Well, I really can’t believe this book business. It’s been about a year since contracting with NavPress to tell my story. It’s been many days of writing and re-writing and whining and wondering what in the world I had gotten myself into. I’ve had days of being excited and days of being filled with dread. I do not kid.
Filled. With. Dread.
…that no one will want it. That no one will like it. That it would lack the breath of God or that it would feel like a lot of boo-hooing from a girl who’s been unspeakably blessed.
And maybe this most of all: that our story…which has unfolded raw and real from my aching heart would just not be enough somehow.
Because this? Is – yes – the story of my life and the story of what our great God has done in my heart through the hardest season. It is those things. But when it boils down…when it’s all distilled into the nutshell of things I hold most sacred: it’s the story of the bravest man I know. The man whose name I share. The man who lives heroic levels of faith in ways that only I can fully see right now. I understand what this fight has cost him and I feel nearly desperate to represent him well. I want people not just to read about him and our fight, but to understand the height, breadth and depth of Steve’s victory in it. So, I did what I do: I fretted. But then I saw the cover.
The editorial crew at NavPress had asked for input on what I like, but they had full decision-making control over the cover design. When they sent this one to me, I cried. I really did. I cried because I could never have created it, but it perfectly tells our story. The battlefield, we have discovered, is desperate but safe – and to me, this cover says it perferctly:
I think it is strong and beautiful and I’m so grateful to the design team who heard my story and then painted my heart. Isn’t God amazing to do the things that we cannot? He is a great artist, using all these things to create a miraculous mosaic of grace that heals and redeems every battle, every time.
I know February (the release date is February 15) is still a few months down the road, but I think I’m finally ready to share it with the world. Thanks for helping me get there.
The cover is perfect…. beautiful and courageous…..
YAY! That cover is so powerful and it does convey the breath of God as well as every page will also. Fret no more! 🙂
Bo….it couldn’t be more eloquently powerful to say the least. We will all wait with great anticipation for Feb 15th and I cannot wait to share it with the rest of the world!
Dread no more… Bo, I will never believe that no one will want it or read it. The story of your love affair with the Lord in the midst of the suffering is to rejoice in Him. The cover says what we see week-to-week – we are so privileged to be “heart witnesses.” Thank you for your obedience. Love you so much…
Covers are great, Bo……but you do know the old saying, “you can’t tell a book by its cover”. Well so true…..I KNOW the book is going to be a lot more beautiful, strong, and true than its cover!! Can’t wait to download it into my soul!!
Bo, the cover took my breath away. And I am confident of this: that Your words will allow the Spirit to breathe it back in– simply and powerfully — as they always do, wrapped in the strong ‘silence’ of the man, and the many, that you so beautifully represent.
Waiting excitedly for the release date!!! thank you for being willing to share your lives with the world. you guys are all about that, for as long as i’ve known you. love and prayers continue daily for you & yours =)
I absolutely LOVE it!!!! It is perfect!
Beautiful in a way that makes you cry. And hope. Love you, my beautiful Bo!
Incredible cover!! Incredible God……
Makes me cry too.
This cover, as your story, often makes me cry! I am nearly convinced that I would succumb to the battle early on…………. but, you give me hope that God’s grace would be revealed in ways I can’t imagine and that I would be allowed to see the beauty. Thank you!
The cover is amazing. The story it tells. The surrender of the sword in a dark and lonely place. Love it Bo.
I am new to your blog but love your story already! The phrase “not enough” reminded me of one of my favorite blogs…Her entry yesterday was “not enough” and on there she shared this song…maybe you have heard it…Beautiful Things by Gungor – here is the link: http://youtu.be/1spkhp41ig4
love it and can’t wait for the book.
Dear Bo, A few years ago I walked away from a Women’s Retreat at the Inn of the 7th Mt. greatly encouraged because you had powerfully reminded me that Jesus’ power is made perfect in my weakness. (II Cor. 12:9) That is the beauty of your story–you, Steve and your family are showing the world how His power is being made perfect your weakness. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU, for sharing your story with us! Lisa Alexander
I forgot to mention (when I wrote you to you recently…it was a very flurried day, so there is my excuse(!)) my thoughts about this striking, stunning book cover. I hope you have the image worked into a poster sized version, frame it in a worthy frame, then display it in a prominent location in your home. It is a work of art!! I am all about aesthetics and think if you went about such a task, others (including me,) would order a poster size as well! Your version of the Barnes and Noble coffee area.