The characters in my upcoming novel, To Belong Together, latched onto that question without my permission.
I set out to write a story about belonging, but John and Erin kept having conversations like this one:
“You’re John Kennedy, drummer for one of the biggest bands in the country.”
He shook his head as if to disagree, then laughed quietly. “And you’re Erin Hirsh, girl mechanic.”
“I’m a woman and a technician.”
His nod seemed a little smug, as though he’d anticipated her objection. “And a niece, cousin, and spitfire, but I bet daughter matters most.”
A spitfire? Okay, she deserved that, and he didn’t say it like an insult. Plus, he was right. Her role as daughter mattered most. Before Dad’s mind fell prey to dementia, he’d been the only person to understand and accept her. She didn’t belong with anyone the way she belonged with him.
Who will I be when he’s gone, God?
Do you see how seamlessly Erin’s thoughts progressed from roles to belonging to identity?
The three are connected. The identity we claim strongly influences where we believe we belong, and it’s all too easy to identify ourselves by the roles we fill.
Unfortunately, roles come and go. That’s why, when we base our identity on them, they can only provide a temporary sense of belonging—one that’s cast into upheaval when change comes, as Erin is experiencing.
But there is a secure, unchanging anchor for a person’s identity.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8, ESV
The unchanging, loving God crafted us with attention and purpose. (see Psalm 139:14 and Psalm 138:8)
He died on the cross so we could have a right relationship with Him.
When we believe in Him, we become His children, and that is an identity that will never change.
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 1 John 3:1, ESV
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28, ESV
Operating from that identity, believers needn’t fear the other changes that come our way. In Christ, we will always have belonging.
John and Erin’s story helped me explore all of this, but as I look back on the story, I realize there’s another character who quietly lives out this example better than any other: Erin’s father.
The one with dementia.
Though his disease has progressed before the story starts, Erin recalls him telling her earlier on that he was willing to walk whatever road God assigned because anything God assigns, He walks His children through.
I think the willingness to accept such a difficult assignment points to a man who was secure in his identity as a beloved child of God. He was confident that even dementia, which threatened not only his roles in life but also his mind, couldn’t separate him from his God.
We live in an uncertain world, and we fill many, many roles over the course of a lifetime. If it’s the comfort and security of true belonging we’re after, then the only place we’ll find it is in Christ. When we base our identities in Him, we, like Erin’s father, needn’t fear any call, challenge, or change.
Drummer John Kennedy can keep a beat, but he can’t hold a conversation, so he relies on actions to show he cares. Unfortunately, when he’s instantly intrigued by a spunky female mechanic, he can’t seem to convey the sincerity of his intentions. And the rejections don’t stop there. His own sister is pushing him away just when he could help her most.
Erin Hirsh’s life would be easier if God hadn’t given her a love for cars. Only her father understood her, and she’s losing him to dementia. Her brief romances have always backfired worse than a mistuned engine, and she refuses to give John the chance to wreck her heart. A rock star with a supermodel ex can’t possibly see anything in her.
At least that’s what she thinks until they find common ground in faith and their worsening family situations leave them each longing for a place to belong. Could God intend for this pair of opposites to belong together?
Emily Conrad writes contemporary Christian romance that explores life’s relevant questions. Though she likes to think some of her characters are pretty great, the ultimate hero of her stories (including the one she’s living) is Jesus. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and their energetic coonhound rescue. Learn more about her and her books at emilyconradauthor.com.
To Belong Together, releasing 2/28/22, is the second novel in the Rhythms of Redemption Romances, where each story follows one member of the rock band Awestruck. Pre-order the ebook for the discounted price of $2.99 from major online retailers.
Most resolutions fail because they focus on cleaning the outside of the cup—behavior modification—without dealing with the internal factors that fuel our actions. True and lasting change goes much deeper, to that which drives everything else—our good habits and bad, our acts of love and sin, and our fears and our faith.
God revealed this truth to me decades ago when I was battling what seemed like an unconquerable eating disorder and intense emotions that often felt out of control. I went to church on Sundays and sang about the all-encompassing grace of Christ, determining to love others like He loved me, only to snap at my daughter, gossip about a friend, and get into an ugly fight with my husband once home. I was a mess, as was my marriage and some of my closest friendships. I knew I needed to live differently if I wanted to experience the joy and peace Christ promised, if I wanted to be the “new creation” Scripture proclaimed. (2 Cor. 5:17).
“Lord, help me, please,” I cried, night after night, making all sorts of promises to Him and myself. The next I day would be different. I’d be more loving, kinder. I’d use words that built up rather than tore others down and wouldn’t get so caught up with the bathroom scale or what I consumed. I’d read my Bible and pray more.
I developed quite a list of dos and don’ts, habits I wanted to incorporate and those I wanted to drop, and a strong desire to follow through. And if I tried hard, if I remained focused on my goals, I could reach them … for a few days, a week, sometimes even a month.
But I never found freedom.
Then one night, after having broken my vows yet again, I poured my heart out to God. I felt so weak, like such a failure. I remained there for some time, tears streaming down my face as all my flaws replayed through my mind. But then God shined His light deep into my soul, revealing the roots of my behaviors and why I wasn’t living in the victory Christ had already won for me.
My battle wasn’t over what I did or didn’t eat, say or do. My problem stemmed from my heart: misplaced loves. Idolatry of myself. Turning to food, entertainment, or shopping for comfort instead of pursuing the soul-deep healing that can only come from Christ.
That was a life-changing moment for me that I’ve never forgotten, one that has radically changed my goals. Because I know, if my heart is right and fully centered on Christ, everything else will follow. (Proverbs 4:23).
Or to phrase it differently: every behavior, the positive and negative, and accidentally blurted word, flows from the heart.
Set Goals
So, here’s what I plan to focus on in the year ahead:
I will create margin in my day and week to sit quietly with my Savior, knowing anything good in me comes from Him. And I’ll learn to practice “the pause” more consistently—when I sense frustration, pride, or selfishness rising within, when anxious thoughts threaten my peace, or simply when I begin to feel fatigued. With God’s help, I’ll remember to close my eyes, to breathe deeply, and remind myself of His presence, if only for a moment, knowing every minute spent with Him fortifies my soul.
I’ll trust God to fight my battles. My all-powerful Creator handles them much better than I do, anyway. He knows everything I’m facing, all that lies ahead, and how He plans to use it all for my good and His glory.
I will learn to live in my true identity as His beloved and empowered child, because I know how identity impacts behavior. I won’t live as an orphan who must earn God’s love, who must hide from Him when I fail. Instead, I will consistently turn to Him, my tender and attentive Father, to receive mercy, strength and comfort in my time of need. (Hebrews 4:13). And I will listen for His guidance, knowing He is growing and healing me day by day and prayer by prayer.
Join me!
I invite you to join me as together, we choose growth over perfection and connecting with Christ over striving, because that is the life to which we’ve been called; the life Christ died to give us.
Consider that habit you’ve long tried to break, that behavior you’ve consistently fought against. What might God want to reveal regarding its root?
We are in the season of giving. It’s a great time to give the gift of forgiveness.
Undoubtedly, Jesus understood forgiveness was not just a gift for the one who needs forgiveness it is just as much a gift for the one needing to forgive.
The inability or refusal to forgive traps us in the past, stopping us from moving forward with our lives. The resentment we carry makes us prisoner to the person or incident that brought us pain.
The problem most of us have with forgiving someone who has treated us unjustly or abused us is the feeling that we’ll be letting the person off the hook or in essence saying, “What you did to me was okay or didn’t have meaning”.
“Forgiveness does not mean excusing.”
C.C. Lewis
When what it’s actually saying is, “What you did, or what happened to me was wrong – it meant something, but I’m going to forgive you anyway… because, I’ve been forgiven.”
It’s not letting the person off the hook – forgiveness is like being given the key to a prison cell and unlocking the door walking out!
Forgive as Jesus
As Christians, we understand this, because Christ forgave us, while we were undeserving and unworthy of forgiveness. And, He tells us that we should do likewise. Instructing us in the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our sins, just AS we forgive those who sin against us.” (Luke 11:4, NLT) This would indicate that our forgiveness is based upon our ability to forgive others.
I’m sure Jesus realized this often would not be an easy task.
Having had to practice what I preach, I know that it’s not.
And, I’ve ministered to and counseled with individuals who’ve been hurt in unspeakable ways – yet they found and gave the gift of forgiveness. The peace and freedom that followed were life-changing.
Someone to Trust
I use the theme of forgiveness throughout my novel Someone To Trust.In the story, Megan McCormick has suffered betrayal twice from men. She is wounded, angry and trapped in bitterness and mistrust. She’s put physical distance between her and the place where she was abandoned and betrayed, but she’s still emotionally trapped there. Her mistrust of men and guilt over past failures hinders her from stepping into a relationship with Lee, a handsome, kind Veterinarian. Only after accepting the forgiveness of her heavenly father is Megan able to forgive her earthly father and the man who broke her heart. However, her newfound freedom is put to the test when her past comes knocking. Now, there’s only one person left for her to forgive, and she struggles with this one most of all – herself. Can she give herself the gift of forgiveness and accept Lee’s love? You’ll have to read Someone To Trust to find out.
This really is the best time to give yourself the gift of forgiveness. We are truly the benefactors when we choose to forgive. And it is a choice – not a feeling.
“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.”
Corrie Ten Boom
The gift of forgiveness and the freedom it brings is immeasurable. It’s liberating; it allows us to unchain ourselves from the past, make peace with it and move forward in our lives.
There are times we choose a gift that we adore but find our loved ones less than enthusiastic upon receiving it. Do we treat God’s gifts the same way?
Well, the most amazing gift I received, the one that boosted my childhood faith and sent four-year-old Kristen dancing about with joy, was somewhat terrifying for my parents. You see, I had been praying for a pony every single night for a year. My parents couldn’t afford a pony. We had no place to put a pony. But their small concerns did not stop my fervent heavenly petitions.
As my fourth birthday neared, the unthinkable occurred. Remember my prayers, so many prayers. Against their wishes, someone randomly gifted my folks with an angry circus pony! Thus, Shortcake entered our lives. She bucked, she kicked, she bit, she reared up on her hind legs and tried to scrape you off her back on fences and tree branches. She galloped off and hid behind terrifying cows. She was a pony and therefore, she was perfect!
When I was searching for a personality for Shelby, my heroine in Chicken Crossing, I decided that just like that wild gift-giver with an extra pony on their hands, my heroine should definitely spend her time gifting unexpected pets to others. Allergic to dogs? No problem. Shelby comes to the rescue with a pair of bald rats!
Clearly, I had way too much fun with that story, but as Shelby learned to trust the Lord’s help and let go of the idea of being the one to rescue everyone around her, I was reminded that the very best gifts are the ones that echo in your heart forever. Sometimes, the best gifts are even the ones that we look upon with suspicion and a fair bit of trepidation.
Yes, that angry circus pony was amazing, but I have received something even more fabulous and much more dangerous. No, this gift never bites or climbs the fence. Although, accepting it does bring its own kind of pain along with the greatest joy.
When God decided to come to us, His gift was met with suspicion, confusion, and fear.
Just like the characters in Chicken Crossing when faced with a gift of bald rats; just like my parents when that biting, kicking, beautiful pony was thrust into their lives; the people in Israel were pretty concerned when their Messiah showed up. He was different than they expected. More dangerous. Demanded different things of them than they were willing to give. I am the bread of life? The greatest of you will be the servant of all? Love your enemies? Yes, there was miraculous healing. Healing of both the body and the heart, but it happened on the Sabbath and for lepers, whores, and tax collectors. What was God thinking? What kind of gift had He sent and how did it fit into an orderly religious world?
But just like my parents built a lean-to in the back yard for that pony and the bald rats and pet chickens in Chicken Crossing eventually found a home, making room for God’s gift is worth the trouble. Now, I’m not saying to accept every gift-chicken that shows up at your doorstep. But when it is God knocking, absolutely rush to the door and usher Him into your world. He knows you inside and out. He has the very best gifts and through the power of His spirit, will steer you in life and love and sacrifice so that you can give the very best gifts to others. Just like God brought my parents to mind when that stranger from so long ago found themselves with an extra pony on their hands. Yes, the God we serve is that powerful and that good. This Christmas, may we all honour God as we lavish gifts upon each other. But if your gift is a chicken, unexpected puppy, or bald rat; I suggest a great deal of prayer before you give. May your gifting reflect your Lord and always honour Him.
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What is Chicken Crossing all about? I’m glad you asked …
Why did the chicken cross the road?
The machinations of poultry are difficult to decipher. Add an infuriating youth pastor, a terrifying crash at highway speeds, and trap-building kids too bored for their own good and you have something a little more serious than a knock-knock joke.
After the local librarian foolishly agrees to haul a trailer full of chickens over the pass, an unexpected crash sends fifteen beloved hens scattering into the wilderness. Shelby and the exasperating Jack must locate, capture, and return the chickens to his nephew before the talent show at the boy’s new school on Monday. The problem: chickens are incredibly difficult to catch. Especially when dispersed throughout the wild. When they take refuge in a coop occupied by twenty identical hens and guarded by multiple NO TRESPASSING signs and a pair of bored mountain children who have been watching way too much TV, tensions rise and feathers fly. Can Shelby thwart an alarming collection of unlikely traps and find the chickens before they are devoured? Imagination and ingenuity go so very wrong in this epic clash of inventive child verses accidental chicken thief.
Wondering what Dandelion Floofums was up to during Shelby and Jack’s insane quest? Find out here!
Kristen joy Wilks
Kristen Joy Wilks is an author, camp photographer, and mom of three teenage boys. She writes about what she loves: the quiet of the forest, the ill-considered schemes of unstoppable children, and the love of loyal pets who will never leave your side … as long as you pack bacon! Follow Kristen on Instagram, Facebook, or try one of her chicken-themed books for free by signing up for her newsletter at kristenjoywilks.com.
In Erin’s new release, Eight Cats of Christmas, the male protagonist faces a situation where he earnestly seeks God’s guidance regarding his career path. He’s willing to wait however long it takes to get a clear answer.
When he arrives at his office the next morning, events unfold right in front of him, so unexpected and so stunningly clear, there is no doubt in his mind that this is God’s answer. Best of all, he realizes the series of events had been put in motion days or perhaps weeks earlier—before he ever prayed the prayer.
God promises in Isaiah 65:24, “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear” (KJV). The New Living Translation says it this way: “I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!”
I love when I can draw on my own experiences from my walk with Christ and weave them into my books. The most vivid example of this happened about four years ago. I became aware of an opportunity to attend a Christian conference, and the registration deadline was in two days. It was something I thought would really benefit me, but it was January, and I didn’t have the entrance fee (you know, Christmas shopping and all that). I tried everything I could to figure out a way to scrape together the money, but it just wouldn’t be possible in two days. I wasn’t expecting a windfall from overtime I’d worked or anything of that nature. I couldn’t even come up with anything to sell online. Total zero.
So, I prayed. I told God that if this conference was in His plan for me, He would need to provide the entrance fee. I prayed this prayer at my desk mid-morning.
When I arrived home from work, I went to the mailbox (you know what’s coming, don’t you?) and pulled out an envelope. It was a refund check from the insurance on my daughter’s car that we had sold about three months earlier. If I’d ever known we were due a refund, I had completely forgotten about it. The check had been mailed three days ago and processed three days before that.
And it was exactly the amount of the conference registration, with four dollars left over.
I imagined the joy on my Father’s face as He watched me walk to the mailbox, take out the envelope, and open it. He may have even been laughing and saying to Himself, “Daughter, when you prayed that prayer in faith, I had already answered it!”
Since 2014, Erin Stevenson has been writing faith-based romance novels for Pelican Book Group and Winged Publications. She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), where she has served as a judge and was a 2021 Carol Award finalist.
Erin grounds her stories in reality and crafts characters who encounter events and hardships familiar to all of us. Her inspirational writing will take the reader down paths of both joy and pain, but always highlighting God’s faithfulness.
When she’s not writing or reading, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren and playing in the garden at her home in central Iowa—which mainly equates to pulling weeds. Her secret indulgence is plain M&Ms.
Jody Day comes to us from the United States on the American Thanksgiving. Canadians celebrated last month, but it is always good to declare “I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13). Welcome, Jody!
Take Every Thought Captive
It had to be done. Both knees no longer have any cartilage at all, and knee injections just weren’t cutting it. The idea of total knee replacement lingered on the table while I prayed and sought counsel. I’d do it! Thus began the process of getting lined up with a surgeon and a host of other preparatory things that had to be done.
Expect the Unexpected
Something unexpected happened that I wasn’t quite prepared for. My thoughts began to take a devastating path. I knew it was not from the Lord, but nevertheless, the thoughts persisted.
You’ll never wake up. This is the last time you see your grandchildren, your husband, on and on.
Every thought was laced with fear. I wasn’t afraid of the surgery, I was afraid I’d not make it. I was even afraid to tell anyone the attack my mind was under.
I knew how to fight it! I replaced those thoughts immediately with God’s Word. I just couldn’t believe how persistent and permeating the battle became. I know it was fueled by the current health crisis. I had lost several close friends to the virus, and more death and destruction came across our prayer chain every day. Literally, the last few moments before I went under anesthesia, I got word that another friend had gone to heaven. As I went into surgery, the peace that passes all understanding assured me that I was in God’s loving hands.
Mistletoe Misses
My new Christmas book, Mistletoe Misses (which I wrote even before the idea of knee replacement became a thing) actually speaks to this very issue. Risé, a nurse, is so consumed with the effects of the virus that she sees every day that she ceases to live. She stops spending time with her loved ones out of fear. She learns, along with her fiancé Evan, that God hasn’t changed. She learns that we must focus on His Word and His promises because we were born for such a time as this. We are not to live in fear. God hasn’t changed!
I personally learned the importance of fighting the enemy with God’s Word. It is our sure weapon against the onslaught of the enemy. I am so very motivated to hide more of His words in my heart to fight in those dark, wee, small hours of the night when the enemy starts lying to me.
Today, a few weeks out of surgery, I am thanking God that “I will WALK before the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 116:9). God has been all over the surgery and recovery. I’m still on the walker and going to therapy, by it’s going well. I have seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!
Jody Day writes inspirational fiction, devotionals, poetry, and Bible studies from her home in West Texas. She is the author of the Washout Express Series, and two Christmas Extravaganza novellas, Mistletoe Mix-Up and Mistletoe Misses from Pelican Book Group. She writes about her author journey and life in general on her blog. Her time is filled with the love of fifteen grandchildren, serving on the prayer team for her church, community theater, and her job at her town’s local library, which includes piano lessons and choir both at the library and at a Christian academy. She and her husband celebrate 36 years of marriage this year.
