Last fall when the RITA
contest opened for entries, my family suffered the most terrible time of our
lives. First, my son was diagnosed with “untreatable, incurable” stage four
cancer. A few weeks later my brother, worried about his sister and nephew, decided
to drive to my house for Thanksgiving. Two hours out of Atlanta, he died in a
car accident. My sister-in-law was critically injured.
Needless to say, the last
thing on my mind was entering a contest. By the time I remembered, the contest
had closed. So I signed on to judge the inspirational category instead.
Fast forward and a packet
of books arrived for judging but none were inspirational. I emailed RWA and
mentioned that I’d still be willing to judge inspies if needed. Within five
minutes, my phone rang. Carol of RWA explained that I could not judge the
category because I was entered.
Shock ran through me, followed by tears as she told this story. A Love Inspired author who remains anonymous knew about my personal heartache. That precious sister in Christ contacted RWA and did the most incredibly unselfish thing. She withdrew HER beautiful book from the contest and replaced it with mine. Then she purchased the five required copies of THE CHRISTMAS CHILD and mailed them in to RWA. Entering the RITA is expensive. Books and shipping aren’t cheap. But this amazing woman chose to give up her slot, her money, and her opportunity to bless a hurting sister.
When the RITA calls went
out in March and I learned that THE CHRISTMAS CHILD had finaled, I cried most
of the day. I’m crying still as I tell the story. Not just because my book was
a finalist. Of course I’m delighted, but the final itself seems less important at
this point. Rather, I weep with joy for the gift of love and compassion someone
gave at the time I needed it most.
God works in the most
wonderful ways through his amazing people.
Posts
Thank you for the post. It was encouraging and uplifting to read. So good to know that people are willing to put aside their desires to help out a sister in Christ!
ReplyDeleteWow Linda, I am so sorry to hear of your brothers death and sons illness. I am happy for you that a fellow author entered you like they did. This is a true gift of love in action and caring. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDelete"First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world."
ReplyDeleteRomans 1:8
A book to read and treasure because it entails so much more than the story in itself.
Thank you for sharing,
T
Linda, I am crying too. But it is a good cry.
ReplyDeleteThis is a truly profound lesson in caring and self-sacrifice. God bless that person and you!
Prayers continue for you and your family.
Peace, Julie
Thank you, ladies, for posting. I am so humbled by that person's act. It's truly an display of Christian love that has changed me forever.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I hear the story I'm weepy.
ReplyDeleteThis is the lesson Christ taught us--do unto others. We are all blessed by this act of kindness. God was in the details!! Best wishes for your Rita nomination, Linda. We love you.
ReplyDeleteLinda, your story makes me tear up everytime I hear it. I'm positive God is touching hearts and lives through this. God bless you, your family, and the precious writer who gave so selflessly.
ReplyDeleteAs others have mentioned, the story always brings a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. God is good, and His goodness manifests in the compassion and love of those we meet along life's path.
ReplyDeleteThanking God for you and your wonderful stories and for the other author who put your needs before her own.
I'll be cheering you on in CA!!!
Tears in my eyes here! Thank you for sharing this story!
ReplyDeleteWhoa! It is a good thing that Merrillee warned me about this story, so I could be ready with tissues! I have very rarely ever read anything that resonated so much with me as this did!! This just goes to show that you never know about another person. Sometimes I tend to think that Christian authors are stuck in a little bubble, away from all hurting and human foibles. Thank you for reminding me yet again that that just is not so! I am praying for you and your family. How are your son and your sister-in-love doing now?
ReplyDeleteSO TOUCHING!
ReplyDeleteYour story gives me chill bumps, Linda. What an amazing act of selfless compassion! And a reminder of God's love and care. Still praying for your son.
ReplyDeletePraise God for that sister author!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's an amazing story.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story!
ReplyDeleteI feel blessed and inspired having read your story. What a beautiful act of kindness! Praise God for sending you this sister author when you needed her most. My deepest condolences for the loss of your brother and prayers for your son and sister-in-law.
ReplyDeleteSusanbooks, my sister in law is mending. She still doesn't have full use of one foot and her heart will be a long time mending, but the rest of her is up and moving again. She came out for a few days last week which is both painful and good for all of us. I love her so much. Thank you for asking.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks to all who pray for Travis, my son. Keep praying, please. We are still in the midst of a terrible battle.
I hope the story of my angel-author's generous act blesses lots of people. I want her to have many, many stars in her crown.
Susanbooks, my sister in law is mending. She still doesn't have full use of one foot and her heart will be a long time mending, but the rest of her is up and moving again. She came out for a few days last week which is both painful and good for all of us. I love her so much. Thank you for asking.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks to all who pray for Travis, my son. Keep praying, please. We are still in the midst of a terrible battle.
I hope the story of my angel-author's generous act blesses lots of people. I want her to have many, many stars in her crown.
A truly beautiful story, Linda.
ReplyDeleteThis is what the heart of the writing community is all about. Inspirational.
I'm so sorry to hear about all that you have been through and are going through, but thank you so much from that inspirational and uplifting story at just the right time. It was so needed and I'm so happy to hear about this amazing gift in the name of love and Christ.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story. My heart aches for your losses. What a wonderful story of selfless giving. Thank you so much for sharing it. It's stories like these that renew my faith and reenergize my soul. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful story of the 'awesomeness' of God. I'm a Love Inspired Historical fan, buy all four each month and the occasional LI Suspense; however, I just purchased/downloaded a copy of THE CHRISTMAS CHILD.
ReplyDeleteLinda, my prayers are with you and your family. I know you already know that God is the Great Healer.
There is not a dry eye in my home, since I shared this story.
wj
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, What a wonderful story. It's some awesome and inspiring and another author would show the love of Jesus in this way. I am saying another prayer for your some and your sister-in-law. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
I keep trying to understand why someone would do this because 1) I'd never have thought of it 2) I wouldn't have been so generous. The anonymous person lifts my heart and inspires me and makes me want to be a better person. Thank you!
ReplyDelete