Great Writers Series: Share

~~ John 3:16 (NIV84) ~~  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.



by Carley Cooper

It’s day Ten of the 15 Habits of Great Writers challenge.  Technically, it’s day eleven; but I found myself a little busy yesterday.  So now I'm playing catch up!  Just to recap for those new to this series, so far the habits we’ve talked about are: Declare, Believe, Initiate, Practice, Prepare, Steal, Start Ugly, Build and Connect

The tenth habit of great writers our challenge host, Jeff Goins, tells us is to ‘Share Others Work’.  He also says “Great writers share.  Not just their own knowledge, ideas, and expertise.  They also share the work of others and credit them accordingly.  And ironically, paradoxically, they ultimately benefit from their own generosity.”  The minute I read the challenge that he gave us today “Find someone whose message we need to hear and share it…”, I instantly two names came to mind. 

The first is Paul Duarte and his new book Shakedown.  As a friend of Paul, I can say that he has never done anything small, and fear is not a word he’s familiar with.  He pushes the boundaries beyond expectation in everything he does.  Even his physical disability hasn’t slowed him down.  Shakedown, is no exception.  This is a book that will, no doubt, cause a lot controversy; and may even get him in some hot water.  Duarte is a newbie in the book writing world, but shares his own incredible true story very well.  It is a tale of one man’s strength through the overwhelming trauma and aftermath of the murder of a dear friend.  The story leads you through, as the cover says; “murder, police deceptions, lies and extortion.”  You will get a glimpse of what it feels like to see an investigation from the inside view of a murder suspect.  It’s a view of authorities who will stop at nothing, including the law to get their man; except it’s the wrong man!  You will be left with your mouth dropped open in shock at the lengths some will go to in order to make a situation turn out the way they want it to.  Shakedown is exciting and will leave your heart thumping!  The most incredible part is that Paul comes through it all still holding onto his faith.

The second name that came to mind that has a message to share is Jesus.  No greater story has ever been lived, or told.  The title of the book is The Holy Bible.  It is the written and living Word of God.  It is filled with excitement, murder, deceptions, lies, war, fear, betrayal, sex scandals, drama, intrigue, love stories, action, suspense, and so much more.  Yet, it is the greatest guide ever published on how to live life to its fullest.  It is a manual  on how to be everything from a good parent to a successful entrepreneur.  No question that you will ever need answered, cannot be found within its pages.  At the end of the story, the whole world has been given the greatest gift ever given.  Eternal salvation.  That’s because God’s Word also tells us about His awesome love, grace and mercy.  It’s a story of a love so great that a Son, named Jesus, was sacrificed in order to save everyone else.  What greater story is there?  It’s one that every person on the planet needs to hear. 



~~ Dear God ~~  Thank You for the most incredible story ever told.  Thank You for all that we have gained from it.  I know that one day every person will get to hear that story.  One day every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  Praise You, Father, for this great gift.  I pray, also, that You will help Paul in his quest to get his story told; and that his relationship with Jesus will be strengthened, and others will be helped and lead to You as a result.  In Jesus name, AMEN.



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