Today I have a special treat for you. Several contributors to the
Home Again: Stories of Restored Relationships anthology have stopped by to share themselves, their work and the ministry behind their writing. I ask that you take your time to read what they have to say, and if you’re so inclined, respond with an observation, question or whatever may be on your mind.
DIJORN MOSS
Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.
“My name is Dijorn Moss and I am someone who is in love with the written word. I love to write and I love to read. I feel like I am in an extended graduate program where every writer I read is a Professor that can teach me something. I am a new father and I am thankful and grateful for every moment I spend with my son Caleb.”
Journey to the Throne speaks to a very specific problem. How do hope for this story to help others?
“God is in the business of redeeming and restoring. No matter how low you feel you are in your life, God can pull you out. The Mercer family is an example that God can deliver you from any situation or circumstance and that God can restore a once broken relationship.”
This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it.
“I require honesty above all. What can cause me to walk away from a relationship is an act of betrayal that is so severe that I questioned everything about the relationship.”
How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features?
“Prayer and I go on Youtube and listen to a lot of sermons that deal with restoration.”
Where can readers find out more about your writing projects? http://www.dijornmoss.webs.com/
TYORA MOODY
Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.
On the personal side, I'm a pretty laid-back, quiet person always on the move. LOL! I have a motto about never wanting to be bored and I stick pretty closely to that motto by staying super busy. My busyness comes from the professional side of being a graphic designer and online book promoter. I have been running my own business, Tywebbin.com, since 1999 and my niche over the years has been working with authors. I usually take off the holidays, so I'm really looking forward to winding down in a few weeks for the year. In 2006, I let a few folks, like family and friends know I was seriously writing. I currently have two manuscripts, one a romantic suspense and the other a cozy mystery. My short story, “Birthing Pains,” is my first official published work of fiction (Yeah!).”
This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it. “Coming out of a difficult relationship, communication and honesty are big factors. I think if you don't communicate clearly, you open the door for cracks to enter the relationships and those cracks turn into brokenness. That's an interesting question - because I have found myself in that place of asking that question as I know many do. I think where I would really step away is when I have done all that I can do and it's left up to the other person to make the move. If they don't, you have to - not to be cliché here - let it go and leave it to God.”
Birthing Pains presents a story that is becoming too common in America. How do you hope for this story to help others?
“Birthing Pain presents a story that isMeet a wife and mother, EUGEENA PATTERSON, who has always been the glue keeping her fragmented family together. When her troubled teenage daughter is rushed to the hospital, Eugeena is forced to acknowledge the animosity and resentment that has lived under the surface far too long. As I talked about in the previous question, I do hope this story opens up the lack of communication that happens in families. The disconnect between a husband and a wife, those dysfunctions travel down to affect the children. Thinking of how I grew up with my family talking around the dinner table, those moments really stick with me and I know they just don't happen anymore. Married couples owe it to each other to take the time for each other and also to be active participants in their children's lives together as a unit.”
How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features?
“I believe readers will find a connection to many if not all of the stories which makes this a powerful collection. I wrote my story during a time of being broken down myself and watching family dynamics also break down. What I hope is with any situation God has allowed me to go through, to minister with transparency and wisdom.”
Where can readers find out more about your writing projects?
Folks can find out more about me and connect to me via:
http://www.tyoramoody.com/
www.twitter.com/tyoramoody
www.facebook.com/tyora.moody
TRINEA MOSS
Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.
“My name is Trinea Moss and I grew up in the Bay Area of Northern California. I am new to the writing industry, but find myself intrigue with the various types of writing genres that our out there. I have written many short stories before, but only let a handful of people read some of my work. Throughout the years I have books full of poems stored away and drawing books as well. I guess one can say I have a love for the arts.”
This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it. “I require honesty, fairness (equals), laughter and faithfulness in a relationship. For me, what it takes to step of away from a relationship, I really can't say. I believe it would have to be some form of abuse that would cause me to walk away because no one should take out any form of abuse in any relationship.”
Couple on Trial presents a story that is not often comfortable to talk about, let alone deal with without vulnerability. How do hope for this story to help others?
“I know what its like not to want to put your personal business out there and have everyone in it. However, this story is meant for couples to take a look a their relationship and spark communication. How can you fix or examine a relationship that you want to keep, without communicating? It just won’t work. Therefore, I hope couples will take a deeper look and really talk to each, not at each other about how they fell about their relationship. “
How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features?
“I speak from my research, experiences and just plain old common sense. I don't have all the answers, but I have picked up some wisdom along the way. Throughout the years at different points and times I have researched various types of relationships. I come from the standpoint of just simply keeping it real and keeping God in each relationship you have. Many times people know what needs to be done to repair their relationships, but something holds them back. For some it’s pride, validation or just plain old stubbornness. Sometimes, they just need someone to listen, pray or just provide a different point of view and that is something I can do.”
Where can readers find out more about your writing projects?
You can visit my website
http://www.trineamoss.webs.com/
Maurice Gray
Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.
“I wear many hats: author, editor, HIV Prevention Counselor, Toastmaster and sometimes comedian. My day job is with a non-profit organization, Beautiful Gate Outreach Center (www.bgate.org). I’ve been a published author for over ten years, and I’ve edited/proofread manuscripts for nine. Comedy is a hobby that I get to indulge only rarely, but I’ve been blessed to work with such great talents as Pat G’orge-Walker and James “The Storyteller” Ford. My church home is Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington, DE. Aside from membership in Toastmasters International (Greater Newark Area Toastmasters club), I’m also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.”
This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it.
“In any relationship, there must be love, trust and mutual respect. If any of those factors are missing or sorely lacking, I'd have to step away. It's tougher to do that with family members, but if there is a toxic relationship with a family member and God leads me to step away from that person, I'd have to do it. In a romantic relationship, I definitely need the same level of love, trust and respect that I give or I can't stay in it. Both of us being saved is a given.”
Family Matters tells the story of a young man who feels he’s on the fringe of his mother’s love. Tell us why? How do you hope for this story to help others?
“Erik is the only child of two loving parents, but for the past several years, he has felt neglected. His parents (his mother in particular) mentored several young people over the years who needed positive adult influences in their lives. As a result, Erik (now nearing 30) has over a dozen "play siblings" close to his own age with whom to share his parents. He feels that his mother invests all of her energy in her "crew" and he gets what's left over. As this story begins, Erik and his mother have barely spoken in almost a year. Neither is sure how to mend the rift until a horrible accident makes them both painfully aware of how unimportant their differences are. I want my readers to see that life is short and that we shouldn't take our loved ones for granted. Whether we like it or not, they won't always be with us and we can't let disagreements (real or imagined) separate us from those we love the most.”
How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features?
“The same skills I use in HIV counseling are useful in guiding those who may have broken relationships. Part of the process of preparing someone for testing involves discussion of risk factors for HIV, which often involve (directly or indirectly) that person's relationships. I listen to what that person has to say and then draw on every bit of knowledge God has given me to try and help that person end their risk factors. If I were to counsel a reader who is estranged from a friend or loved one, I'd do the exact same thing: pray, listen and share.”
Where can readers find out more about your writing projects?
SHENETTE JONES
Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.
“My name is Shenette Jones, and I wear many hats! I’m a Fitness training specialist by profession. I’m a dance instructor, a professional vocalist and assistant to my husband in Jones Entertainment, our music performance business. I’m also a Community Chaplain and speaker. I’m excited to finally add published author to this list. Laying all hats aside, I thoroughly enjoy homeschooling my son and spending time with my family. I love being professional, but the truth is I find it rather tough at times. Everyone who knows me finds that I’m indeed a free spirited kid at heart for lack of better terms. My energy and enthusiasm is what defines me most, and I’m glad God made me this way.”
This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it. “This answer for me has always and will always be TRUTH. Honesty and forthrightness are the main things that I need to thrive in a relationship. People say that truth hurts, and I agree, but to have it hidden from me feels incredibly painful in my opinion. I’ve learned that when it’s not present in a relationship, no matter the form, it causes me to step away, whether I should or not. Uncovered will definitely challenge couples who find themselves in situations similar to your characters. Please give us a preview and tell us how you hope for this story to help others? “Uncovered is a story that follows the thought process of a wife straying from her faith. She’s incredibly desperate for things she lacks within her marriage, and shocks herself beyond disbelief when she realizes what she, a woman of faith, will do for fulfillment. I’m hoping this story will immediately cause the reader to look into their own thought process. As people, we have many flawed thoughts, and if we’d take time to deal with them instead of toss them aside, we’d probably find ourselves in fewer traps. I want women particularly to face the fact that no matter how holy we believe we are, a fall can often be a thought away. But the GOOD news is that restoration can also be a prayer away!”
How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features?
“Steven, my husband and I have unfortunately gone through a trail of events that are similar to the story, uncovered. Since then, Marriage, healing in marriage, and how to enjoy marriage, has been one of our most in depth studies. Personal experience with a victorious outcome is my greatest tool, but the absolute best way for me to prepare is to know what God’s word tells me about restoration and to know without a shadow of doubt that his promise is true for everyone that crosses my path.”
Where can readers find out more about your writing projects?
BERNARD BOULTON
Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.
“I've been in ministry since I acknowledged my call to preach at the age of 17. After attending Warren Bible Institute, and Moody Bible Institute I was elected to my first pastoral charge in 1993 when I was 26 years old. I have served congregations in West Virginia, Virginia and Texas. I am currently serving at the New Mine Creek Church in Blairs, VA in my eighth year. I am the vice moderator of the Sandy Ridge Association, a group of thirteen churches in the states of North Carolina and Virginia. I am a native of Cleveland Ohio where most of my family still lives. I have been married for nineteen years and I am the father of one son, Bernard Quincy. I love to read, and watch old television show like Good Times, MASH, and Martin.”
This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it.
“What I require in a relationship is LOVE, LOYALTY, GRACE, FORGIVENESS. The violation of any of these principles would make me consider leaving a relationship. For me, when it becomes impossible to live by either of these principle it's time to leave. Leaving a relationship should never be an emotional decision but one weighed in prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit.”
Jake and Eric speaks to an age old trial—sibling rivalry. Why did you decide to write this story? Please give us a preview and tell us how you hope for this story to help others?
“Jake and Eric was inspired by Jacob and Esau. Abraham's family is intriguing to me. They are a people called out for purpose but yet they have severe generational dysfunction. I hope that my story will portray the toxic effects of unforgiveness and betrayal. And will portray the joy of reconciliation.”
How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features?
“One focus of my ministry has been the reconciliation and strengthening of families. I believe that the family is God's greatest instrument to effect and impact society and my prayer and purpose is to see families healed and whole, living for God.”
Where can readers find out more about your writing projects?
LINDA BEED
Introduce the readers to the professional and personal side of you.
“Personally I’m a pretty easy going person. I love spending time with my family. My passion for reading is obvious to most. Beyond that I enjoy gardening, sewing, music and crafts. I have worked in administration for the Federal government for close to twenty-five years and continue to serve as youth minister at my church.”
This anthology is about restoration. Restoration is defined as: an act of restoring or the condition of being restored: as a: a bringing back to a former position or condition. Tell us what you require in a relationship and what would cause you to step away from it.
“I have but one requirement in a relationship – respect. Without respect I don’t feel that you can get to anything else. Lack of respect, once it has be brought up that I feel the lack, would cause me to reconsider the need to remain or stay.”
Flavorful opens the door for parents, teachers and guardians to examine how they nurture the children under their care. Why did you choose this storyline? how do you hope for this story to help others?
“Flavorful is my way of giving voice to those without one. That could be the child, parent, guardian or teacher. Although what happens to my character is extreme, it unfortunately is not an isolated one. Children are a gift and need guidance regarding their God-given gifts. On the other hand, if we have not bee
n taught or do not understand our responsibilities to our children, how can we properly help them?”
How have you prepared to minister regarding the issue of broken relationships that this anthology features?
“As a youth minister, the opportunities have been ongoing. Beyond that, championing the cause for those in need is a part of who I am. The opportunity to contribute to this anthology, I believe will open the door to bring the message to a wider audience.”
Where can readers find out more about your writing projects?
Readers are welcome to keep up with me at:
This story focuses on three men setting out to attend the annual Men’s Retreat. Each is attending for their own reason. Chauncey is a bona fide Bible thumping, scripture quoting, self-righteous, religious nut, without a clue, who would rather go blind than miss this event. Quincy seeks to confront the one he believes has caused the demise of his marriage. Jamal has been offered the job of a lifetime, but it may alter life as he knows it. And then there’s Will.
