Making the Puzzle Fit

Piecing the Puzzle Together by Brian Ganges is a read that is sure to provoke as well as open the necessity of ‘studying to shew yourself approved’.

Throughout his work Author Ganges applies biblical truths to life situations. In doing so he sets the stage for readers to open their hearts and minds to the truth; that truth being the value that God has placed on our lives. Written from the point of exposing what has always been, Piecing the Puzzle Together has the ability to spank, encourage and heal with the depth of its content.

Dialogue with the Author

LUBF: Introduce us to Brian Ganges – the man –the son of the Most High.

BG: I am a man on a mission from God. I’m real, relevant and I love ministering the Word of God in both the spoken and the written forms of communication. I am also a very balanced person. I don’t just read the Bible all day long, I also enjoy writing, spending time with my daughter, playing games on my Playstation, going to sporting events, and watching the Three Stooges.

LUBF: You are a contributor to The Soul of A Man Anthology. Tell us about your stories.

BG: I wrote two stories: “Manning Up with God,” which is my abridged autobiography. It deals with my divorce and some other challenges that I had. It is a candid piece that shows the struggle and the victory in overcoming my dilemma. The other story is “A Sense of Faith and Community,” which is a fictionalized account of some of the events of my life. It is written in and narrated from the perspective of my grandson. He gives a college speech about how I influenced his life by demonstrating to him the importance of giving back to your community and reaching out to people.

LUBF: As the author of Piecing the Puzzle Together, when did you see the fragmented pieces? What drove your need to help others pull their pieces together?

BG: I saw the fragmented pieces years ago, and still do today. Like many people, I was discouraged by much of what I was seeing and hearing in the church: controlling people, judgmental people, false doctrines, etc. and as a younger Christian I was looking for answers. This drove me to seek the answers to the questions that were in my heart, even though I might not have been able to articulate them exactly.

LUBF: Share your view of what a completed life puzzle looks like.

BG: A completed life is a balanced life. Our human lives consist of spirit, soul and body. Each of these three elements needs the proper amount of attention and nurturing in order to grow. So the completed life will give the proper amount of food, water, sunlight, exercise, etc. to each of these areas. Everyone is different, so some might need to give more attention in some areas than others, but the balance of these three will manifest a completed life puzzle.

LUBF: What thought would you like to leave with the readers of this interview?

BG: I want readers to know that their situation is not unique, and that there are many people (Christian or not) that feel alone, incomplete, lost, a failure, or as if they haven’t accomplished anything in this life. People just have to find the spiritual footing necessary to build a strong Christian life. Unfortunately, many people aren’t taught how to truly ground themselves in the truth. But with some study, a prayerful and open heart to the truth, God will reveal His Word to anyone that seeks Him; and He will manifest Himself in a way that each individual will understand it.

LUBF: What’s next for you in terms of your writing?

BG: I am currently working on my next book, which is a follow-up to “Piecing the Puzzle Together,” entitled “Lord, Deliver Me from Church Folks.” It is an expose' dealing with many of the misconceptions and things that are keeping many in the church bound by the traditions of men.

LUBF: I want to thank you for taking the time to share your work and yourself with us. We look forward to your stopping by again.

BG: Thanks Linda!

To find out more about Brian, keep up with his work and how you can request him for your literary event visit him online at: http://www.bringanges.com/

Delay Is Not Denial - Or Is It?

It is said that delay is not denial. That may be, but in the case of Don Mitchell, delay may be the ultimate price to pay for the possibility of obtaining the coveted position of CEO of DMI.

In Chosen, the first in this Biblical trilogy from veteran author Patricia Haley, readers became privy to the in-fighting and personal tragedy that fragmented what should have been the solid Mitchell dynasty. Destined continues the saga of the embroiled family as it reveals the pitfalls of the arrogance and disobedience of Joel Mitchell – the Chosen one. On the opposite side of the struggle for control are two mothers fighting for what they believe is the birthright of different sons; a traumatized daughter on the run and one caught between affections for family, two women and obedience to God.

With precision Ms. Haley weaves an international tale of intrigue that is compelling, entertaining and provocative.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

PATRICIA HALEY is the trailblazing, #1 Essence bestselling author of seven faith-based, novels, including Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, No Regrets, and Chosen. She’s a project manager with degrees from Stanford University and the University of Chicago. She is a born again believer and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Patricia lives with her husband and daughter in Philadelphia.

Visit her on www.patriciahaley.com  or become a fan of Author Patricia Haley on Facebook.

Do You Have Passion?

Well it’s been a while since I’ve popped in to share with you all.

The first thing I want to say is that it’s good to get away; opportunity to catch up with a few friends attending the Faith and Fiction Retreat was great. Over lunch we shared personal events of our lives. Sharing was wonderful, but I soon realized that the table topic would inevitably return to writing.

As I reflected upon what transpired the transparency of the moment revealed itself. Our common denominator was our writing passion. Passion is that thing that burns inside of you. You go to sleep and awaken thinking about the object of your desire. Rare is the time it is not on your mind. You knowingly and unknowingly eavesdrop on conversations and file certain dialogue in your mental rolodex for possible future use.

Passion in its appropriate context can be a beautiful thing, but don’t forget to take time out for your loved ones and other things that you love.

Speaking of things you love I would be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to Ms. Tia Ross and the fabulous staff who made the 2010 Black Writers and Reunion Conference an event to remember. For those who are SERIOUS about their writing, the BWRC is an educational experience where aspiring, novice and accomplished writers are well served. In other words -- when you leave the table, you are full.

I am full right now. I’m full with current projects to complete as well as with future possibilities and the anticipation of what this season will bring. I have been filled with the appetizers of inspiration follwed by healthy portions of information liberally garnished with words of encouragement.

As I leave for this moment I encourage you to venture out to expand the boundaries of your passion, whatever that might be. And as you do, remember to use your words to bear good fruit.

Linda!