BJ Hoff's GRACE NOTES

No Offense

Let me pose a question to you. Perhaps this is an issue you've already thought about and come to terms with. If so, I'd like to hear from you.

How far does one go in "defending" the truth of our faith? Maybe I should phrase that, "how far does one go in defending our God?"

Do we defend our faith or our God? Given the Hitchens and Dawkins of our day and all the rest of the atheist manifestos out there, along with the Eckhart Tolle types, plus the rest of the contingent ever eager to
chip away at what the Christian believes in their attempts to replace the evidence of Christianity with their own jingoistic huffing and puffing, it seems almost a herculean effort to inform ourselves--at least to the point of formulating an intelligent opinion--of the different beliefs and perspectives that abound.

I don't like reading this stuff, especially when there are so many good things to read. Some of it is downright boring, some of it silly, and almost all of it irritating. But if I don't read it, then how do I muster an articulate opinion? (And that's another question: why do so many people ask writers our opinions? It's almost as if they expect us to know something about everything. I don't--and I don't want to. But even if I were a lot smarter than I am, why would I think I should have an opinion on just about everything?)

But I do wonder where the Christian's responsibility begins and ends in all this. Are we all supposed to be apologists? How many of us qualify for that role?

Honestly, some of these writings strike me as little more than drivel--a lot more bad writing than good--and I yawn my way through most of it. During a discussion of this same subject among a writers' internet group, one member commented that our God is "too big for this," referring to wasting time defending God or the faith against some of the atheist propaganda and other publications circulating these days. That's how I feel, too. I'm convinced God doesn't need any defense from me--but I've wanted to make certain this isn't simply me, defending my own disgust of the spewing and mewing going on.

Do you believe that God cares one way or the other if we're informed enough to argue the point, should we find ourselves in a position to do just that?

Approaching this strictly from a writer's perspective, given all the research reading we're compelled to do for our own work, and with the recreational reading we enjoy but have so little time to indulge in, where do we draw the line?

I've discussed this with other writers and searched the Scriptures, and the only basis I've been able to come up with regarding a defense doesn't involve going on the offense with these attacks on the Christian faith. It doesn't in any way suggest that we confront or argue with those bent on airing their own personal "doctrines." 1 Peter 3: 15-16 indicates that in our hearts we're to "set apart Christ as Lord," to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." There's a huge difference in giving a reason for our hope rather than arguing against those who would mock or give the lie to that hope.

Some definitely are gifted in apologetics. The Holy Spirit seems to place them in places and positions where they can eloquently explain and defend and strike a real blow for the Truth. I'm not at all gifted in that respect. Until recently, I've asked myself just how far I should go when it comes to reading and exploring what, more times than not, does nothing but annoy me or make me roll my eyes--in other words, what seems a waste of time and counterproductive.

Well--I've decided that I've gone as far as I'm willing to go.

A friend and pastor seems to have come to the same conclusion. Responding to questions from others in his congregation, he discussed the fact that he's explored samples of some of the publications in question (and so in vogue with the media) and found himself wondering why he was wasting his time, that he was not only accomplishing nothing but was in fact using valuable time (of which he has no abundance) that could better be used in reading what builds up rather than what tears down.

There's the point: why not spend our reading time--and, if applicable, our money as well--on what's edifying and will more firmly ground us in our faith and draw us closer to God?

So that's where I am. I simply don't intend to lend support in terms of time or expense or energy to these misguided rants from the voices out in la-la land who speak from arenas in which I don't care to venture.

What's your take on all this? Feel free to email if you don't want to leave a public comment, but I'd like to know what you think.

BJ

A "Harvest" of Good Books

Thought I'd give you a heads-up on some new books from my publisher, Harvest House. These are just a few among the many titles they publish. Unfortunately, I never find the time to read all the new releases, but I have read these and can recommend them:

Whispers of the Bayou by Mindy Starns Clark. You've probably already read some of Mindy's novels, but if you haven't, this is a great one to begin with. In this case, you really can judge a book by its cover--great cover, great story! Miranda Miller is a woman with secrets who travels back to her grandparents' estate, hoping to find the answers to questions about her past and also claim an inheritance.

Learning to Fly by Roxanne Henke. A rich story about being a mom. You can make the journey with Susan Schaffer and her friend through the challenges and the joys of being mothers. A story that allows the reader to watch their daughters grow and change ... and watch their moms grow and change right along with them. Roxanne writes compelling women's fiction that stays with you long after you read it.

The Lost Sheep by Brandt Dodson. Brandt Dodson is a strong, unique voice in CBA suspense fiction, and this novel showcases his considerable talents. I haven't yet read the most recent of his titles, but this one--a "Colton Parker Mystery"--is still fairly new and a real page turner. When Parker's daughter vanishes, he's forced to confront evil in its own arena, and the stakes couldn't be higher.  If you haven't read the earlier books in the Colton Parker Mystery series, you might want to check them out before reading this one.

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And here are two other titles I especially want to mention. These aren't fiction--in fact they weren't published by Harvest House. But they were written by Harvest House's senior editor, Nick Harrison. If you appreciate contemplative devotional books that make you think, that make you desire to draw nearer to God, and that actually bless you just by the reading of them, Nick's Magnificent Prayer and His Victorious Indwelling will capture your mind and your heart. He offers his own wisdom and skillful pen to the writings of many holy heroes of the faith, with the end result in each case being contemporary classics. I used His Victorious Indwelling last year for my daily devotional guide, and now I'm into Magnificent Prayer and finding the same quality of excellence and the same thoughtful and practical applications I discovered in HVI.

Enjoy!

BJ

Just So You'll Know ...

Okay, I’m in the process of opening up the comments feature again. As most of you know, I closed it a few weeks ago for several reasons. I think by now I have the spam problem, as well as a couple of the other kinks, resolved. Only time will tell ...

For those of you who wrote to let me know you didn’t like the closed comments feature, I understand. But I think you understood as well that I didn’t have time to deal with the ongoing problems, and also that I didn’t have the time to answer each email individually.

So thanks for your patience. Now–even though the option to comment is open again, those of you who usually write to me via private email, just know that you can continue to do that. I realize that some of you are more comfortable doing email that commenting openly, and that’s perfectly fine. Whatever your preference, stay in touch. Just a reminder that, although I can’t always address each email or comment (although I do try), I appreciate them ... and I hear you.

BJ

Good Acting + Good Stories = Good Movies

My husband and I have been indulging ourselves in an old movie marathon over the past few weeks. It's been great fun to see for the first time some of the real film classics or enjoy again a number of those always worth a rerun. We're not great television watchers--and with the dearth of programming these days, it's a good thing. Even before any remaining quality tv went down the tube (sorry ... couldn't resist), we watched mostly movies instead of weekly programs--except, of course, for 24, which we've really missed, and Friday Night Lights, also sorely missed.

We still have several films to go from our somewhat extensive list, but included among the ones we've watched so far are Citizen Kane (for the third or fourth time at least); Ben Hur; The Desert Fox, with the late great James Mason; Anatomy of a Murder (James Stewart); Rear Window (the vintage film with James Stewart and Grace Kelly); Judgment at Nuremburg (Spencer Tracy and Burt Lancaster); Inherit the Wind (also Spencer Tracy); The Man Who Knew Too Much (James Stewart); The Big Country (Gregory Peck and Charlton Heston); Gaslight (probably one of the greatest suspense movies of all time); The Longest Day; Tora, Tora, Tora; Gone with the Wind; The Postman Always Rings Twice; On the Waterfront; Charade; Mildred Pierce; To Kill a Mockingbird (my favorite movie ever); My Fair Lady; The Sound of Music; Singin' in the Rain; Fiddler on the Roof and lots more: musicals, dramas, westerns, war films--so many movies, so little time!

One thing the best of the best hold in common: good stories. Stories that grip you, with actors portraying fascinating characters, plots that are heavy on suspense and wonderful atmosphere. They shine like gems among the bleak, grim, lackluster movies of today, so ridden with gratuitous violence, hopelessness, lack of story and strong acting, and not a hint of redemption. 

My list continues to grow, and I'm very open to suggestions if you'd care to offer any.

BJ

Q & A

Q. I got an email in response to a question I wrote to you. Did you answer it personally or did an assistant write to me?

A. I wrote it. Honest.

Q. So what is your fiction called? Do you write historical fiction or women's fiction or what?

A. If you really want a technical description, I suppose you'd label it historical romantic fiction usually set in the Appalachian region with a focus on Irish immigrants and Irish Americans. I've also seen it branded as women's historical fiction. (But I do hear from a number of male readers.) Why not make it easy and just call it historical fiction? Works for me.

Q. Are you a morning person (writer)? Afternoon?  Evening?

A. Some days I'm all three. Most days I'm all three. But if you're wondering when the "flow" seems to work best, it's late afternoon and evening.

Q. What makes you laugh?

A. My three grandsons. They're very funny kids. My husband ... he can coax a laugh even when I'm determined to be glum. My dog and cat, especially when they're together.

Q. Which of your own books do you think would make the best movies? And if you could cast the actors, who would you choose?

A. That is a very difficult question! But fun to think about. First, though, I have to admit I'd probably be terrified about the whole idea, having seen what Hollywood has done to a few of my favorite books (by other authors). But in an ideal world, I suppose I'd choose my Mountain Song Legacy books. Jonathan Stuart--now you're not going to understand this, but I'm basing this on physical appearance only at this point--would be played by Jeff Foxworthy (who's really not an actor but a comedian and quiz show host). Remember: I said "physical appearance only." As for Maggie--I can't think of one single actress who "fits" Maggie. Any ideas--email them to me! (Just in case, you know.)

Then, too, the recently re-released Song of Erin saga would be a great film, don't you think? Trouble is, there's only one man who could make Jack Kane come alive, and that would have been Sean Connery twenty years or more ago. And then there's the WIP, Rachel's Secret ... Julia Ormond would be perfect as Rachel. But only a younger Tom Selleck would work as Captain Gant. And I can't think of anyone but the wonderful David Strathairn of the mournful eyes and gentle voice for Dr. Sebastian.

And then there's ... somebody stop me.

As you can see, if I had any control over the movie rights at all, I'd be a nightmare to work with!

BJ

Song of Erin

Sometimes ... God gives us our dreams. But often not in the ways we might have hoped for. And that's a good thing, because His way is always better.

When two of my favorite books, Cloth of Heaven and Ashes and Lace went out of print a few years ago and gradually faded from view, it was a huge disappointment. These are probably among my most "Irish-American" novels and very dear to my heart for several reasons. Some time after that, I began to pray that they'd see new life again. It was a long time coming--years, in fact. But ...

Here they are. And as has been the case many other times throughout my life, God's answer is better than my dreams. I never once conceived of seeing both of these favorites in one volume, with such a gorgeous cover--and republished by a house that truly believes in and is wholly committed to giving Christian fiction its "best foot forward." Thanks to Harvest House, my prayers and the dream are now a reality--and what a grand reality at that.

Song of Erin has been released and is now on its way to the bookstores. And to help "re-launch" it, Kelli Standish and the geniuses at PulsePoint Design created a fabulous trailer in its honor.

Have a look:

If you'd like to help me celebrate this special release, here's how you can: email me with the title of your favorite BJ Hoff novel, your favorite character from that novel--and why that character is your favorite. The first five readers who email me will receive a complimentary, autographed copy of Song of Erin.

*Note: The five autographed copies are now spoken for. Thanks for your interest!

Dia linn ... God bless us. 

BJ