Loved: looking for stories

I'm one of several writers working on a new book project, a book called Loved with Christian recording artist Rebecca St. James.  The book is based on a song ("You Are Loved") Rebecca wrote for a friend who turned to drugs and away from the church, and will tell stories of young women who left their faith and rediscovered the love of Christ. This is a book of encouragement and hope.  It says, "No matter where you've been or what you've done... you are loved." 

Do you have a story like this that you'd like to share, or do you know someone who might?  I would love to interview you (in person if you're in the DC area, by phone if you're not.)  Simply post a comment here with your contact information, or email me at LElizabethSmith AT gmail DOT com.  (I'll handle all the writing, so no worries if you're not a writer.)

The stories may be dramatic or very simple; the women featured may be modern-day, they may be young women still, they may be older now; I'm hoping to throw in one or two historical pieces as well.  (Just a note -- there's no payment for stories, but everyone featured will receive a free book.)

Even if you don't know of a story, if you could pass this on to others who might know of one, that would be a huge help.
 
The book will release through FaithWords in the fall of 2009.

"Without knowledge that we are loved so extravagantly by God, we can't love Him back, we can't live a holy life, we can't trust Him. But when we understand that He loves us – so deeply and so passionately – and that He wants us to live this great adventure with Him – then we can understand who He is and love Him with all we are." -- Rebecca St. James

Comments

[Jessica]

I know this doesn't have anything to do with this post, and I'm sorry for that. I just read your book, "A Walk with Jane Austen", and I would just like you to know that I really enjoyed it a lot. Besides being a new fan of Austen's work, and of anything to do with England, I also found it encouraging that you talked so much about being a single woman serving Christ. I am only seventeen, but even now it was just wonderful for me to realize that not getting married is not the end of the world. You expressed a lot of my same thoughts and I just found it so enjoyable to read a book by someone who thinks basically the same way I do. While I enjoy people like Elizabeth Elliot, they just seem too perfect in all their God-following and holding onto purity. You made it seem human and possible for someone like me. Thank you so much for this gift!

~Jessica

[Lori Smith]

Oh, thank you! I'm thrilled to know that.

[Caroline]

This comment also is not about my story, but rather my enjoyment of yours.

I just read "A Walk With Jane Austen," attracted to it mostly because I am a dedicated Jane Austen-ophile and was intrigued by the idea of a journey of faith tied into following Austen around England. I lived abroad in England for 5 months during college and fell in love with the country. Right before I left, at the insistence of a friend, I picked up copies of "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility." On the plane ride home, I was hooked (and mad at myself that I hadn't read these earlier and had just left Austen's native land without seeing a thing pertaining to her.)

Anyway, I really related to your book and found it refreshing, honest and compelling. I'm almost 24 and single and your book encouraged me to ask the hard question of how would I react if this status never changed. It's really made me think and given me hope that there is a life beyond (and besides) marriage that is no less valuable, just different. I just was reading in 1 Corinthians yesterday, when Paul talks about how sometimes it's better to remain single, which also has me thinking. Between having people like Paul, Jane Austen and now you who have (and are) living full lives of joy and grace as independent followers of Christ, it gives me hope that God's plans are always best, even if we can't see that.

So thank you for your writing and be blessed.

[Lori Smith]

Thank you, Caroline -- that means a lot to me!

[Rebecca]

I'm not sure if you're looking for someone to tell their story anymore, but I have one. It's not dramatic, it's not the furthest fall from grace, but through it I was brought to my knees at the very throne room of God. If you are still interested, you can email me and I can get you the rest of my contact information.

[Joseph Ravitts]

Is the "Loved" project all over and done with by now? I only just lately became aware of you via the "Walk With" book. I have already attempted to send you a postal letter through your publisher. If it were of interest, I could tell of how I gave love to an ailing wife. You can think of me as Colonel Brandon, if Brandon (1) were an American, (2) was never rich, and (3) lost Marianne to death after no more than three years of a loving marriage.