My children love audio books. The dramatized versions of classic literature would keep them quiet for miles. We listened to Les Miserables, The Back of the North Wind, In Freedom’s Cause and one of our favorites- The Chronicles of Narnia. A compelling (if flawed) set of stories about a mythical land ruled by a majestic lion, Aslan. When Mr. Tumnus reminds Lucy that Aslan is “not a tame lion” I often think about the way we treat the Lord. I know a few people who seem to think that God is always talking. They claim He talks to them about shopping at Walmart, vacation deals and dental procedures-everyday and all the time. A familiar, conjure-up-at-will Savior who never stops talking and does their bidding.
I might be in the minority, but I do not believe that God speaks as often as people claim He does; and when He does speak, He means alot more than we understand. I know a few Christian writers who have come under criticism for writing stories deemed “Christian-lite.” There is not enough mention of God speaking to characters on every page. My own view is that some of this cheapens what it means to encounter God. I don’t mean to say our every interaction is about angelic encounters and shaking mountains. But my respect for the majesty of God constrains me from treating his council like a girlfriend on the other end of the phone.
I honor the principles of Scripture in my novels, but you will not find God speaking on every page. I write novels, not sermons. Our Heavenly Father should reign over all aspects of our lives, but He has given us remarkable latitude to use His principles to plan, create, build, shop, read and do all sorts of pedestrian activities as an expression of the agency He has given us as His children. My stories are a reflection of this belief, and I invite you to enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy sharing them with you.
Rae J