Pop Pulpits, Pickles & the Press

In Atlanta and even in my hometown, Valdosta we have been slammed with press conferences, tv and radio talk show interviews and newspaper articles regarding Thomas Weeks III's assault on Juanita Bynum. You know my position on the topic, so let's not go there. But what gets me about this whole thing...what gets me about every time a popular minister is in a pickle with the press, Christianity is attacked.
Many of us are The Master's Writers. We believe that God created us to glorify and illuminate Him with parables(prose) and poems(lyrics.) Many of us believe that our stories should be shared with a mass of people. In essence, we believe that our stories are popular. Like Weeks and Bynum we want more than just our friends and family to know our names. I wonder why? Because if we are seeking a publishing contract for our book, then we will live under public scrutiny as well. Although it won't be as intense as the Bynum case, it will be what it will be.
So tell me? Have you considered the value of your Christian identity? What tips can you give to keep newbies from falling into the popularity trap?


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Are you Gifted?

Ready for a fall adventure? I am. A pretty book with an anointed heroine on the run and a knight sworn to protect her. Oh my. And it's a trilogy! Lisa Bergren's the Gifted series takes you back to 13th Constantinople, even further 8th Century's Iconoclast Movement, and even further back to Paul's lost letters to the Church of Corinth. Don't worry. You won't get lost. Bergren writes in a style that is easy, universal and reflective of the time period. And then there is the cast...Lady Daria d'Angelo, The Gifted One, Gianni de Capezzana, the knight, and Hasani, Daria's East African bodyguard. How many men does this woman need?

The Begotten, the first in the series finaled in this year's Christy's Book Awards. The Betrayed: A Novel of the Gifted (The Gifted), which drops this weekend and will be featured in Target Stores September 4th on the Breakout Books display.

This books should be a movie. I think actor, Jimmy Jean-Lous (Heroes) should be cast as Hasani.

My favorite passages in The Betrayed...

Gianni studied Daria, standing in the bow of the skiff, face to the rain as if she could smell where she was to go. They all had a fierce devotion to her now, but what was stirring within his own heart was something he had not felt for some time. It brought him up short and and he frowned in consternation. There was no time for such foolish imaginings. He had to stay alert, remain intent on keeping Daria's safe and secure in the wild, uncharted waters ahead. Romantic entanglements would only weaken him, weaken them all.

...Daria said. "It's not the crucix that heals-but who it symbolizes. Ist is only because of the risen Lord that I was able to heal that boy. Healing comes from Christ and the Holy Spirit. "

Now we know in a good book, poor Gianni can keep his little hopes to himself. He's already a goner :) Mayne this Healer will heal his heart. Think this should be our bookclub pick for the fall? Maybe w e could cast Daria and Gianni, too after we discuss this book.(Sept, Berkley, $23.95)

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