“You have bilateral brain tumors.”
The day the doctor told me that was the beginning of a new phase in my life. I had no idea how much my life would change when I was given the diagnosis in 2012. I have a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis Type 2. It’s an extremely rare disease that allows tumors to grow throughout my body.
It’s been a long and difficult journey, but I’m happy to say that my health is improving. Because of the tumors, I’ve lost most of my hearing as well as having severe balance issues. I won’t even mention all the “smaller” health issues I deal with. Each day is a struggle, but each day also brings peace and joy that only God can give.
God has blessed me in so many ways since my diagnosis. One of the biggest blessings is that I can still write stories. When a writer’s life changes so does their writing. My Puzzle House series is one example of that change. I still write suspense and mystery, but I also like to write deeper spiritual stories as well.
My latest book, Suffer The Little Children was released last week. It’s the third and probably final book in my Puzzle House series. I lovingly refer to Puzzle House as the book I never wanted to write. It features a character with the same type of brain tumors I have. If I hadn’t developed the brain tumors, then I never would have written Puzzle House. Therefore, it’s the book I never wanted to write.
But God is good. Romans 8: 28 tells us that God can work all things out for the good of those who love him. Puzzle House is one of the good things that came out of my brain tumors. It was a finalist in The Carol Awards, a national book award for excellence in Christian Fiction.
It was a fun and exciting experience—even if I didn’t win.
Of course, you can read Suffer The Little Children without having read the other books and still understand the story. Either way works. Suffer The Little Children comes full circle and brings the reader back to Puzzle House where some surprises wait along with a few miracles.
There comes a moment in every Christian’s life when they must decide if their faith is real—or not.
For Nia Johnson-Simpson that time is now.
Nia has prepared for this moment for years. It’s time for her to step into her role as the next spiritual leader at Puzzle House. The plan is for her to work side-by-side with her new husband, but things don’t go as planned.
As Nia struggles with these unforeseen changes, she must decide what she truly believes…and what she’s willing to give up to continue God’s work.
Lillian Duncan… turning faith into fiction.
Lillian is a multi-published author who lives in the middle of Ohio Amish country with her husband and a menagerie of pets. After more than 30 years working as a speech pathologist for children, she believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.
Her goal is to write stories that entertain but also demonstrate God’s love for all of us. To learn more about her, visit www.lillian-duncan.com. She also has a devotional blog at www.PowerUpWithGod.com.