My sister used to say that America is in love with falling in love. I think she’s right. As romance readers, we all love romance stories where guy meets girl, guy gets girl, guy breaks up with girl. Then, in the end, somehow, she gets a second chance at love. Either with him or someone else. Everyone wants a second chance, right? I love that God is all about second chances. He proved it in the Bible over and over again. David, Jonah, Zacchaeus, Peter, and on a magnanimous scale, the Israelites! Second chances are about redemption. It’s exactly what Mickey in Shaded Goodness is seeking and what Jacquie needs.
Redemption
In Shaded Goodness, Mickey carries the terrible guilt of a past he can’t correct. Yet, he knows who to turn to and who can give him the forgiveness he needs. He can’t be paralyzed by his past, but needs to move. It’s called redemption and comes from God’s redeeming love.
On the other side is Jacquie, who thinks she’s moved on and has everything under control until she doesn’t. Because redemption is all about confessing sin and seeking or granting forgiveness, just like the Lord did with us through Jesus Christ.
Redemption is also about actively working to improve, but the most remarkable aspect of this is that we have the Holy Spirit working in and through us to bring about that change. Mickey gets it. Jacquie doesn’t. We’re not on our own. Through the Holy Spirit, we can learn from our mistakes and teach others not to repeat the same errors. That’s Mickey’s new purpose in life.
Forgiveness
Jacquie’s hard-as-nails persona has protected her all these years, so she thinks. I love that Kelly Clarkson song, “What Doesn’t Kill You,” makes you stronger, but it’s such a lie! Only God can make you stronger. When facing tragedy, He’s the one who pulls us through. And if it strikes again, only He can pick you up. Just like Jacque, we can only go so far on our own strength.
Guaranteed with God
When we pursue second chances, redemption or forgiveness is not always guaranteed by the people we love, but God is always there with open arms. Second chances are guaranteed by God. And because He desires our good and His glory, we can trust that He will work all things for the good, for those who love Him and are called to His purpose.
I hope you’ll be warmed by the themes of second chances, in Shaded Goodness. Mickey and Jacquie aren’t the only ones who experience that joy but surprisingly others do, too. Lots of spins, plot twists, and turns in Shaded Goodness. Enjoy the story and you’ll find yourself desiring Jesus even more!
Share your thoughts in the comments section below. I’d love to hear about your second chance moments! Enter the giveaway for a signed paperback of Shaded Goodness and a $15 Amazon Gift Card. Here’s the link.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f888f7c029/?
Thanks for joining me.