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The Gift of Transparency: Profile on Author Mary Demuth
by Janet Morris Grimes The process of penning a personal story, for the writer, is similar to standing on a stage, donned in only a bikini, lining up for a beauty contest. Exposed and unprotected, the writer unleashes all that she has to offer, timidly waiting to be evaluated, judged and even criticized for doing so. But rather than focusing on the contestant's physical beauty, smile, shape, walk, talk, etc., the spotlight falls squarely on her deepest emotions, betrayals, suffering, fears and dreams. And instead of trio of judges, there are thousands; each one as valued as the next. Such is the case for Author, Mary Demuth, whose personal memoir, Thin Places, hits bookshelves on February 1st. "Why would you splay out your life in this way?" she was once asked. "Because I don't want them to feel alone," she answered, referring to her readers, who in turn, also serve as the judges in her beauty contest. Mary's story is that of a little girl who faced sexual abuse, neglect, drug-using parents, fear, and even the death of a parent. Though she is forced to relive these experiences in order to share her story, the focus of the book is on the hope of God through these trials. As God rescued her from a past that could have easily led to a path of downward spirals, this story focuses on the "thin places" in her life, or places where she could clearly feel the presence of God, long before she recognized the need for him or knew how to put her feelings into words. "Jesus says truth sets people free. This is my way of doing thatof telling the stark truth on the page so others can be set free." Mary explains, readily admitting that by sharing her story, she has been set free from the grips of her past as well. Everyone has a story to tell; perhaps true healing only comes to those willing to tear down the walls and become truly transparent, even in front of strangers. And today, as Mary stands on her stage, waiting to see how her story will be received, I suspect she may find herself in another of those "thin places." But such is required for those willing to give the gift of transparency. For additional information on Mary and all of her books, see www.marydemuth.com Janet Morris Grimes, the author The Parent's Guide to Uncluttering Your Home, released in 2011. She launched Abbandoned Ministries to lead others to seek God, as Abba, during abandonment. For more information, visit http://janetmorrisgrimes.com or http://abbandondoned.com. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |