This week a friend/business peer asked me what readers’ response has been to my new book, Promises In The Dark: One Woman’s Search for Authentic Love – and if I was okay.
I told her the response has varied, and yes, I am okay. I wrote my sister Maria a letter last night, and told her that I actually feel more liberated. No hiding. No secrets. The truth sets you free. (John 8:32)
Some readers, viewing it pre-book launch, said it is beautifully written, powerful, raw, triumphant. Some friends, after reading it, are shocked, not knowing I had been through some of the painful things I’d experienced -or sinned to the degree that I have.
Other readers are uncomfortable, because I’m so open and truthful in it. Some people can’t handle that much transparency.
A couple of friends have questioned me writing it, asking me won’t sharing my sinful past like this (abortions, adulterous affairs) hurt my husband Ray and our children.
My response to that is I’ve been very open with Ray and our 3 beautiful daughters. They already know about my past. I’ve used it as an object lesson of what NOT to do. “You follow Me,” Jesus told Peter in John 21:22.
Being real is risky and scary.
It takes you way out of your comfort zone.
It may mean losing friends, fans and followers, and support.
It may mean being criticized and judged.
But I believe God told me to write this book…and I obeyed. I thank God for His Unconditional Love and Forgiveness, for His grace and mercy upon me.
For those who read it and decide to judge me, I refer to a quote in The Velveteen Rabbit story.
“Once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.” – The Skin Horse from The Velveteen Rabbit, Margery Williams
You can find out more about the Book and the Ebook by clicking here.
for Authentic Love by Beth Jones
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