Father: a Letter from a Mentor

It's time for our last character post!

This is a hard one. Father, a mentor in the story, taught me so much through The Torch Keepers' creation. Writing his part of the story, I cried and grew and learned more about Jesus.

Before his letter though, I just need to stop and share that the Lord has been so faithful with this novel!!  It is now published on multiple sites, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Books-A-Million! Crazily, it sold out in some stores already, praise Jesus!  If you've read the novel and can leave a quick review, that would be so appreciated.  ♥

But anyway. Here 'tis, the last letter from The Torch Keepers' characters, Father, a man who inspires me so much.

Listen to his theme song (When the Shadow Reveals You), and remember how much purpose the King has for you.

(and ps) This will be my last blog post for a time. I'll be taking a break from the blogosphere, and redirecting my focus. But you can find my email via my connect page (click here), and I'd be glad to keep up during this hiatus!

You're so loved.  ♥

Father's Story

I always liked a good tale. Maybe I'll start writing one of these days. *raises eyebrows* *chuckles*

Every story is my favorite. Every one is unique and beautiful and part of a person who has such purpose beyond what they know.

That's why I like stories–they tell the tales of people. Of a girl or boy, a man or woman, who is seeking something. They want something of value, something that they can hold onto with pride and say "this is mine."

I know that feeling. I'm a woodworker, and taking a raw chunk of tree and turning it into something of worth is a feeling that overpowers you.

At first, that piece of wood is of no worth. One could throw it in a fire, and it would burn for a moment, then disappear to ash and empty coals.

But in my hands, it becomes a treasure. A toy that brings a smile to a little girl's sunken cheeks. A weapon to defend the poor. A torch to burn as a declaration to the world that the King reigns, and he loves.

That's when a sliver of wood becomes valuable.

It's hard. The woodworking isn't a quick, easy task that leaves the wood comfortable and safe. I have to tear it, to cut it, to break it apart. I burn the wood to give it color and texture. I sand it to rid it of imperfections.

It's much like being a Father. My children aren't mine by blood, yet they are chosen by something stronger. They are chosen for a purpose, for something bigger than they know.

At first, they may seem like a piece of raw wood. They haven't learned reason, maturity, truth. They are simple and scared, and they need someone to cultivate the treasure deep inside.

Sometimes that hurts. Discipline hurts. But it turns them into a man or woman who can fight for the King, who can stand against evil, who can love beyond measure.

I like stories, and I could never pick my favorite. But Kadira's is one especially dear.

Because she is my child. She is loved. So much more than she'll ever know.

That doesn't mean she makes the right choices. Several readers have already said how frustrated they get at her bad decision making skills. *laughs* I guess they might be right.

But she is my princess. She is a treasure, hiding and waiting to be discovered.

So is every person out there. They are priceless gems, sometimes hidden in rough rock. But they can be chiseled out to find the person they were always intended to be. They just have to surrender themselves to One greater.

Dear child, you are so loved. Don't ever forget who you are to your King.

And like the way I trim wood into something beautiful, let go and let Another transform your life into treasure.

The people who walked in darkness

Have seen a great light;

Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death,

Upon them a light has shined.

- Isaiah 9:2

~♥~