Thank you to all who shared their ideas for my book signing on Friday, and to those who prayed me through it. (For those who don’t follow my FB updates, a dear writing friend had died the night before.)
I’m happy to report that the event was wonderfully attended. My local writing friends came out in full support in Kate’s stead, and I didn’t cry once. I had so much fun meeting new readers who’d read about the event in the newspaper.
Since Mondays are dedicated to character discussions related to Deep Cover, today, I’d like to talk about the dove pictured on the front cover. Fifteen-plus months before the story began, Rick gave Ginny a dove ornament as a reminder that God watches over her.
It’s a recurring symbol throughout the book. I love how it’s depicted on the cover. How the dove appears in the shaft of light beaming through a break in the stormy clouds. It’s a wonderful picture of how God promises to lead us through the darkness.
In her last days, my friend wore a treasured cross, handed down to her from her mother and her grandmother before that. It was a wonderful symbol of her trusting in God for her eternity.
Because she had no children, she gave the cross to me a few days before she died and asked me to pass it down to my daughter. We were so incredibly touched and honored that she entrusted this precious symbol to our care.
It seems apropos that a post I wrote weeks ago about my friend should be scheduled for today at Hope to Life. It’s a short post about daring to dream, and dedications. I hope you’ll stop by to read it.
Your turn: Do you have a symbol or verse or song or keepsake that reminds you of God’s love when He feels far away?
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So sorry to hear about your friend’s death, Sandra. How wonderful that she took comfort in that treasured cross and what a tribute to you that she gave it to you. I’ll be praying for you today!
My symbols tend to be in the form of words. I have lots of word art on my walls. A huge GRACE over my bookcase in my bedroom. A hand carved wooden sigh that says “Prayer Changes Things” over my door so I see it every day when I pass through. Wrought iron Faith and Believe and Hope adorn other walls in my home.
And I have this old tattered card with the poem ‘Broken Dreams’ on it. That’s my mantra. It goes like this:
As children bring their broken toys
With tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God
Because He was my Friend.
But instead of leaving Him
In peace to work alone,
I hung around and tried to help
With ways that were my own.
At last I snatched them back and cried,
“How can You be so slow?”
“My child,” He said, “What could I do?
You never let them go.”
That’s my biggest struggle with the Lord — trying to give Him advice on how He should bless my life. LOL. I’ve read that poem so many times that it’s barely legible but I still have trouble letting go!
Kav, thanks so much for sharing the poem. It is powerful. How very appropriate that your symbols are in the form of words since you love to read and write.
What a lovely gift to treasure as you remember her. And how thoughtful of her to care for others in her last days. I know you will greatly miss her, and this cross will help you through the lonely days.
Congrats on your successful book signing!
So sorry that you lost your friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I have a rock from a special place where I had a long chat with God some years back. It reminds me that He’s always with me.
Thanks Jeanette.
That sounds so cool Loree. How neat that you thought to bring home a reminder of that special time.
Sorry to hear about your friend. How touching that she passed on her cross to you and your daughter 🙂
I do have symbols I use to express my faith. It’s a fine line many people walk between idolatry and symbolism. But symbols are used by God Himself to help us better comprehend His ways and heaven. When something helps us draw nearer to the Lord, then it is good. When it replaces our Lord, then it is idolatry. I love the symbolism of Aaron’s priestly breastplate. He wore 12 spectacular gems on it as he went into the Holy of Holies to pray for the 12 tribes of Israel. I learned that I could use things like that as memory stones to help me concentrate on what I want to talk to God about. I don’t use them to concentrate worship on the thing. I use it to keep the memory alive and active so I don’t drift into random thoughts. God directed many of our Old Testament people to erect altars, boundaries, and even temples in order to direct their focus to Him using a tool to assist the focus. I find that really amazing and it frees me to feel less chaotic and more organized in my worship and prayer time.
Angie Breidenbach
Author of Gems of Wisdom: For a Treasure-filled Life
Thanks Angie, great perspective.
When I want to remember God’s love, all I have to do is look at my Dad. Two years ago my Dad lost his job. Now, thanks to God’s help, he’s a fully qualified primary school teacher with a job, and a class. He loves it!
I’m sorry to hear about your friend. I’ll say a prayer for her.
Oh Imogen, how wonderful. I bet your dad would love to hear that, too. 🙂
an honour and treasure ~ bless you!
music and songs are my touchstone ~
one from childhood, “Wonderful Words of Life”, and others that H Sp brings to comfort as/when needed. Basically God’s Presence that ‘never leaves or forsakes’ me is my/His reality…
Oh, yes, isn’t it wonderful when God brings songs to mind that soothe or uplift?