We are thrilled to introduce the narrator and writers of our Advent reflection book for 2020: Maranatha: The Story of Our Savior.
2020 Advent Writers (on the Heart Behind This Book)
These women span many walks of life and bring their unique experiences to bear as they explore their stories in light of Jesus' coming. Let's hear more from them.
Susanna
Tell us a little about you and what season of your vocation or life you’re in.
These days I spend most of my time raising and homeschooling my four kids, ranging from Kindergarten to Sixth grade, but I love to take a couple of hours every day to delve into my favorite activities of reading theology and philosophy and writing about them in ways accessible to everybody. I am really trying to live in the present these days: being present to my kids, being present to my work, being present to my husband, and seeking always to be present to God and His will.
How did you explore the themes for each week as the narrator?
The themes for this book take us through the life of Christ from the Incarnation, Christ's Ministry, the sacrifice of the Cross, and His call to us to continue sharing the Good News of the Gospel. But they also reflect a deeper story: the story of all humanity. With each week I tell the story of our human need for salvation from our sin and how God planned from the very beginning to come and save us. Your story is also a part of this story, and that is what this book helps you explore.
What are your hopes for the readers of Maranatha?
Advent is my favorite liturgical season—I love how it gives us time to remember God's promises of salvation and all the prophecies of Christ's life and then to see how they were actualized. I hope that readers of Maranatha will enter into this time of hopeful waiting, wondering at how these prophecies were made hundreds of years before their fulfillment and seeing how God continues to keep His promises in their own lives.
Megan
Tell us a little about you and what season of your vocation or life you’re in.
I’m blissfully married to a guy who I originally couldn’t stand (it was mutual), I’m a grateful (busy!) mom to a pack of hockey players, and a writer, speaker, and Army reservist on the side. I’ve always loved to write and grew up wanting to be in the military, but I was always been terrified of public speaking. No big surprise that God began to call me to consistent roles in speaking, teaching, and mentoring—through Blessed is She, as an Army instructor, and my local community. He sure has a sense of humor and loves doing big things through us “little ones!”
Why did you pick the stories you shared?
So many often we believe that it’s our circumstances or capabilities that dictate our identity and worth—yet our entire basis of identity and worth lies in the truth that God made us and loves us. These stories highlight moments where I felt utterly lost or incredibly doubtful of my identity and worth, yet the Lord transformed my heart and understanding to show me that I’m not worthy based on my ability to produce or succeed. I’m everything simply because I’m His—and it’s in seeking Him that I find myself. The same goes for every precious daughter He’s ever created, and He invites us to really believe it!
What are your hopes for the readers of Maranatha?
The darkness of suffering or trial or worldly circumstances is temporary, but in the moment it always seems overwhelming. I pray the eternal, enduring truths of this devotional may shine the light and truth of heaven into every place of worldly darkness to lift women to great hope and freedom and perseverance!
Beth
Tell us a little about you and what season of your vocation or life you’re in.
I'm a single thirty-seven-year-old gal who loves the Lord, baking, and walking with women as the Director of Ministry Advancement for Blessed is She.
Why did you pick the stories you shared?
The stories I shared were both intensely personal, but the miracles of grace that the Lord gave after so many long, painful years is too good to keep to myself. His promises of healing and reconciliation are for everyone.
What are your hopes for the readers of Maranatha?
I'm praying for renewed hope! I pray that each and every woman who reads and prays with Maranatha would experience the coming of Jesus again in her heart and life.
Chika
Tell us a little about you and what season of your vocation or life you’re in.
I’m the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, the youngest of four siblings, aunty to four nieces and nephews, and currently living the joyful single life! As an author, full-time Catholic evangelist, and former youth minister, I love sharing about Jesus and Catholicism.
Why did you pick the stories you shared?
As I prayed through the Scripture readings on which the stories are based, I asked the Holy Spirit to enlighten my heart and mind to what I should share. The vulnerable areas of my insecurities—my immature faith and anxiety—kept coming up, not to shame me or anyone else, but rather to invite myself and the reader to be honest with the Lord and allow a space for Him to come into the rough, hidden, or locked areas of life. Jesus is always gentler and more merciful with us than we are with ourselves and such a reminder of that is always a grace!
What are your hopes for the readers of Maranatha?
Just like the authors of the Maranatha Advent devotional, the readers are of all ages and stages. I pray that every person not only finds themselves in the personal story of the writers but also in the story of salvation. The Lord is ready to come into our lives if we allow Him in.
Sister Maria-Kim
Tell us a little about you and what season of your vocation or life you’re in.
I have been perpetually professed as a Daughter of Saint Paul for seven years. Time flies, and I am always amazed that God gets more and more beautiful through all the ups and downs. He loves us faithfully and fiercely, and I am so humbled to be able to be of service for the Kingdom.
Why did you pick the stories you shared?
The stories I shared echo the sureness of God’s light piercing any clouds in our lives. I wanted to share a couple simple moments in my journey to help us all see how God can use everything, like Saint Paul says, for our good. He is the Master Creator.
What are your hopes for the readers of Maranatha?
I pray that the readers of Maranatha will be encouraged by this journey. I pray that the readers will be able to trace the hand of God in their lives and grow in confidence in God’s never-ending mercy.
We are thrilled for you to join us on our Advent journey. Find the copy of your book (or our bundle!) here.
Nell O’Leary is the Managing Editor for Blessed is She, an attorney turned writer, speaker, and editor while tending to her husband and five kiddos. She also facilitates our community groups as she loves helping women find sisterhood. Her undergrad is in English from University of Minnesota and her J.D. from Ave Maria School of Law. Notably, she can down a hot cocoa in two seconds. Find out more about her here.
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