Rinda Hahn's Blog

Isaiah 49: 14, 16 But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me;

my Lord has forgotten me.” Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;

Recently I read a passage from Charles Spurgeon on these verses and I was greatly convicted and moved to tears. How quickly our feeble hearts lose hope in times of trouble. When God does not answer our prayers immediately, when things don’t go as we planned, we assume God has forgotten us.

Have you noticed how movies often portray a soldier’s undying love by a picture in the cockpit, in their inside pocket or inside their helmet? They keep it on their body or in clear view so they are always reminded who they are fighting for. These are emotional scenes, because the viewer understands exactly where the character’s thoughts are constantly drawn, and without words it portrays love.

God does not have a fragile picture of us tucked into his robe or in his pocket. According to this verse, he has engraved us on the palm of his hand. This is an indelible image that cannot be removed, and every time he sees it or thinks of it, he will be reminded of his people engraved on his very flesh. What an awe inspiring image this conjures.

Jesus bears a stark reminder on the palms of his hands as well. These are the scars he bore to rescue me from death. Is it a coincidence that both of these reminders are in an impossible place for him to forget? How it must sadden him when we doubt his devotion. We are never misplaced, we are never forgotten, and we are always on his mind. We don’t deserve this favor, but he willingly bestows it. So, when you think God has forsaken you or no longer hears your prayers, remember that he can never forget you. You are engraved on the palms of his hands.

1. The beginning of Unspeakable Journey is pretty intense. Did anyone have to skip to the ending before they could continue reading? If so, why?

2. What is the overarching theme of Unspeakable Journey? What point do you think the author was trying make to the reader?

3. While reading Unspeakable Journey, did you find yourself admiring or despising Latif for the choices he made? Explain why.

4. Isabella finds comfort in specific passages from the Bible to give her hope in the midst of her situation. What verses/thoughts do you think would have given you the most encouragement?

5. Isabella is faced with a traumatizing event that forced her to make hard choices. Do you agree or disagree with the decisions she made? Explain why.

6. Did the characters seem real and believable? What characters and events did you relate to the most?

7. Human trafficking is a serious issue throughout the world. Does it seem plausible that what happened to Isabella could happen to someone here in the United States? Have you heard any real life stories that are similar to this one?

8. This story reveals Saudi Arabian culture from an American woman’s perspective. What surprised you most about the cultural/religious differences?

9. What parallels to stories from Scripture did you relate to the storyline in Unspeakable Journey?

10. Do you think there should be a sequel to Unspeakable Journey? Why or why not?

11. What was your favorite passage or section from Unspeakable Journey?

12. What, if any, events in Unspeakable Journey lead to a new understanding or insight in your life you might not have thought about before?

We went camping last weekend, and so, we missed church on Sunday.  My younger daughter asked if we could plan a devotional for Sunday morning.  Since we were with my parents and my sister's family, the idea of leading the whole group was a little intimidating to my husband.  For encouragement I told him that I would be happy to go to Our Daily Bread and print off something to help him have a launching place.  I went to the date, Sunday, May 29th and printed off the devotional for Our Daily Bread and My Utmost of His Highest. I did not read either of them before he led the Bible study that Sunday morning.  The verses he read were I Peter 1: 2-11.  These verses have very special meaning to me because they are the same verses that our worship leader encouraged the choir to memorize this past spring.  As a member of the choir, I had had worked hard trying to memorize the passage.   So why is that significant?  Have you ever noticed how God does that?  He repeatedly brings a passage back to you in two and sometimes three different ways each congruent with each other.  Of all the passages in the Bible, that is the one that my husband read, and the application brought home a new point to me that I had not ever considered while memorizing it.  We can call it a random act or coincidence, but I can look back over my life and remember past occurrences of this same phenomenon.  (Like the passage that I have chosen to study in my personal Bible study is the same passage the pastor is preaching on, or the verse that one of my friends reads to me, or is the lesson that we have on Sunday during Sunday school, etc.)  When it happens to me, and it happens too often to just be a coincidence, then it stops me in my tracks, and I cannot help but consider it as a personal, beautiful love note just for me from my Heavenly Father.  For me Bible study and making time for prayer can get common place and even mundane, but God has written the words of the Bible personally for me.  I am just so thankful that he still takes the time to personally remind me in his own special way.

Unspeakable Journey is a novel about a woman that makes a late night stop for a few groceries and ends up transported halfway around the world. She is forced into a culture that is foreign, confusing, and overwhelming. It is a nightmare she prays will end, but it does not. Soon Isabella is faced with a dilemma. She can sulk and wallow in self-pity or she can embrace and love the people around her the way God loves them. She still longs to get home to her husband and kids, but as long as she is forced to stay, she will choose to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Many of you have already read this novel, and a few have asked, "What can I do?" Isabella's love for the Muslim women around her has awakened a desire in readers to reach out to this culture many of us know very little about. Recently, I learned about Crescent Project. Crescent Project's mission is to enable Christians in North America to share the hope of Jesus with Muslims. It is their goal that each of the seven million Muslims living in North America will meet an authentic Christian and hear the Good News of Jesus. They offer prayer requests, background information on Muslims, training for effective ministry among Muslims, local outreach opportunities, and short term trips. You can find out more information about the Crescent Project here.

I also wanted to bring to your attention an upcoming event offered by the Crescent Project. They are hosting an event called Can You See Me? on May 13, 2011, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the East 91 Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. The goal of this event is to teach others about social injustices affecting women in the Muslim world. Muslim women can be found all over North America and eagerly want to be loved and appreciated, just like you. Some of these women experience social injustices and have no one to advocate on their behalf. Although not all Muslim women experience abuse, unfortunately, abuse among Muslim women is all too common. Some of these abuses include: honor killings; domestic abuse; female genital mutilation; religious persecution; rape; and nikah mut'ah (allowing men to take a temporary wife). If you are interested in learning more about difficulties faced by many Muslim women living here in our own communities, register here.

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10

The mysteries of this world baffle my mind;

and I am searching for a boundary I cannot find,

the place of certainty in life,

and a way to guarantee the end of strife.

I look around at the lives of men;

even the great ones are led into sin.

And I wonder where do I go;

where are the answers my heart wants to know?

These questions awaken me in the night,

after the light of this world have vanished from sight.

Then he whispers, "Do not follow men;

that path will only lead to sin.

Follow instead the one with the truth;

he lived a perfect life and now lives in you.

On the journey he leads there is perfect design,

and a hope that beckons to those who are mine."

As I ponder these words spoken in my heart,

I wonder what sin I am hiding and don't want to part.

The Lord loves a soul that is broken and humble,

for pride is a weakness that makes all men stumble.

I strive but will never be what I should,

and it is something to know not to be understood.

Life is a mystery for us all

a place for some to rise up, and others to fall.

This paradox is not mine to grasp;

only to the shepherd can I hold fast.

Lord, help me to live with compassion in my eyes,

quick to forgive, ready to confess as my will dies.

Let me not be discouraged by the things I don't know.

Just slowly, gently to your child reveal my path to go.

Written by Rinda Hahn

The Lord is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 

He will not always chide,

nor will he keep his anger forever. 

He does not deal with us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities. 

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 

Psalms 103: 8-12

This is such a wonderful Psalm from David, and it reminds me that too often my soul forgets all His benefits (Psalms 103: 2).  When I forget to remember how He loves, how He forgives, how He deals with me, then I forget how to act like Him.  I hold grudges.  I am quick to anger.  I am unforgiving.  I am unloving.  But passages like this one remind me that I am dust, and I am thankful that he remembers that I am dust (Psalms 103: 14).  Attempting to live life God's way is humbling, and I am often reminded that in comparison to his holiness, I always fall infinitely short of the mark. 

Lord, help me to be slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  Help me to love like you love, and to forgive like you forgive.  Make me a useful instrument for your kingdom. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Psalms 103:1

This blog is a salute to the book reviewers out there that help authors promote their books and help readers find new books to experience!

Book review blogs are abundant on the web! If you want some ideas on books to read, just subscribe to a few of these blogs and they will do the initial leg work for you. As you follow their blogs you will realize what reviewers have a similar taste in books to you. Then, when they rave about a book they have read, you will know it is a book you will probably enjoy.

As a first time author I am humbled by all the reviewers that will take a chance on a debut novel when they have so many other choices to pick from.  Nearly every reviewer that has asked or offered to read Unspeakable Journey has followed up with wonderful reviews.  It really blows me away!!  Here are a list of all the reviewers that took the time to read Unspeakable Journey over the past year. Many of them review hundreds of books, and I am sure they would be honored if you followed their reviews!

Just yesterday I read a new review on the abridged audio book of Unspeakable Journey.  This is the first review for this media type, and I am excited to share it with you.  The review is by Sheila and her blog is called Book Journey.  http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/2011/02/08/unspeakable-journey-by-rhina-hahn/

My first review of Unspeakable Journey was done by Cindy. To be honest I was so nervous what people would think. When I read her review, I cried. Thank you for that first amazing encouraging review. BTW-She also listed Unspeakable Journey as one of her top 10 books for 2010! http://cindylovenreviews.blogspot.com/2010/01/unspeakable-journey.html

I met and started corresponding with Jennifer on Twitter.  She is a kind and generous Christian.  I am honored that she enjoyed my book so much!  Here is the link to her review. http://jenniferajanes.com/2010/08/27/book-reviews-unspeakable-journey-by-rinda-hahn-and-missing-andy-by-lori-a-moore/

This is a review company that reviews books.  They also have contests and other links for authors and readers. http://readersfavorite.com/cat-71.htm?review=3159

Café Lily heard about my book from another reviewer and asked if she could review my book.  It is amazing what word of mouth can do!  This is one of my favorite reviews of Unspeakable Journey.  http://redlilycafe.blogspot.com/2010/07/unspeakable-journey.html

This is another reviewer that I met on Twitter, and she was excited about my book as soon as she read the synopsis.  She reviews much more than books on her blog.  She reviews children's books as well as adult selections. http://lettersnumbersandbooksohmy.blogspot.com/2010/04/unspeakable-journey-by-rinda-hahn.html

This is a book review blog by a fellow author, Heath Sommer.  He has a busy schedule and does not always have time for lots of reviews.  I am honored that he took the time to review Unspeakable Journey.  He has a neat way of categorizing different aspects of the book in his reviews.  http://tateauthorsbookreview.blogspot.com/2010/03/unspeakable-journey-by-rinda-hahn.html

There was also a book review of Unspeakable Journey by Michelle Sutton.  She has a group called Edgy Christian Fiction.  She reads lots of different genres, but seems to gravitate to Edgy Christian Fiction.  I looked for the review on her blog, but cannot find it.  She reviews the most books of any reviewer I have ever read.  I guess my book review just got lost in the piles of books!

I would also like to give a special thank you to Don Bartemus.  He is one of the pastors on staff at our church.  His excitement about Unspeakable Journey has meant so much to me.  He is not a reviewer, but received a review copy.  He is one of the few people in my area that received a review copy and then took the time to leave a review.  His full review is listed on Goodreads.com, but you have to be a member to see the review.  http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/87020572.  That is why I am listing his review here:

I loved this book. Why?

The premise is remarkable. I thought it would be a dark side book with the shadows of the international underground as the big story. Not.



This book tested my ethic, my decision making process. What would I counsel someone in this situation to do?



I skimmed it then read it on a long flight to Eastern Europe. Even as I read it I viewed the people around me in a different light.



Very entertaining, the plot was incredible but very well developed and believable. Thought provoking. Emotion provoking.



Life is often a question without a pat answer. This book forced me to think in an entirely different sphere.



My last thoughts are…I would love to read the next book in the series!

 

But the giant's calling out

my name and he laughs at me,

Reminding me of all the times

I've tried before and failed.

The giant keeps on telling me

time and time again,

"Boy you'll never win,

you'll never win."

But the voice of truth tells me a different story

the Voice of truth says, "do not be afraid!"

and the Voice of truth says, "this is for My glory."

Out of all the voices calling out to me,

I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth.

This is the second verse of the Casting Crowns song titled Voice of Truth.  The other day I heard this song playing on the radio.  When it started playing, I was fighting my own "giants." Why? I was afraid, and I believed the lies he was telling me.  Many people would say it was a coincidence that this song was playing when I most needed it, and maybe they are right.  But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story, and I will choose to listen and believe that voice of truth.

Psalms 37: 23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.

Do you ever get overwhelmed or have doubts?  I do, especially when I am walking in darkness, when I have to patiently wait on the Lord to guide my next step.  Corrie ten Boom says, "When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out?  Of course not.  You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through."  

It would be easy to say I have all the answers, to pretend my faith never wavers, and to suggest I never forget that God is leading me, but there are moments when I falter, when we all falter.  One of my favorite scriptures is Hosea 11: 3-4 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.  I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them. 

In the moments when I cannot go any further on my own, then I have to let the Lord uphold my hand and lead me.  I have to remind myself that God's way is the best way.  Instead of wrestling, I must yield and seek refuge in the safest hiding place I know, my Savior.  God never promised an easy road, but he has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

In these moments of struggle my prayer has been: Let the favor of our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us, yes, establish the work of our hands! Psalms 90: 17

I was listening to Mercy Me's Beautiful from their new album called Mr. Lovewell.  Here is the first verse and chorus: 

Days will come when you don't have the strength

And all you hear is you're not worth anything

Wondering if you ever could be loved

And if they truly saw your heart

They'd see too much

You're beautiful, You're beautiful

You are made for so much more than all of this

You're beautiful, You're beautiful

You are treasured, you are sacred, you are His

You're beautiful 

There is something very powerful in these lyrics that speaks to my heart, and it made me think about the actual meaning of beauty.  The World English Dictionary lists these two definitions: 

the combination of all the qualities of a person or thing that delights the senses and please the mind.
a very attractive and well-formed girl or woman 

What do you think of when you hear the word beautiful?  Do you think of a fashion model, an actress, the popular girl in school, an NFL cheerleader, or something else?  These are clearly things that the world would label "beautiful", but they don't come close to matching the first definition above. 

Because I consider God to be the master artist, it made me pause and examine what he considers beautiful.  Isaiah 52: 7 "How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of him who brings good news."  Jesus makes this reference to the woman that anoints his feet with oil, Mark 14: 6 "She has done a beautiful thing to me."  Romans 10: 15 "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news."    Proverbs 31: 30 "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."  I Peter 3: 4 "But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious."

The Bible paints a very different picture of beauty, doesn't it?  The world says that beauty is something that you are born with, lucky to have, and lacking if those around you do not admire your external appearance.  Commercials, movies, sports, (and even some of my friends and me) give too much value to being attractive and well formed.  From a young age we are persuaded to buy into this view, but look again at these few verses.  The only reference to superficial beauty in this list (Proverbs 31:30) claims that it is vain.  All the other references refer to an internal beauty, or an action that makes a person beautiful, even calling that type of beauty "imperishable".  Internal beauty will show through the façade and illuminate us with a spirit that will draw those interested in true beauty.  I need reminded that beauty is really a reflection that radiates Christ (his love and his hope) to those around me everyday, and this is the type of beauty I try to incorporate into the characters I write about.

When I published my first book, Unspeakable Journey, I thought book signings would be simple and exciting.  I imagined my friends and their friends lining up to get a copy of my book to read.  I thought readers that loved the book would invite their friends to future book signings, and the process would happen again at the next signing.  I did not expect to sell thousands of books at my first book signing.  I did not even think I would sell hundreds, but I thought slowly people would hear, be excited and come to talk about Unspeakable Journey and get a signed book.  So let me just tell you…that did not happen.

I have to say, book signings are tough business, and that is why many first time authors do very few of them.  It is not easy to get them scheduled, tough to get people to them and difficult to engage with readers.   Should these reasons make you quit?  NO!  And here's why: bookstores need to know about your book to stock it, readers need exposure to your book to read it, and interested bookworms need a convenient place to pick up a book.  So, here are some reliable suggestions for how to approach a book signing.

First, remember that bookstores, coffee shops, cafes, etc. are not obligated to schedule a book signing for you.  A book signing may help them with business, but it may not.  It is a privilege for an author to have an opportunity to sell and display his/her books; therefore you should treat them with the greatest respect.   Call ahead to the venue to talk with the manger that scheduled the event, make sure that they have everything they need, and offer promotional materials and posters to help them promote the event.

Next, you need to promote the event.  I list all my book signings on Goodreads.com, my website, my Facebook fan page, and Twitter.   People cannot attend your event if they don't know you are having it.  For my first few book signings, I even sent out push cards inviting friends and family.   I had a small email list of people that had commented or asked questions about the book, and I sent them information about the book signing as well.  You will have to invite a couple hundred people to a book signing to get 20-30 people to attend, so plan accordingly.

When you get to the store, be courteous to all the staff.  You may even want to pick up bagels or bake cookies for them.  This is a great way for you to show appreciation for helping with your event.   Every time I make an effort to show my thanks, the staff always seems surprised.  Little acts of kindness to the store manager and staff will be reciprocated in future opportunities for your book, and that is what you want and need.

Your table display needs to be interesting and engaging.  Many venues will provide a table and books.  I always have a tablecloth, small easels to display books, a cardholder for business cards, and book marks.   An inexpensive foam board sign of your book cover can be custom printed at many of the office supply stores.  Also, people will be more likely to pause at your table if you have a drawing for an itunes gift card, or a tray of candy or cookies, so consider adding something like this to your display.  All of these things will help draw attention to your table.   

When I am at a book signing in a bookstore, I have noticed that patrons do not think I am an author.  Most people think that I am part of the staff offering to sell them something.   If you sit at your table and watch people go by, no one will approach you.  They just don't process why you are there.  (I cannot begin to tell you how many times I have had someone ask me where the restrooms are.)  You have to get up, move around and pass out bookmarks that have information about your book.  Most customers in a bookstore will accept a bookmark.  If they take one, I say, "Hello, I am the author, and I am here talking about my book and signing copies."  Almost immediately, they are interested.  They always look more closely at what I have handed them, and some will ask me a few questions.  Many will continue with their shopping, but a portion pick up the book and read the back cover.   Once you get someone to engage, you can share with him/her about your book.

I don't really try to sell my book.   I just love to talk about it with potential readers.  I usually share recent comments from readers and reviewers, and answer questions.  When someone is interested and asks me to sign a book for them to buy, I get really excited.  They don't know me, or feel obligated to buy my book.  They buy it because it is something they want to read.  Book signings are work, but they can be very rewarding.  If you have a positive attitude and set your expectations on a realistic goal, you can accomplish it.  My goal at each book signing is always to sell all the books that a store orders.  I don't always meet that goal, but most of the time I get close, and often the store will have me sign the remaining few and keep them for their shelves.  

I do not have all the answers to having a successful book signing, and I am still learning.   Just remember to relax and look for opportunities to talk about your book to someone new.  I hope some of these suggestions give you ideas on how to improve your next book signing.  Do any other authors have suggestions that have worked for them?