Author Chat with Christine F. Perry on Her Allegory, How I Met Peace

I first met Christine F. Perry at the Florida Christian Writer’s Conference (FCWC) several years ago, and we’ve stayed in touch. What a joy it is to celebrate her upcoming release (coming this August)! Please join me in welcoming Christine to the blog today as she shares about her allegory, How I Met Peace.

Q: Your premise for How I Met Peace reminds me a little of Pilgrim’s Progress. Are there any parallels between the two?

I had not thought of this story in light of Pilgrim’s Progress although that is one of the most well-known allegories. Having said that, I do believe that there are parallels. One being that Charity is drawn to a world outside of her small little town as Christian was. They both end up on a type of adventure with ups and downs. For Christian, his destination was the Celestial City. For Charity, it is in a person named Peace.

Q: Why is your story timely for young adults and young women today in light of the challenges they face?

We live in a time when fear-mongering is a daily tactic. I think our first reaction is to hide. But, I believe God is calling us to be bold and stand on His truth. I hope this book reminds us that we can have peace through Jesus Christ no matter the times we live. He gives us all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

Q: Would you share what inspired you to write this story or how this project began?

I had several questions to choose to answer, and I didn’t want to answer this, but I think it’s important to do so. This book was birthed out of a very painful season of my life. In the midst of writing this, I had no clue what my next move would be. The only work I could find at that time was cleaning houses and nannying. Before this, I had been a production assistant traveling the world. It was a huge change, and I struggled to see what God was doing. Yet, with extra time on my hands, I began writing, and it was through writing, I found healing. At the time, I couldn’t see redemption in my own life, but I could write it and, through faith, believe it was possible.

Fast forward five years later, this book is being published! I had no clue how to get it published. One night I came across a website that said authors could submit their book proposal for $100. So, I did. I heard nothing for months. Then one day, I got an email from a publishing house that said if I could pay them X amount of money, they would publish it. Initially, I laughed because there was no way I could have come up with that amount. I brushed the idea off until I remembered Kickstarter. I set up an account and almost chickened out from making it live. I felt like the Lord said, “You wrote a book in which you wrestle fear, and you’re going to let fear hold you back from stepping out.” I immediately felt convicted and made my page live. By the kindness of God, this project was funded in seven days.

Elisabeth Elliot once said, “Of one thing I am perfectly sure: God’s story never ends with ashes.”

Q: I so much appreciate your message that God never leaves and that He fights for those that are His. How have you experienced God’s enduring presence in your own life?

There have been so many times that God has reminded me He is for me and not against me. The first time was when I was in high school, and I was struggling with depression. I didn’t understand why I was so miserable, and my family seemed so happy. I was doing the same things they were doing, going to church and serving others. Then, I went to a youth conference, and the Holy Spirit helped me realize it was a relationship with Him that I was missing. I could go to church and serve all day, but it was the relationship with him that would change my life.

Since then, I have experienced some beautiful times and some devastating times. In one instance, I was thousands of miles away from my family and in a very toxic situation. I have never felt the Lord more palpable than I did then. Other times, when God felt a million miles away, I couldn’t deny that His people showed up. This is not to say I have not had my questions and struggles, but throughout my life in good and bad, I have never doubted that I was God’s daughter. He’s never given up on me.

Q: I like that you named the heroine’s closest friends “Fear, Worry, Condemnation,” because young people (and truthfully, readers of any age) often fight these unwelcome companions. What encouragement would you give to a reader who is feeling battered by these emotions?

Fear, Worry, and Condemnation are very real emotions, but we have the choice to let them grow or shrink through the truth found in God’s word. I remember a very dark time in my life where I had to wake up every day and read Scripture over myself because I felt berated by the enemy. Three of the Scriptures were:

• 2 Timothy 1:7 – For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
• Romans 8:1 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
• Matthew 6:33 – Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

These are very real struggles and ones I’ve dealt with throughout my life, but we have the truth to protect ourselves from letting Fear, Worry, and Condemnation rule our lives.

Q: How can readers stay in touch with you?

They can keep up with me at www.learningtobefearless.com 

Q: Can you hint at what next project you have in the works?

Yes, so I have a travel devotional that should be coming out next year. Although the way publishing houses work, it may be 2023.

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About the Author

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About How I Met Peace