by Lillian Duncan
When people learn I’m a writer, I get lots of different reactions. Some are excited and want to learn more. Those are the ones I like. The kids usually just ask does that means if I’m rich. That one always makes me laugh even more.
Then there are some who look like I started talking in another language, nod, and walk away. They aren’t quite as much fun. And then, there are the others….
You know the type-the super intellectuals. They look down their nose and say. “Oh, I don’t read fiction, I only read non-fiction.” As if reading fiction is a bad thing. As if it’s somehow it’s demeaning to read fiction, let alone write it.
I used to let these people bother me-but no more!
If it was good enough for Jesus-it’s good enough for me.
Jesus loved a good story.
And so do most people. Stories can touch our hearts, stir our imagination, and teach us. Stories allow us to see the truth without the actual experience. Stories give us the opportunity to learn, change, and grow without all the growing pains.
Jesus called his stories parables, but they were still stories. So what exactly is a parable? Good question, I’m glad you asked. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly message.
Wow! Isn’t that exactly what writers of Christian Fiction do?
Our stories are as varied as each snowflake that falls-all unique but still have the same basic materials. Our stories are the same-all different but they all relate back to one message-God.
Our stories may be funny, sad, suspenseful, mysterious, wonderful, exciting, fascinating, curious, and even tragic but they all have one thing in common.
They have a heavenly message.
At times, we might be tempted to say and believe that what we do (writing Christian fiction) isn’t all that important in the big scheme of things but…
Where would our Christian faith be without the parable of The Prodigal Son? No other story illustrates the depth of God’s love or the fact HE will never turn us away.
Where would our Christian faith be without the parable of The Good Samaritan? This story teaches us that God wants us to love one another in a true and meaningful way, not just with words but with actions.
Jesus used stories to entertain. Jesus used stories to teach. Jesus used stories to connect with others. Jesus used stories to illustrate a concept. Jesus used stories to elicit emotions from his listeners.
And we as Christian writers should do no less.
Lillian Duncan is a multi-published author. Her most recent releases include The Christmas Stalking, Deception, and Pursued. Betrayed will be released in 2013. She writes the types of books she likes to read – fast-paced suspense with a touch of romance.
To learn more about Lillian and her books, you may visit her at www.lillianduncan.net or her blog, Tiaras & Tennis Shoes. She also has a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com.