Faith
FAITH
Now here's a new fresh subject. Well—not really, there are maybe about a thousand or so articles in the past year alone on Faith. Is this a fresh new approach? Probably not, but it occurred to me that if, from time to time, I question the depth of my faith, then so do other Christians.
Webster describes the meaning of faith as a belief that is not based on proof.
Meaning of Faith to a Christian
• Belief in Jesus Christ
• A relationship with God through Jesus
• Life in the spiritual dimension, trusting Christ to take control of your life.
• Taking God at His word and doing what He says, even when you do not understand all the implications.
• A journey that begins upon accepting Jesus, and continues until you see Him face-to-face in heaven.
I prefer the definition in the beautiful passage in Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
I am a Christian Fiction writer. Fiction is a strange genre—it's real life with fuzzy edges. All the style and beautiful prose in the world can't replace emotion—feeling. Yes, craft is important, but a reader turns the pages because he can smell the pine scent on the air, or feel the cold wind on his face. Maybe they know what it feels like to see a pale face…that isn't there—looking through a dark window. Without honest feelings and emotions, these are all just meaningless words on paper.
I became a Christian late in life. I spent many years writing my first novel before I decided to place the word Christian before the word Fiction after my name. Jacqueline Mc Guyer—Christian Fiction Author. Thank God, that first novel was never accepted for publication (and not for the lack of trying) God is good. It took more years before it was "born again". Blood Secrets is due for release in January 2007 by Wings e-Press.
What does all this have to do with Faith? Let's see if I can sum this up in 5000 words or less.
When I was "Born Again", it immediately became obvious to me that my writing career was either in the dumpster, or I was going to have to make an about face. My "worldly view" of things was getting me in trouble with the Holy Spirit—big time. I put my book on the back shelf…so to speak…but I couldn't bring myself to delete it from my hard drive. That was just too much to ask. Actually, that's not what the Holy Spirit was asking.
I am an avid reader. Up to this time in my life, I'd read every single thing Stephen King wrote, along with Peter Straub, Koontz, Grisham, Ludlum, Clavell and many more just like them. Oh, yes, give me murder, psycho thrillers, mayhem, intrigue and I'm happy. I've read many classics as well; I love Henry David Thoreau.
I went out and bought a load of Christian Fiction books, brought them home and began to read. I hate to admit it, but I had an awful time getting through most of them. I was convinced it was an acquired taste, so I bought more—this time I bought the Left Behind series—I loved them. I didn't love them because of the craft or the writing…I loved them because of the emotion they brought out in me—I was there. Then I found another writer, Randy Ingermanson, totally different from LaHaye. His books are full of action and emotion as well—still Christ centered.
Now I was able to go back and read Dee Henderson's books with a different point of view. They no longer seemed as Pollyanna as they had the first time around. I realized God has a plan for everyone. Each of us tells our stories in a different way to a different audience. Yes. The feeling and emotion has to be present or it's still just words on a page. But our FAITH must guide our pen as well.
Now I was ready to take my book down from the shelf and begin the rewrite. Now I know what the word FAITH really means.
FORSAKING ALL I TRUST HIM
NOTE: http://www.jackimcguyer.com
See the above website for excerpts from my first novel, Blood Secrets and my second book The Java Pump, along with a work in process A Letter Home, and other articles, short pieces and an interview with Randy Ingermanson, award winning author of Oxygen.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
Reader Count & Comments
Date
The opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com. This is especially true with articles that
deal with personal healthcare and prophecy. We encourage the reader to make their own decision in consultation with God, His Word, and others as needed.
This article has been read 1088 times < Previous | Next >
Read more articles by Jacki McGuyer or search for other articles by topic below.
This article has been read 1088 times < Previous | Next >
Search for articles on: (e.g. creation; holiness etc.)
Read more by clicking on a link:Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.