Truth: Stranger than Fiction

Publishers today expect fiction, except fantasy, to be peppered with facts. It draws the reader in and makes them think the story might be based on truth, with names changed, etc.

But on the world scene today, the facts have grown far larger than any fictional story. One month ago, if you'd presented a book proposal about your characters in a town that suffered an earthquake of magnitude nine, followed a few minutes later by a tsunami traveling faster than a jet plane, that's be nail-biting stuff. But then add a series of explosions from nearby nuclear reactors contaminating the atmosphere with uncertain levels of radiation, plus almost immediate power, food, and gas shortages. Then to top all that, cause it to snow. I'm sure most editors would've said, "Too much going on here. Be realistic!"

Now we have the experts from various disciplines, showing us charts of these recent earthquakes caused by shifting, thrusting tectonic plates, around the Pacific Ring. And they are pointing to Washington State and California with its huge San Andreas Fault as the next to go. And every one of them say, "It's not a matter of if, but when."

So whether these experts accept this or not, they are reiterating the same predictions from the most authoritative book ever written. Even the scoffers usually claiming it's all doom and gloom are silent. Look in the Gospel of Luke, that meticulous author in quoting Jesus' very words, Luke chapter 21 verse 9:

"When you hear of wars and revolutions do not be dismayed, these things must happen first."  Verse 11:  "There will be great earthquakes, famines, pestilences in various places."< already happened> Verse 25: "On the earth there will be anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea." But then He gives great hope,  in verse 28, to those of us who belong to Him:  "When these things begin to take place, lift up your heads for your redemption is drawing near."

What is expected us? Leave everything and run for high ground? But Jesus told us not to be fearful. We need to carry on with our work. Keep short accounts. Take care of our loved ones. And trust the Lord to daily guide us in all our decision making. Yes, our old earth is groaning, and our natural inclination is to ignore warnings, but when they come from the Lord Jesus, Himself, should we?

As Christian authors we want to weave truth into our stories. We want them to be entertaining, sure, but also to assure our readers that God is in control and leave them with a message of hope.

I am happy to place those leaving comments into the draw for a book, published by Adams Media, in which I've been a contributor. It tells touching, real life stories of everyday people. And maybe you'd like to visit www.ritastellagalieh.com