In Others’ Words: Letting Go – Guest Post by Author JoAnne Bischof
It’s a funny thing, writing books. Sometimes as an author, we have a vision of what the theme of a story might be, other times, it just takes on a shape of its own. When I first set out to write the Cadence of Grace series, the theme of Be Still My Soul was how God can see us through any trial, no matter how great. And not just see us through … but how we can walk through a trial joyfully, expectantly. Knowing that God works all things for His good.
Then Though My Heart is Torn and My Hope is Found threw another theme into the mix. A surprise one that I hadn’t anticipated. The series had started off with a lack of choices. A shotgun wedding. An unwanted marriage. Yet to my pleasant surprise, the story evolved … in the way love can often do. It grew, matured, and I realized that the characters were suddenly faced with choices.
True love is more than a feeling—it’s chosen. It goes beyond emotions that come and go. Love is something we are called to act upon. (John 13:34)
There’s something about love that makes us want to hold on tight. A new baby, a toddling child, a dear friend. A romance. We yearn to cling.
To draw near.
Yet at times, we can show love in letting go. This reminds me of a moment in Beth’s beautiful novel, Catch a Falling Star, when the heroine, Kendall, chooses to let something go. Not just anything. That which she had most cherished. My heart ached for her in that moment, but at the same time, I think she walked away just a little bit stronger. A little braver.
Sometimes love involves allowing what we cherish … to take flight. Because at times, that’s what the journey entails. The paths that need to be walked alone. And in faith, we can pray and trust, and let the distance makes us stronger. Let the distance, show love.
Sometimes letting go can be the harder way to love than holding on.
In Your Words: When have you had to love by letting go? Do you have an encouraging verse that would comfort someone in a time like this?
When love means letting go – guest post by author Joanne Bischof Click to Tweet
When distance makes us stronger – guest post by author Joanne Bischof Click to Tweet
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GIVEAWAY: Thanks for visiting us on the “A Book For Every Reader” blog tour! Leave a comment below to be entered to win not one but TWO books! One of Joanne’s and one of mine. Also, to enter in the grand giveaway prize which includes some country goodies and an e-reader, simply hop on over and fill out the entry form: http://www.joannebischof.com/extras/blogtour/
You’ll also find the official details. Winners will be drawn on September 28th and contacted via email. Thank you for joining us!
Christy Award-finalist and author of The Cadence of Grace series, Joanne Bischof has a deep passion for Appalachian culture and writing stories that shine light on God’s grace and goodness. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, folk music, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life.
