A Life-changing moment

I recently started reading a romantic suspense novel. At about page one hundred, I actually had to look up the genre to make sure I didn’t miss something. There was absolutely no suspense. No action. Nothing. That might be okay in some genres, it definitely wasn’t okay for a suspense novel. And for me, the story ended up not only boring, but unread.

When I write a  novel, I like to try and see it as a snap shot. A deeper look into that one moment, that period of time, when everything in a character’s life changes forever. Without that growth experienced by your character, there really isn’t much of a story no matter what genre you’re looking at. It's that crossroads when everything that can go wrong, goes wrong. All at the same time.

On a personal level, I’ve been thinking a lot about those life changing moments lately. For one, I’m in the middle of plotting a new book. I want to make sure that the stakes are high, that lives are in danger, and that there is something to risk and everything to lose if my hero and heroine don't reach their goal.

But I’m also in the middle of some pretty big changes in my own life.

In the past few weeks, we left Africa and arrived back in the US where we will be for the next few months. Culture shock has been relatively easy this time around. I still get overwhelmed at the selection at the grocery store and usually just end up grabbing something off the shelves. If I don’t do that, then I end up staring at the cereal aisle for twenty minutes without making a decision. And so far, I’ve only ended up driving on the left hand side of the road once. Ha!

But the real changes are a daughter who started University two weeks ago and a son who enlisted in the Army and ships off to boot camp on Wednesday! As a momma, I know that both experiences are going to change my children’s lives forever. They won’t come out on the other end the same. But really, that’s okay. They will grow, and struggle, and learn, and Lord willing become stronger people. And for that I’m excited.

Hebrews 13:5 is a reminder I'm holding onto.

God has said never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.

There are a lot of life-changing things happening around our world today. There is the remembrance of 9/11, hurricanes, flooding, devastating fires and earthquakes that have affected thousands of people. When the live-changing moment isn't just inside the pages of a good book, remember those! He will never leave you or forsake you.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. (Psalm 46:2)

Let Him be your rock and your fortress no matter what is going on around you.

Be blessed,

Lisa Harris

LISA HARRIS is a best-selling author, Christy Award winner, and two time winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times. She has over thirty novels and novella collections in print. She and her family have spent fourteen years working as missionaries in Africa. When she's not working she loves hanging out with her family, cooking different ethnic dishes, photography, and heading into the African bush on safari. For more information about her books and life in Africa, you can visit her website.