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| Photo courtesy of taliesin of morguefile.com |
For my novel Promises, releasing this month, the main character is seeking a place to which she can belong, though she doesn't really know what that's supposed to look like. Having lost her parents at a young age, then spending years bounced around in foster care, adopted by a wonderful man then losing him too soon, Terry has had a lot of upheaval in her life. No roots. No peace. No security for more than a moment in time. Not allowing herself to get too close to people.
And when she did have a place to belong with people who loved her, she didn't recognize it as home and left it behind. At the deepest root of her discontent is the lack of a relationship with the Lord who created her. She walked away from Him in her teens, believing He had abandoned her just when she needed Him most. That affects the relationships she has with others.
In so many ways, Terry's search for "home" is rather reminiscent of how we all are. How often do we seek something, only to not recognize it when it comes our way because it doesn't necessarily look or feel the way we expect it to? So we abandon or reject it and move on, continuing on lost and discontent. How often is that thing we truly need the God who loves us and can make us whole? Thankfully, we're often brought full-circle back to what we overlooked. We can only hope we recognize it the second time around.
For a chance to win a copy of my new novel, Promises , leave a comment sharing what the word "home" means to you. Be sure to include a current e-mail address in case you win! The winner will have the choice of either an e-book (of whatever format you'd like from Smashwords) or an autographed paperback copy (either standard or large print). Entries will be accepted until my next blog post at 8:00 am Arizona time, Saturday, February 23, 2013. Entries will be numbered and the winner chosen by Random.org.
If you'd like a chance to win other great prizes from some of my fellow writers, check out the links below for the Candle Light Reads "Home Is Where The Heart Is Hop"! This contest runs from the 15th-18th.
I am very familiar with your childhood as that is what mine looked like. We moved a lot and my family was my only security. I say when I married my husband, he gave me not only a new last name, but he gave me roots. We live next door to his parents, our kids go to the same school he went to, and we live in his great-grandparents house. However, having said that, Home is not a place for me either - home is people, family, friends. If you walk into my "home," you will see that is evident in how I live. We have pictures all over our house of friends, family, people who are important to us - much more than decorations. Thank you for this opportunity. I will love this book! I will make sure to have a box of tissue handy as I think already I will need it! :)
ReplyDeleteclSwalwell@gmail.com
In Him,
Cheri :)
Until I started packing some things to prepare for a coming move, I had photos all over the place. So I know what you mean, Cheri. :)
DeleteANY BOOK BY DAWN TURNER is worth leaving a comment!
ReplyDeleteBEYOND HOPE was AMAZING and PROMISES has to be right up there.
I grew up in a Christian home with a legacy of BIBLE scholars behind me. Two parent home, six siblings in an era when family was TIGHT and relationships were IMPORTANT.
My dad was a spiritual leader, a real provider/protector type and his LOVE for my mom surpassed anything they had to weather. We NEVER had much but we didn't realize we were missing out on material things.
It was easy for me to see the man God picked out for me because his ideals so closely mirrored those of my dad.
BUT
he wasn't raised in a Christian home and can never remember hearing I LOVE YOU from either parent or remember the comfort of a hug.
GOD has done a miraculous thing in my hubby and home for me is WHERE EVER HE IS.
May God continue to bless you with STORY, Dawn!
Thanks, Joy. :)
DeleteWhen I hear the word "home", many things come to my mind, but I know my real home is in God. Over the last few months, I've struggled with friendships, family relationships, and just plain getting up each morning, knowing that each day is just as hard as the last. The one person whom I feel safe with is God. He is my home. There have been times in the last couple months where I've wondered why I'm even alive. I've cried myself to sleep. I felt alone. I had felt abandoned by everyone, including God, but I know that's not true. I've gone to church since I was two, attended a Catholic school for seven years, but it wasn't until a short while ago that I found my true home in God. I feel safe. I feel wanted. I feel heard. I feel loved. And I know it is Him.
ReplyDeleteThat is what home is to me.
Congratulations with your story, and may God bless you.
l.r.schleisman@gmail.com
I'm SO glad you found Him, Liz. I recognize the feelings you mention. It's only because I knew for a fact that God existed that I survived my teens. If not for knowing He was out there, I wouldn't have resisted the desire to end my life. Dark, horrid times. I don't miss them a bit.
DeleteI pray you will come out on top of the darkness of the last few months stronger in your faith and the recognition of just how precious you are to Him. :)
To me, home means a place that for which my soul longs. It can mean wrapped in Jesus' arms, going to a church or group that gives a balm for my wounded heart, or connecting back with my sweetheart after too long apart. Home is comfort and peace. Thanks. I hope to win your book. charlesjanATsbcglobalDOTnet
ReplyDeleteAnd the winner is... Let's just say I decided to change the rules. Since such a small number responded, I've decided to send a copy to each of you. I'll be sending out emails to each of you shortly. :)
ReplyDelete