Love! Roma
nce! Commitment!
nce! Commitment!And that’s just Genesis, folks!
When I began writing Christian romance, it didn’t escape my notice that many people viewed my scratchings as ‘fluff.’ In fact, I had one very nice lady in my church tell me that I should either write something that would honor God or find another way to minister to people. I remember being heartbroken by those statements. Why couldn’t I write what the Lord had laid upon my heart?
When I began writing Christian romance, it didn’t escape my notice that many people viewed my scratchings as ‘fluff.’ In fact, I had one very nice lady in my church tell me that I should either write something that would honor God or find another way to minister to people. I remember being heartbroken by those statements. Why couldn’t I write what the Lord had laid upon my heart?
But now, some ten years into my writing journey, after reading God’s Word and spending countless hours praying and studying the craft, I can make a daring statement.
Our God is a romantic!
Let’s look at the facts. In the first two chapters of Genesis, the Creator had worked a masterpiece. Light and darkness. Earth and sky. The seasons. Fully matured plants and fruits that sustained all the animals. And of course, man.
You’d think that would be enough, wouldn’t you?
But even in all that splendor, God knew that there was a serious problem. Man was alone. Some folks may asked why God didn’t just go ahead and make man and woman at the same time. After all, He knew His creation wouldn’t like being alone.
Maybe God wanted man to be exposed to solitude for a reason.
Think about that first meeting between man and woman. After having all the creatures of earth brought before him, Adam must have felt an emptiness. Where would he find the one creation that could ease his loneliness, someone he could share the paradise the Lord God had created?
In that moment, the Creator stared into the soul of man and knew his heart was ready. With just a thought, Adam fell into a deep sleep and when he awakes, he’s not alone.
“Adam, I have brought one more creature for you to name.”
Do you think Adam’s heart fluttered in his throat the first time he saw the slope of Eve’s face? Was he breathless when he compared her soft curves to the hard angles of his own body? Or did he simply stare into her eyes and recognize her for what she truly was?
The missing part of himself!
Let’s look at the facts. In the first two chapters of Genesis, the Creator had worked a masterpiece. Light and darkness. Earth and sky. The seasons. Fully matured plants and fruits that sustained all the animals. And of course, man.
You’d think that would be enough, wouldn’t you?
But even in all that splendor, God knew that there was a serious problem. Man was alone. Some folks may asked why God didn’t just go ahead and make man and woman at the same time. After all, He knew His creation wouldn’t like being alone.
Maybe God wanted man to be exposed to solitude for a reason.
Think about that first meeting between man and woman. After having all the creatures of earth brought before him, Adam must have felt an emptiness. Where would he find the one creation that could ease his loneliness, someone he could share the paradise the Lord God had created?
In that moment, the Creator stared into the soul of man and knew his heart was ready. With just a thought, Adam fell into a deep sleep and when he awakes, he’s not alone.
“Adam, I have brought one more creature for you to name.”
Do you think Adam’s heart fluttered in his throat the first time he saw the slope of Eve’s face? Was he breathless when he compared her soft curves to the hard angles of his own body? Or did he simply stare into her eyes and recognize her for what she truly was?
The missing part of himself!
Ah, romance!
It’s hard to have a Christian marriage in today’s society. The world has taken God out of the relationship equation and made the sacred union between a man and woman something cheap and sordid. The media weave the world’s view of love throughout our days. Cheap sex. Empty relationships. Changing partners.
It’s hard to have a Christian marriage in today’s society. The world has taken God out of the relationship equation and made the sacred union between a man and woman something cheap and sordid. The media weave the world’s view of love throughout our days. Cheap sex. Empty relationships. Changing partners.
How sad!
Give me a good story with a hero and heroine who put Christ at the center of their lives. Let me cheer them on as they fall in love. Let the tears fall when they have troubles that help them grow stronger. And let me smile as they learn to lean on God in their relationship.
I write Christian romance because I’m a romantic. Just like my Father.
Give me a good story with a hero and heroine who put Christ at the center of their lives. Let me cheer them on as they fall in love. Let the tears fall when they have troubles that help them grow stronger. And let me smile as they learn to lean on God in their relationship.
I write Christian romance because I’m a romantic. Just like my Father.
Patty,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful...and I think very close to what actually happened. Caveat: I am not a theologian, nor do I play one on TV.
The Bible is one all-consuming romance story. The story of God's pursuit of His beloved--us.
Great post, Patty! Especially given the comments on the Internet lately about Christian romance novels. BRAVO!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post. Thank you, Patty.
ReplyDeleteI agree. God is such an awesome God.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Patty! You go, Girl.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Patty, I needed to hear this. I struggle back and forth with the viability/value of what I write. I am becoming hesitant to talk to the pastors/male friends at church about my work, but maybe I should. Armed with Genesis. :D You just made my day.
ReplyDeleteAnd Ane, I haven't been hearing the talk on the web, which is probably a good thing!
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ReplyDeleteAmen! Our God is the ultimate lover and the author of romance. There is nothing more intimate than God's breath. Great post, Patti.
ReplyDeleteToo bad that woman in your church doesn't read her Bible instead of just thumping you with it!
ReplyDeleteTwo other romances are The Song of Solomon, and Joseph's abiding love for Mary even when he believed her to have betrayed him.
Truly, our God is a loving God, always faithful to us. May He continue to bless your work and open our eyes to his Word.