photo © 2007 Dave Ellis more info (via: Wylio)Day 2
Hello again. As mentioned yesterday we wanted to discuss our hero's conflict and struggle today. Nathan Pierce is a character we created to lose the heroine to someone else in A Bouquet for Iris. But we fell in love with him and wanted him to be the hero of his own story. When we began to create the itinerant preacher for Among the Magnolias, we decided Nathan would be a perfect choice. Nathan was a good man, but just that. We put him in the position of needing to help a female friend. When tragedy is the result of his actions, he eventually decides to become a preacher to attempt to atone for what he has done. Like so many of us, Nathan believes he can earn forgiveness through doing good deeds for God. He struggled with the idea of salvation through the grace of God and coming to Him in faith alone. As a result, he struggled mightily in executing his duties as a preacher. Without his "heart" in his job, he feels alone and incompetent. When he meets Abigail LeGrand, he is drawn to her commitment to her work with an orphanage. She pulls him into her ministry, forcing him to face his aversion to children. As his heart begins to open to her, to the children, and to his need for true salvation in Jesus Christ, he is confronted with protecting someone he loves once again. This final test will determine Nathan's future course as preacher...and a Christian.
In this world with its growing beliefs of many ways to God and heaven, it becomes more important to stand up for the truth that Jesus is the only way to salvation. We wanted to create a character who thought being good was good enough until he does something he thinks is too much. He then turns to earthly means to fix it, failing miserably. It is so interesting that people want to be redeemed for their own terrible failures but refuse true rescue. This is like a drowning victim refusing help from a ship saying he or she will look for another form of rescue that is "easier". We pray God will remove our blindness and help us all to see the truth. And for those of us who write stories for Him, may we strive even more to help our readers find their true Rescuer, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
What method do you use to stand up for what you believe in? How do you find the strength to do this?
I've been looking forward to this series! Aaron and Diane, please continue to use the wonderful talent God gave you to write good books for us. God bless!
ReplyDeleteNathan sounds like a complex and interesting character. A preacher who is trying to be good enough for forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Joy and Erica. Yes, we loved taking Nathan in this direction and then having him meet Abigail. It really led to some interesting scenes.
ReplyDeleteI like Nathan's character. I'm looking forward to reading more about him. You and Diane are a winnng team! Love your books.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, and Nathan sounds like a fascinating character - - looking forward to reading this book! (My Heartsongs arrived this week but I haven't had a chance yet to begin reading them - - but can't wait!).
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Patti Jo :)
Thanks so much everyone. We had to write Nathan's story and pairing him with Abigail seemed like a fun idea. Finding ourselves being complimented by other great authors, like Erica and Rhonda, is so exciting. God bless all of you for coming to visit and posting a message.
ReplyDeleteI don't think my post of last night came through.......had computer glitch! I was saying that HIS WORD gives me strength...in answer to the question!!!
ReplyDeletei can't wait until you have another one, two or three new books. I love your style of writing and i have to admit i'm rather spoiled. I am so looking forward to your new books!
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