Have you ever wondered how much pain the human heart can take? My author-friend Kim Vogel Sawyer recently explored this very question when writing her latest novel. I hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at Room for Hope.
An Unselfish Choice
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Every June, The Hubs and I attend a Sawyer Family Reunion.
It’s a great time of catching up, laughing, eating (of course), and otherwise
enjoying ourselves. Two summers ago, one of The Hubs’ aunts (the one who set us
up on a blind date in 1983...but that’s another story for another day) brought
along a box of photographs and a print-out of family history which she shared
with all of us.
In the printed pages, I came across an amazing bit of
information. In the late 1800s, The Hubs’ great-great-grandmother took in and
raised her husband’s illegitimate baby when the child’s mother died and no one
else would accept him. (There was a such a stigma toward orphans and
illegitimate children--this little boy had a double-whammy). She loved the child
so thoroughly he didn’t know she wasn’t his biological mother until he was in
his late teens.
This woman’s ability to set aside her hurt and betrayal
(because we’d all be hurt and betrayed in that kind of situation!) and open her
heart to this innocent child touched me deeply. I wondered how she had been
able to love him when she knew how he was conceived. The human reaction would
be to reject him, resent him, let anger and hurt override any bit of affection
or sympathy.
Obviously I couldn’t ask her how she handled the situation,
but I could surmise she didn’t rely on her own ability to love. She must have
asked God to help her love and not take her resentment toward her husband out
on the child.
In my own life experiences, I have learned that God gives
strength when mine is gone. He loves so much bigger than we can and so
unconditionally. His love can cover any situation. The Hubs’ great-great-grandmother’s example is one I hope to follow when it comes to loving the
way God loves.
And I hope I’ve done her unselfish choice justice in the
telling of the story called Room for Hope.
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| Kim Vogel Sawyer |
Bestselling, award-winning author Kim Vogel Sawyer wears many hats besides "writer." As a wife, mother, grandmother, and active participant in her church, her life is happily full. But Kim's passion lies in writing stories of hope that encourage her readers to place their lives in God's capable hands. An active speaking ministry assists her with her desire. Kim and her husband make their home on the beautiful plains of Kansas, the setting for many of Kim's novels. You may learn more about Kim's writing at www.KimVogelSawyer.com.
In a desperate time, can Neva find forgiveness for a grievous wrong—and make room for hope?
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| Now available! |
Neva Shilling has a heavy load of responsibility while her husband travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence, she faithfully runs the Shilling Mercantile, working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll, and caring for their twins.
When a wagon pulls up after supper, Neva and her children rush out—and into the presence of the deputy driving a wagon carrying three young children. The deputy shocks her with the news that Warren and his wife have died, insisting it was their last request that the three children go live with “Aunt Neva.”
Neva’s heart is shattered as she realizes that Warren’s month-long travels were excuses for visits with his secret family. She wants nothing more than to forget Warren, but can she abandon these innocent children to an orphanage? Yet if she takes them in, will she ever be able to see them as more than evidence of her husband’s betrayal and love them the way God does?
You may purchase a copy of Room for Hope here.
Kim, thank you very much for sharing a piece of your husband's history with us today! His great-great-grandmother sounds like a sweet woman with a heart full of God's love. I hope we may all reflect His love so well in our daily living. Oh, and I really want to hear that "other story" sometime!
Friends, tell us of a time you were challenged to love when you felt like hating or despising instead. What advice would you share with someone who might be facing the same scenario today?
Did you like this article? Share it! Another new article comes your way next Monday! Hope to see you again then.
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