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Interview on new Book
"Love of a Different Kind"
Article featured in Christ Centered Magazine
By: Jason Robertson
Q: Tell us about your newest book, Love of a Different Kind
A: Love of a Different Kind is a Cinderella story with a twist—but with Jesus as our true Prince and Savior. Transforming the world-famous Cinderella fairy tale into a Royal Tale was not an easy task, and I didn’t write it alone. I had lots of help from my cindersisters and cinderbrothers. This wonderful story is for children of all ages. Find out how Cinderella goes from Hopeless to Faithful and discovers her true identity.
Q: Who is this book dedicated to?
A: Love of a Different Kind is dedicated to the ones who sit among the cinders and ash heaps of life … the ones who are emotionally crippled and frightened … the ones with inward scars that no one can see … the orphans, widows, prisoners, and castaways locked away in the dungeons of hopelessness and despair …the ones who come from temporary wealth and have outward beauty, but who are desperately searching for the love and affection that no money can buy …
Q: How did you come up with the title, Love of a Different Kind?
A: Allen Levi, a singer/songwriter (www.allenlevi.com) and a very special friend of mine wrote a song titled “Love of a Different Kind” several years ago. My heart was deeply touched, and I asked him to share the story behind his song. Here is a short summary of what he shared (the rest of his story can be found in my book).
“Writing the song, I quickly realized that it was not someone else's story—but mine. It was, and is, my hope and my reality. It is my understanding of Jesus and sinners, of a King and His foes, of brokenness and redemption, of being lost and rescued. It is a song of invitation, a call to marriage. It is a song of good news—a story that every soul longs to hear ...”
Q: Who are some of the characters in the story?
A:
The King: God
The Prince:Jesus Christ
The King’s Word:The Bible
Cinderella: Faithful, God’s Chosen Princess
The Wicked Stepmother: Toxic
The Evil Stepsisters: Pride and Jealousy
Unlike the cast in the Cinderella fairy tale, you won’t find certain characters in this script. There’s no Fairy Godmother with a magic wand. No way! And those six mice won’t be transporting Cinderella to the Royal Ball. You won’t find a rat as the coachman or six lizards as footmen. You won’t even find an orange pumpkin turning into a golden carriage in this story. Best of all, Cinderella won’t have to worry about the stroke of midnight catching her by surprise—because midnight for Cinderella and us will mark the beginning of a new life with Christ!
Q: What have others said about Love of a Different Kind?
A: My friend, Carol Hall, wrote the following:
Are you BURNED OUT on all the so-called “happily ever after” stories? I’ve been there, too. When Darlene first asked me to review her manuscript—Love of a Different Kind—a Cinderella story with a twist, I must admit, I thought, “Oh great! Another too sweet Cinderella story.” You see, it was one of those days (you know what I’m talking about) when the enemy—Satan—was interjecting unhappy and sorrowful thoughts into my mind. I told Darlene that because of past failed relationships, I didn’t think I was the right person to read her manuscript, because I just wasn’t into all the sweetie-sweet love stories. In fact, there have been times when I actually wondered if there was such a thing as true love anymore.
After reading Love of a Different Kind—I must confess—it was not at all what I expected. It spoke to my aching heart on a day that I seemed to need a reminder of where God brought me from—the cinders and ash heaps of broken dreams ...
Q: Who can benefit from reading this book?
A: I believe it’s everyone’s dream to be loved, valued, and appreciated—just for who we are. I know of wonderful people who attend church each Sunday with a smiling face, but deep inside—their hearts have been broken and shattered. Some have deep scars from an abusive past or come from a divided or dysfunctional family. Some are battling a life-threatening disease.
Some have suffered from a devastating divorce or from the death of a loved one. Some are living in poverty or are caught in the clutches of financial debt.
Each week, I receive letters from prisoners who seldom hear an encouraging word. And each month, I teach a wonderful group of ladies who have struggled with eating disorders, drugs, or alcoholism. So many feel overwhelmed with fear, worry, anxiety, hopelessness, and despair.
Then there are some friends who have attained great wealth, fortune, and fame—but have never known about this love of a different kind. I believe no matter who we are—we can all benefit from reading this wonderful story of Good News!
On many occasions, I’ve had to remind myself of who I am and Whose I am! I’m not a Cubic Zirconia—but a Tiffany Diamond in God’s eyes.
Q: How can someone get a copy of this book?
A: The books are available at The Sanctuary Bookstore, (formerly The Mustard Seed) located in The Landings Shopping Center on Airport Thruway, and also through my website, www.godsrose.org.
Q: Tell us about your new venture this year?
A: Several years ago, I watched a movie called Pay It Forward. It made an everlasting impact on me—it made me want to Pay It Forward by spreading the message of hope to others. One way I can do this is by sharing copies of my testimony, God’s Rose, and my newest book, Love of a Different Kind, throughout my community.
The following message will be inscribed on each book that we give:
This book is freely given in love ...
After reading this book—if it has touched your heart, would you please pass it along with this same message? You can mail it to a friend—leave it in a coffee shop or in a waiting room—wherever God leads. God’s Rose is a nonprofit organization. Your donation enables us to print more copies of this book. Our mailing address is God’s Rose, P.O. Box is 5387, Columbus, GA 31906.
Visit our website at www.godsrose.org.
I could definitely use some help from my cinderbrothers and cindersisters throughout our community. If you feel God tugging at your heart to help me with the printing costs, please contact me at Darlene@godsrose.org. Remember, it only takes a spark to get a flame going!
Contact us if you would like more information on how to help or how to get your ministry listed on our local ministries page of the ChristianPlug.com website.
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