Writing Inspiration from the BBC

I need to be writing this week. I'm close to finishing up my new YA manuscript, Dauntless Love, with a Robin Hood type heroine. And when I'm really stuck on this project, the best inspiration comes from watching the BBC's new Robin Hood on Netflix. Not only is it an opportunity to immerse myself in the right time and place, but it includes several strong female characters. Their Marian is a thief and crusader for justice in her own right, called The Night Watchman. At first I thought much of this show was historically inaccurate, but the more I study the time, I discover it is accurate in surprising ways, including its use of these strong, battle-worthy women. So here's a peek into Marian's world, which has provided me with so much inspiration.

Love Your (Muslim) Neighbor

You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.   
~ Matthew 5:43-45 

My church has been on a 40 day prayer vigil leading up to Pentecost Sunday. Each day, my pastor has assigned us something to pray for. Saturday is pray for your enemies day. My first thought was, I really don't have many enemies. But the truth is, the recent bombings in Boston served to remind us that our country is facing a rabid enemy called Islamic terrorism. At the same time, many of us have friends, co-workers, and neighbors who are Muslims. How do we even tell difference between these two groups? It can be quite confusing, but in light of the scripture above, it seems like love and prayer are a safe way to approach either one.

No doubt many people are wondering about their Muslim neighbors these days. Being married to a Lebanese man, and having many Muslim and former Muslim friends, I have a lot to say on this issue. And yet it can be hard to express my feelings without engaging in an argument, which is the last thing I want to do. 

I have much love and respect for the Muslim people, especially the women. But I also have serious concerns about the fundamental teachings of the religion. There are many beautiful parts of Muslim culture, and there are many troubling aspects as well. Not to mention that, of course, there are as many different types of Muslims as there are different types of Christians, and there is no easy way to compartmentalize them and put them in a box.

So for me, art is the best way to explore this subject. This October, my novel Dance from Deep Within will release with WhiteFire Publishing. The book takes a three dimensional look at the Islamic belief system and culture, while also exploring Christianity and typical non-Christian American beliefs. This is not a rah, rah, Christians are great and everyone else is bad book. Rather, the three young women from varying backgrounds learn from each other's strengths. My Muslim, Layla, is a fictional character, but she is also a conglomerate of the many former Muslim women I have met who have turned to Christ, and her decision reflects their searching and reasoning. 

I think this book will be a great starting place for many Christians to learn how to better love and pray for their Muslim neighbors, and I can't wait for it to release!

In the meantime, I was also the primary writer on a CD project with songs and prayers about the Islamic people. These songs provide another great way to learn about Muslim culture, and if you don't know how to pray, you can just pray along. This one is available right now. Click here to order.  You can also learn more about the album, including lyrics and videos, here.

Over the next few months I'll be back to share more about this subject.

Do you have any Muslims in your life? What have you found is the best way to show love to them? Who are your enemies, and how do you feel God wants you to respond to them?

Hi From Colorado

Hi everyone! I've been crazy busy this week with the Colorado Christian Writers Conference, and just realized yesterday that I didn't post anything on Monday. I came out early and had a wonderful two days with two old college friends in Keystone and Breckenridge. We stayed in a lovely vacation home and mostly spent the whole time talking. Day three was the roughest, as we went horseback riding, and one of my friends took a hard fall and needed an ambulance. Everything turned out to be fine, severe bruising which will heal, although I'm sure she'd appreciate your prayers for pain. Due to that I arrived late to the conference, but didn't miss anything too important.

My biggest surprise on Wednesday was discovering my old grad school roommate was here! We had totally lost touch about fifteen years ago. It only took us a few minutes to feel like old friends again. What a blessing to reestablish so many of my past relationships this week.

I found out that I loooovvveee teaching a continuing class. Having the same group of students all week has been really fun, and I also think very effective for teaching and learning purposes. We've even started having meals together. I met some great people this way. And I've had a lot of nice appointments with conferees as well.

Yesterday was my busiest day. I taught two classes, spoke on an editors panel, met with four conferees, and on top of that, I danced last night. Yes, I DANCED! I think it turned out nice despite my creaky forty-two year old body. People seemed to really enjoy it.

It should all be downhill from here. I'm hoping to spend a little time walking through these gorgeous mountains today and tomorrow. Although the stories of bobcats and coyotes will probably keep me pretty close to the YMCA campus. Then tomorrow afternoon, I'll be headed for home.

Another Poem - If I Don't Praise Him

Not many people write closed form poetry anymore. And I admit, I probably wouldn't have either, except that this was a class assignment way back in 1999. I love the way it turned out, though. The song-like villanelle structure proved perfect for the subject of praise. Enjoy!