Hey Parable Posse! I just wanted to talk little more about the new series I wrote, Faith Over Fear. It is written for youth and adults and it’s all about light overcoming darkness. Jesus came to be the Light of the World and he has commissioned us to do the same.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Why was Faith Over Fear Created?
Faith Over Fear was created because it is nostaglia meets ministry. Originally meant for Halloween I realize it can be read year round to children or to ourselves to remind us that faith conquers fear. Growing up, I read scary books, it was the 90’s. There were a plethora of macabre fiction for kids; Goosebumps, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Fear Street and many more! There is an article titled, “10 Children’s Horror Books That Gave ‘90’s Kids Nightmares”. That title is very telling because there is alot of truth in it. As time passed my collection of children’s scary stories began to bore me and this led to my collection of horror for adults. Let’s say they left nothing to the imagination. My fetish to be spooked lead to serious fear as a preteen reading books by; Stephen King, Dean Koontz, Clive Barker and others I can’t remember. It awoke my imagination of “What If” it also led to reading “crime fiction and non-fiction” my knowledge of the evil among us bombarded me. Thank God for Jesus. That is why I wanted a genre for children of this generation where they know evil does exist, but it doesn’t consume or overpower purity. I wrote relatable characters and give them wisdom either from within or around them. Anybody had a praying grandmother, godmother, mother or auntie you could run to for guidance? Anybody had a dad, grandad or uncle that told them a life story with a lesson that you can repeat today? They can be found in these tales.
The Hundred Voices
A story about a young girl haunted in her sleep. Have you ever suffered from Sleep Paralysis? I have. This is what inspired this story. Check out this video where I explain how Sleep Paralysis is a spiritual battle and ways to defeat it. This story will help our little ones conquer their fear of the dark and nightmares. This message reminds them of the power of Jesus over all wickedness. We have to be very conscious of what our children are exposed to on their technology of choice. Back in the days we had HBO and Cinemax at night now we have inappropriate shows being shown all times of the day! So we have to be vigilant, watchful and intentional parents. I am not writing saying evil doesn’t exist I am giving children tactics to use when they come face to face with evil. Trust me they do and will whether we as parents are aware of it or not. Let’s get them prepared to fight.
““For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Our true enemy will always be demonic forces with many masks. ”
Children on the Block
I know this reminds you of Kids on the Block, it wasn’t intentional. It was actually developed with the idea the creator of Children of the Corn had. A group of children wreak havoc on the neighboring townspeople. Instead of children in my story I made them teenagers. I found that more terrifying. Teens already like to hang out and are highly influenced by their pact. I made them city kids because I didn’t grow up in a small town with a cornfield. I grew up in the Bronx, NY. I always wondered how did kids on my block succumb to the streets? They were talented, smart and likable. These same qualities can be used by the enemy for his glory. He likes ripping families and communities apart. He loves when teens runaway and when they question their identity. Evicta comes on the scene to discover the gang’s secret. It is a familiar secret that keeps millions bound in fear. Discover the secret and unlock the key when you read Kids on the Block.
The Clown in the Drain
I mentioned earlier where, The Clown in the Drain originated. It was popular in the 90’s when the book became a TV movie. The kids were relatable because they all had quirks that made them unpopular. They called themselves, “The Losers’ Club”. They even had bullies terrorizing them in the natural and a demonic clown terrorizing them in the supernatural sense. Those kids couldn’t win. But in the end, … I don’t know what happened in the remake. (Someone comment in the comments if you know.) But in the original, the clown shrunk in power when the kids cornered and mocked him. When they stopped running from fear and faced it fear diminished. Tim Curry who played Pennywise was a comical genius showing us evil laughs at our discomforts and plays heavily into our insecurities as children and as adults. That’s why repeating, reading and knowing “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” is essentially for daily living! I wanted to write a character that seemed innocent and approachable but was deep down mocking Soliel. Once Soliel caught on to his disturbing tendencies she shows him true wit. Created for us all to seek authenticity and use wisdom at all times.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” The heart of evil will be dethroned by the heart of truth.
”
The Dead Church
This one can be controversial. I chose to close out with this story because it was a dream a had years ago that I still remember. This was a sensory dream; I could smell the staleness of antiques and the covering of perfume. I never liked attending wakes if they were in funeral homes because of this smell. This scent was all over my dream/vision. It also felt like a warning message. Since the dream was so vivid I knew it had to be a parable. The church was grand, ornate and decadent. It had gold and silver trimming, high arches and columns. But the people were on pedestals all around me. When I approached, they reminded me of wax figures. They weren’t made in the image of God but of wax. As if to say they lived, they are preserved but are empty. The robes shined, the hair was perfectly parted, the teeth gleamed but they were all fake. Crowds took pictures of what once was, relics of history, this was the church guys! It was non-existent, extinct and it was scary! This wasn’t made up. It was a vision. In The Dead Church, it is not until light is shined in the dark places the children/visitors were able to escape! God’s spirit has to be in a church building and in the hearts of the people and in the hearts of the leaders for it to last. It has to be a place of refuge, not a fashion show, or Churches’ Got Talent. I’m not getting judgy I’m getting real. We know the true church is in us, and it is a community of believers not a stately building. We can have church anywhere, we should carry the church with us, we should represent the church wherever we go. When visitors enter our churches they should smell the sweet aroma of worship of Christ of King, Our Triune God, not of a person of flesh, not of position, or ceremonial traditions. Jesus should and only, be the center of our churches. So, let’s have an alive church not a dead church and it starts in our hearts. We don't want people to look at us one day and see gifts and talents that were once beautiful but have become stuffed, stagnant, and stale from never being used for God's purpose. Let’s keep our hearts full of joy for Jesus and people, not position.
“Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple. ”
So to close, try reading the Faith Over Fear series. I am working on creating a coloring book to go along with this collection. Download your copy as soon as you can and let me know which story resonates with you the most! I’m so excited! Thank you for all your support and readership. May the power of God be with you wherever you go!
