Redemption Arcs

By Diane E. Samson

Do you find certain themes popping up in your work? In writing for young adults, themes such as self-discovery, love and acceptance often emerge from the pages. But my favorite is a good redemption story. No matter the genre, if there’s a lost character who finds his way, I’m all in. (I’m looking at you Ebenezer Scrooge, Jean Valjean (Les Miserables), Severus Snape and yes, the Grinch whose heart grew three sizes larger.)

These stories reflect our own brokenness, our own journeys to grace. They remind us that no matter what evil nature lies within, or how far we’ve fallen, restoration is possible. Redemption is a beautiful word.

I love showing young adults in particular that mistakes, big or small, can always be redeemed if instead of running away or denying, we accept responsibility, forgive ourselves and move forward. When my characters make mistakes or fall from grace, I love crafting a journey, step by step, that leads them back to wholeness and healing. It’s more than a happily-ever-after, it’s a true soul healing experience.

Sometimes redemption arcs challenge the reader to forgive the main character. If the character commits sin too grievous, the audience might not excuse the behavior no matter how sorry the character is, but therein lies the challenge. It can remind the reader that if God can forgive, who are we to hold judgment? Should we cast the first stone?

In my Gems of Fire series companion novel, Shadow of Death, Jack has endured great tragedy which eventually leads him to assassin training, with a heart bent on revenge. And while he killed people—criminals bent on attacking women—the longer he lived that life, the more he spiraled downward. Until he began to recognize that voice deep inside was leading him out and to the light. His nightmares had led to a new dream.

One of the greatest redemption stories in the Bible is David’s. His tale begins almost like a Cinderella story—the overlooked shepherd boy who defeats a giant and eventually becomes king. But the man after God’s own heart also experienced a devastating fall, adding adultery and murder to his story. Yet in His love, God didn’t abandon David. He sent a prophet to confront him, and in that moment, David’s response changed everything—he repented.

This is where we see the fullness of God’s grace. He didn’t abandon David or take away the throne, though David still faced the consequences of his choices in the death of his baby boy. After he heard of his baby’s death, he got up from his weeping and fasting. He accepted the consequences and pressed on in his relationship with God, though his life was never easy.

His redemption story serves both as a cautionary tale and as one we can deeply relate to. We should not think we are above falling from grace, but if we find ourselves in a pit, God will meet us there and lead us out.

We all stumble. We all wander. But redemption stories—whether found in Scripture or in the pages of a novel—remind us that grace is always within reach. No matter how far we fall, there is always hope to rise again.

Diane E. Samson is the author of the Gems of Fire series and a 2022 ACFW Carol Awards finalist. She has worked in journalism and now writes young adult fantasy. She lives with her husband and dog, keeping in touch with three grown children. Diane will never be without a golden retriever.