Why I Wrote The Stronghold

This story is the hardest story I’ve ever had to tell. The story which wouldn’t let me go. The story which had to be told, despite my best efforts to avoid the hard truths of this book. In the writing, I, too, was forced to confront strongholds in my own life. It wasn’t fun. It never is. But it was necessary and healing.

I wrote The Stronghold for and because of two people:

For my friend who somehow found the courage one night when we were in college to share for the first time—with me—a terrible secret of what happened to her. I’ve never forgotten your story nor the undeserved pain you carried. This is for you and for all the others in a sisterhood to which no one ever wants to belong.

For Jesus—I am Yours. And You are mine.

The Stronghold deals with guilt, shame and finding the One whose love, power and name can break any stronghold. For His love is indeed stronger than death. May you find freedom in His love.

This novel is, ultimately, a love story as old as time itself. My prayer is that readers will find in God the relentless love they’ve longed for. He willingly sacrificed Himself for your sin, pain and wounds. He alone can restore your soul. I pray that you might fully know this love. He is the One who longs to know and be known by you. I pray that in His arms you might discover the name by which God calls you—and it is Mine. From the moment He created you, you’ve belonged to Him. I pray you will embrace this identity and choose to become His.

Then despite what you may have done—or what has been done to you—I hope you will see in Jesus’ eyes the pure passion of a bridegroom for His beloved bride. That in His love the lost years might be burned away as if they’d never been. And that finally, you can catch a glimpse of the sweet forever He’s promised to all who believe in Him.

Happy reading,

Lisa

For more information and behind-the-scenes photos of The Stronghold visit https://www.pinterest.com/lisacoxcarter/the-stronghold/.