THROUGH A GLASS, DARKLY

Where is hope when your world is crashing in on you? 

Are you struggling with finding hope in your current situation? 

If you need encouragement, my new book Through A Glass, Darkly: Daily Hope in Light of Eternitywith personal stories, scriptures, poems, and also writings from my late son, Stephen, demonstrates that true hope exists and is rooted in eternity. This book has been long in coming, but through the process, I have learned more and more to trust in God and His timing. He has led me every step of the way.

Nearly two years ago, I wrote the first rough draft. It came mostly from blog posts I had written about hope, with a few poems and scriptures sprinkled in. I wanted a catchy title, but couldn't seem to think of anything. Then, one night in bed, I woke up and the words, through a glass, darkly, came to mind. 

After a while, I toyed with changing the title and tried many different ideas. Finally, after more thought and much praying, I reverted to the original, which really does represent the theme of the book. It's from 1 Corinthians 13:12 in the King James Version that I first heard it as a child:

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face:
now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

I couldn't begin to name all the ways this book has changed from the original. Even though the writing and editing process was very difficult at times, I am thankful for the way God led me through the whole process. 

Several friends offered advice, shared ideas, and gave feedback. All were very supportive, even when some of our interactions were like "iron sharpening iron."  Adding some of my son's writing has really enhanced the message of hope. I believe it is much better now than that first rough draft, which now seems so long ago.

DECIDING ON A COVER

The cover also went through a lot of changes. Since I had decided to self-publish on Amazon, I thought it would be easier to use one of their suggested covers. They did not have anything that really jumped out at me, so I chose what I thought was the best out of the choices. Here was that first design:

early cover design idea

The photograph is one I took while traveling on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway in South Carolina. (Don't worry, my husband was driving so I was free to take pictures). Several friends liked this design, but a few others said the slanted words were a little confusing. 

Several people suggested I just download a template from Amazon and design my own cover. That sounded daunting, but fortunately I was familiar with the GIMP app, which is what the template used. Also, my son, Alan, knew much more about GIMP than I did, so he was very helpful. Here is the second design:


My second cover design idea

I took this photograph at Redington Beach, Florida, when we were on vacation with family. When I showed it to friends, they liked it much better than the first one. I almost used it, but it didn't seem quite right. We tried to think of ideas to make it better fit the theme of the book. We even thought about trying to make a mirror design around the front, but somehow I just wasn't convinced this was the right cover. So, I started looking through some of my photos, and this one jumped out at me:


a looming storm 

I snapped this photo when we were on our way home from town early one evening. As I looked at this photo again, I knew it would be right for my book. Here is what my dear friend, Peggi, said about it when she saw it:

"It's saying so much! It's a journey. It's light and darkness. It's earth and heavens. 
It's night, but colorful. It's mysterious. And it's beautiful."

Another friend said he liked it because it is suggestive and not literal, that it was cool and interpretive. Now that the cover is finished and the book is out, I'm sure it's the best picture for the book. As you can see from the top photo, my son, Alan, did a great job designing the cover.

GLORY TO GOD

When I began writing this book, I knew it was something God had called me to do. I am thankful to Him for giving me strength, patience, and wisdom as I worked on it. I am also grateful for the many friends who prayed for and encouraged me throughout the process. I couldn't have done it without them.

If God has called you to a certain task, whether it be writing a book, composing music, teaching, mentoring others, or something else, He will give you what you need to accomplish it. There will undoubtedly be rough patches, but each one will draw you closer to Him as you realize that you cannot do it alone. God will be with you every step of the way, and even when things seem to slow down, He is still working.

My desire is that this book will encourage all who read, pointing them to the only One who gives us true hope. To God be the glory forever and ever!


Satisfy us in the morning with your faithful love
so that we may shout with joy and be glad all our days.
Make us rejoice for as many days as you have humbled us,
for as many years as we have seen adversity.
Let your work be seen by your servants,
and your splendor by their children.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us;
establish for us the work of our hands—
establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:14-17

I'm linking up with: #TellHisStory



Comments

  1. Congratulations Gayl! It's been such a joy to see God bringing His fullness to your words, and to Stephen's words too! What a miracle! Thank you for letting us all join in with you, and find more of God's true hope! Love and hugs dear sister!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, dear Bettie! You have been such an encouragement through the whole journey of writing the book. Love, hugs, and blessings to you, dear friend! xoxo

      Delete

Post a Comment

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Popular posts from this blog

Advent - A Time of Stillness, Contemplation, and Creativity

Review of My One Word 2024 and Looking Ahead

Shalom: Finding Peace and Wholeness