ah Jo, your words are like honey to my soul :) Yes, we are in mighty good company indeed. I cannot wait to read your book. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Nina. Though sometimes I am crushed, I am glad for it. The less I am, the more He is. Hugs x
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