Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Why I'm Writing This Book...

As I stated several weeks ago, my forthcoming book is being fashioned into a part memoir and part self-help/inspirational read. As a result of attending the East Texas Christian Writers Conference the second weekend of April, I came across a much-needed book entitled The Power of Memoir: How to Write Your Healing Story.

In today's Writing Wednesdays post, I will answer one of the writing exercises found at the end of chapter one. These exercises were targeted at helping memoirists identify their reasons for sharing their life stories with the world. The writing exercise I am going to tackle here is "Name ten reasons why you want to write a memoir." I can't promise I'll list ten, so I'll start with listing only three reasons for now.

First and foremost, I am not writing this book because I am angry at anyone or because I seek revenge. God has already proclaimed in His Word that "Vengeance is mine, I will repay." So, I have no need to gain a spotlight due to the misfortunate actions, beliefs and habits of my family members. However, I will share with you my reasons for writing this book and believe me, I don't take this task lightly. For over a decade, I have tried to coerce God into letting someone else do this. But as you can see, I'm the one holding the "losing hand" and I'm actually thankful for such a "bad hand" because with it, I am able to play my "cards of destiny" in hopes of changing the lives of those who are still victims of Jezebel.

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1. I am writing "The House of Jezebel" in memory of my mother.
In the years since her death, I did not realize how much her story was mine too. After her death back in 2000, I felt cheated and robbed of the relationship we were finally allowed to build. But also, I wondered if her life was in vain. I wondered, "What was her purpose?" and "Did she fulfill it?" As I wondered about her life, I also begin searching for meaning in my own.

2. I am writing "The House of Jezebel" to be a guiding light for others like me.
Over the years, I have noticed that there are far too many Christian women in their 30s, 40s and 50s, who are still bowing down to Jezebel. It doesn't matter who their Jezebel is, whether its their biological mother, adopted mother, grandmother, aunt, a male relative, etc., they are continuing to not utilize their power and authority in Christ Jesus. Why? One of the primary reasons is no one has had the courage to come forth and say, "Yes, I went through it and here's what I had to do to get free." There is great deliverance in sharing one's testimony but someone has to be willing to step up to the plate and swing like there's no tomorrow.

Therefore, when you are a victim of Jezebel as a child, once you become an adult, you have to be taught that you have an identity separate from Jezebel. You have to be taught, what boundaries are and how they work. You have to be taught that not everyone will like your newfound boundaries and that's okay because they will get over it.

Furthermore, women (and men) who have been victimized by a Jezebel have to be taught that they do not have to spend their adult lives running around still trying to earn the affections of Jezebel. They have to be taught that Jezebel is not the one in control of their destinies. They must taught that it is Jehovah who holds the key to each of our destinies and it is through Him we can have a more abundant life.

3. I am writing "The House of Jezebel" to allow myself the freedom to heal from injustices, abuse and the like.
This story isn't all about Jezebel. Its also about the people around her. Those who dare not attempt to strip Jezebel's power. When one was raised in Jezebel's house, its usually because there were no Elijahs or Jehus around. Nothing but eunuchs and other servants of Jezebel. So, in this book, I address the people who let a little kid down.

A little kid with a mother that never connected with her until that kid was a 20-something college student and by then mom was on her deathbed. To a little kid who didn't had any real male role models that weren't weak, angry, bitter or perverted. To a little kid who didn't have a clue who her father was or what having a daddy was all about. To growing up into a 30-something young woman without a family of her own, still wondering if any man will ever truly love her and all her emotional scars.

Like I said earlier, I don't seek revenge. I seek deliverance and freedom for myself and for others who are ready to exchange a childhood with Jezebel for an adult life of destiny and purpose.

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NOTE: If you or someone you know has a family member exhibiting strong Jezebel qualities, please share your story with us by joining our Yahoo! Group called Overcoming Jezebel. With your permission, some stories may be shared in "The House of Jezebel". Click here to join the Overcoming Jezebel Yahoo! Group right now! Thank you and God bless!


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FYI: This blog posting was originally posted at The Destiny Challenge on Wednesday, April 21st, 2010.

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