It’s nearly impossible to write a novel with no sin in it. When part of the market you’re writing for includes Christian readers, you think more than twice before having a character sin. Yet other novels frequently contain lying (bearing false witness), coveting (envying), dishonoring a father or mother, stealing, assault, and even murder. Sin fuels plots and makes novels interesting for readers. Even though we all sin, I’m uneasy writing about the past sins of a character, let alone having that character sin in the present. The solution: redemption.
A definition of redemption from Dictionary.com is “deliverance from sin; salvation, atonement for guilt.” One of the examples they give is that God redeemed the Jews from slavery in Egypt. But the concept of redemption includes more.
The nature of redemption encompasses forgiveness from our sins. To be forgiven by the Lord is available to each of us for free, just by asking for it. And Jesus made it clear that not forgiving others is not an option, but is mandatory for all Christians, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15 ESV.
Jesus’ death was the atoning sacrifice for all of our sins in the past, present and future. As the Apostle Paul explained, “In him [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace…” Ephesians 1:7 ESV.
The main character of my third novel, Save the Last Dance, (Forget Me Not Romances, Winged Publications, 2020) is Liz, an energetic and high-spirited paralegal who has been a widow for many years. She is attracted to a widower and the pastor of her church, Isaiah. Although he is a clergyman and is pastoring a church, Isaiah is an introvert who is shy even about talking with Liz. Inventing a plot showing Isaiah and Liz’s growing romance was difficult for me until I gave Isaiah a realistic past. Since we all sin and have sinned in the past, why not attribute a whopper of a past sin to him? Although he was forgiven from God for that sin, he has not forgotten it. Guilt from his past sin haunts him especially when the person associated with the sin suddenly appears in his small town. He’s caught between being nice to this person and helping her settle down in his town and wanting to spend time with the woman who captured his heart. During this chaotic time, he’s not praying and listening to the Lord as he regularly did. He suffers from being too much in the world. He doesn’t remember about nor take advantage of being forgiven and redeemed from his sins.
After much soul searching, Isaiah finds a practical way to use the power of redemption to improve his life and the lives of others. As to what Isaiah’s past sin is and what those improvements are, you’ll have to read Save the Last Dance.
The fact that redemption is available to everyone if we believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior is powerful! It guides our beliefs, our hopes, our dreams, and our lives. And it influences how we deal with problems and obstacles that come up. Jesus redeemed you with his blood. Redemption changes you into your best self. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV. As the popular song says: “I’m not who I used to be. I am redeemed.”*
*“Redeemed” by Big Daddy Weave.
Strong and confident, paralegal Liz Everton is one of the only female ranch owners in Florida. Having been a widow for many years, she strives to live life to the fullest on her own. So, why is she attracted to the minister of her small, community church?
Pastor Isaiah Comstock is a widower who is fascinated with Liz’s wisdom and beauty. Being an introvert, he forces himself to interact with his parishioners and to go to ballroom dance classes where he may be able to dance with Liz. When a weather emergency forces them together, can he overcome his past mistakes and church gossip to turn their friendship into love?
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You can also buy Book 1 in the series, Her Next Dance or Book 2, Dancing with a Cowboy.
Susan Fischer is an author, Christian Mediator, and a speaker with several ministries. She leads a worship service at a local retirement center, does peacemaking seminars, leads a Bible Study Group, is a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King, and is active in the Inner Healing Prayer Ministry. She obtained a Juris Doctor degree from Detroit College of Law (n.k.a. Michigan State University College of Law) and has practiced Personal Injury Law in Michigan and Florida for over 30 years. Her son and daughter in law live up north, but she enjoys the beaches of Bradenton, Florida, near her favorite dance studio.
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