Sometimes, doing good deeds hurts...

This past week, I have been thinking about a comment someone made about the work I do with the less fortunate in my community. It's pretty much common knowledge that I receive a lot of criticism, rude comments, and even threats as a result of my work with the homeless. However, the comment I received recently was veiled in a different way than the usual remark. This particular person told me, "You only do the work you do to feel good about yourself. You might think you're better than the rest of us, but you're not."

I don't think I am better than anyone, but I will admit that I do feel pretty good after a good day of helping others, most of the time. I say most of the time because there are days that completely break my heart. There are days that helping others takes a tremendous toll on me. It's hard to hear about the anguish of a person who lost everything. It's hard to listen to a young person talk about the abuse they encountered at home, which is the reason he/she lives on the street. There are days that make me wonder: what is happening to the world we live in?

I'll tell you what, though; sometimes, doing good deeds hurts...you need to do them anyway. Some days are going to be harder than others, but keep trying. I have a lot of hard days, but the good always outweighs the bad. I have seen the miraculous change that can occur from one small act of kindness. One small act of kindness can change a person's entire world. Believe me, I have been there. I don't know where I would be had I not been on the receiving end of a few random acts of kindness over the years.

Keep trying to be the change you want to see in the world. Don't give up. One good deed can make a significant difference, even if we can't immediately see how. There will always be haters, but don't let them deter you from doing good in the world. Alright, stepping off my soapbox now. Have a wonderful week, friends.

When my work and works of fiction intersect

A few months back I tweeted about my work in ministry intersecting with my work of fiction. It seems to be happening more as time goes on. I think it's good that people have questions after they read my book. That is part of the reason I decided to publish at all. It's fun to talk with people who want to separate fact from fiction.

I work in ministry, but I write works of fiction about angels, demons, and various other supernatural subjects. There's bound to be some questions. I have some of the most interesting conversations with people who read the book, and then come out with questions guns blazing. The reality is part of the reason I write fiction is to talk about things I am unable to explain. I mean, that is the beauty of writing, right? I get the chance to bring a story to life, explain the unexplained, and create a world different from our own.

I am often asked, "Do you believe in angels and demons?" The simple answer is yes I do. Do I believe that they fight each other? Of course, I do. However, do I believe they act, talk, and function in the way I describe in my books? Do they do battle with golden weapons, traveling at speeds faster than the human eye can see, leaving nothing but fire, dust, and ash behind? Well, this is the part where fiction comes in. This is why I love writing. I get the chance to take something I believe in and create a story around it.

I have seen a lot of crazy things over the years. I've seen the miraculous occur more than once. I have also witnessed things that I thought could only exist in works of horror. Some of them I wish I could simply explain away and never think about again. Writing provides an outlet for me to work through all these crazy things. I suppose I could write non-fiction, but where is the fun in that?

At the end of the day, my books are meant to entertain. The idea that they are creating dialogue with people I wouldn't normally interact with is an added bonus. I'm enjoying these conversations, so please keep the questions coming. I'm so glad people are enjoying the first book so much that they want to know more. For all of you wondering, the sequel to Beyond Heights and Depths will be released later this year.