Life is hard. Sometimes all we want to do is write (or read) stories that are light, fun, entertaining, and that whisk us away from the harsh realities in the world for a little while. Completely understandable and justified.
Other times, though, we may be called to get down in the mud and write about those harsh realities, name them, stare them straight in the eye, wrestle with them awhile, acknowledge the evil that exists—that is so prevalent—in the world today.
One such issue is human trafficking—a plague that hasn’t gone away over the last two years of a global pandemic and may have actually gotten worse. A lot of Christian fiction writers have released books on this topic recently. I believe this is not merely a trend—it is God, laying these women (and some men) on our hearts, compelling us to write stories that shed light on what is happening to these precious souls who bear His image. These stories are not only entertainment, they are a call to action. A call, first of all, to prayer. And then, if and as God leads, to possibly becoming even more involved in efforts to find, rescue, and help bring healing to these people God loves and has not forgotten.
My latest romantic suspense release, Every Star in the Sky, is the story of a woman who is rescued after being forced into this life for eight years. It was a difficult story to write, painful at times, but I felt very strongly called to write it. Although the subject matter is tough, I pray the story also offers hope along with humor and romance and healing. Early reviewers have stated that the book has deepened their faith and compelled them to pray for those caught up in human trafficking. Nothing anyone might say about any of my stories could mean more to me than that.
Stories like this are not for everyone. Writing or reading about certain topics may trigger those who are sensitive to them because of their own experiences or personalities. Pray for wisdom and guidance, so that you do not end up taking on burdens that God has not asked you to bear.
But if you are drawn to write or to read a book on an issue that will give you greater understanding, insight, and compassion for those who are experiencing it, I hope and pray that you will have the courage to do so.
Writing on the harsh realities of life should only be done after and along with a great deal of prayer. But if God calls you to do it, He will equip you to accomplish the task. If you are obedient to the calling, He will use your words to bring hope and healing to those going through these dark valleys and to encourage others to pray and maybe even come alongside those who are suffering—to in some small (or big) way offer comfort and hope.
And to increase your own faith, hope, and empathy for others along the way.
To read more about Every Star in the Sky or to order a copy, click here.
Sara Davison is the author of four romantic suspense series—The Seven Trilogy, The Night Guardians, The Rose Tattoo Trilogy, and Two Sparrows for a Penny, as well as the standalone, The Watcher. A finalist for more than a dozen national writing awards, she is a Word, Cascade, and Carol Award winner. She currently resides in Ontario with her husband Michael and their three mostly grown kids. Like every good Canadian, she loves coffee, hockey, poutine, and apologizing for no particular reason. Get to know Sara better at www.saradavison.org and @sarajdavison.