Today I'm so excited to be hosting one of Freedom's main characters, James, on my blog for an interview! I put a poll up on Instagram asking if I should interview James or Alex . . . and it was James by a landslide (or, at least, pretty close to one, anyway). Popular guy, obviously!
Today's reason to live: sunshine. I . . . am personally a cloudy weather person. Don't get me wrong—I love sunshine! But when it comes to sunny days as opposed to cloudy (or, even better, rainy) days, I'm most likely to choose the latter every time. So, of course I'm going to be slightly disappointed when I look out the window and the sun is shining (say whatever you like, I'll stick with my rain, thank you). But . . . sometimes I love the sunshine. I love the warmth on my face (as long as it doesn't turn into a sunburn), the cheery blue sky, cloud watching . . . and I get used to the sun. I start to forget what was so great about the clouds and rain. But y'know what? If there wasn't sunshine every once in awhile (or most of the time, like in KS), I wouldn't truly appreciate the rain. And for you sunshine lovers, it's the other way around. I don't think we truly appreciate who God is and His love for us until we're going through a time in life that makes us need Him the most. Don't run away from him; embrace the sunshine (or, in sunshine lovers' cases, the rain), knowing that in the end, God will bring beauty out of it like you've never seen before. Don't give up hope.
Well, now that that's all talked about, let's get on to the interview!
1. Hey, James! Welcome! Would you please introduce yourself, give us a brief bio?
Thank you, Miss Krispense. My name is James Greene, and I served three years in the United States Marine Corps until I was injured in an IED blast and medically discharged. I’m currently living in South Carolina, only a few hours east of my hometown, while I piece my life back together.
2. What person has made the biggest impact on your life (besides Alex)?
Well, Jesus is the obvious answer, but I’ve been instructed to “avoid obvious answers and be more thorough.” So I’m not going to even try that route. Aside from Alex, I’d have to say Joe Creighton, Alex’s uncle and unofficial counselor mentor. Joe is a Vietnam vet, so he gets it. He has shown me that there can be more to life than war.
3. If you could go back and redo one part of your life, what would it be?
This type of question always makes me terribly uncomfortable…
As for early life, I’d change the way I handled things with my little sister. To not give spoilers—which I’ve been instructed to do at all costs, haha—let’s just say that I had the opportunity to make a difference and I let it slip away.
As for my time in the military… *stares at the floor* yep, not going there.
4. What is your favorite part about Alex?
Ha! She’s so crazy. Her methods for encouraging her patients sound as if they’d be as effective as an allergy pill to treat a broken leg. Yet, somehow, she’s really good at her job. Her heart for the broken is something I admire—probably more than she knows. She was there for me when I needed someone, and I want to be there for her.
5. If someone reading this interview has lost all hope in life, what would you tell them?
Hold on a little longer. Seek out the Light. You think there’s no hope because all you can see is the darkness. But Jesus is always there. When you think no one sees, He’s there. When you’re hurting alone in the dark, crying out for relief from the pain, He’s there. When you’re breaking, crumbling into nothingness, He’s there. He’ll comfort your hurt, heal your brokenness, and guide you on a better path. If you’ll let him.
Thanks for hosting me today, ma’am!
Thank you so much for coming and letting me pick your brain, James! ;) Semper Fi, Marine.
Visit Faith's blog for an interview with Erich from Beloved!
Life without love is hopeless.
Foster teen Cara Richards is unloved. With nothing left and nowhere to go, she is determined to find peace, no matter the cost. But despite her intentions, she’s tossed into another foster family and this time, there’s no going back to who she used to be. To make matters worse, one of her five new foster brothers is a Jesus freak, and she refuses to believe that God actually cares.
Her world is thrown upside down in a way she never expects. Though she prides herself on a resilient heart, her mind is lost adrift among a sea of questions: Is death really the answer? Does God care about someone as unworthy as me? Can everyone truly be loved, no matter what?
Having just returned to American soil from the desert sands of the Middle East, James Greene is done with his life. 'Double amputee' doesn't seem like a strong enough phrase to label the physical and emotional pain he bears. Add the lack of love and communication with his family members, the demons that haunt him day and night, and he can find nothing worth living for. Ending it all is the only way out.
Alexandria Lorance is a not-so-ordinary physical therapist, content with aiding in her patients' recoveries. Her work gives her fulfillment, but alone in the silence, she still endures the hidden scars of a past, unhealthy relationship. Reminding herself that true healing is found in Christ alone, she seeks to show kindness and love to everyone she meets.
When these two broken ones' paths intersect, the spark of friendship is ignited, bringing hope and joy to both. Can they step out of the darkness of suffering and into the freedom of grace?
A Marine, broken by war. A therapist, scarred by words. A chance meeting in a parking lot bonded them together. But can love grow in these two hurting hearts? Or are they truly too broken to ever find lasting happiness?
Alexandria Lorance is a not-so-ordinary physical therapist, content with aiding in her patients' recoveries. Her work gives her fulfillment, but alone in the silence, she still endures the hidden scars of a past, unhealthy relationship. Reminding herself that true healing is found in Christ alone, she seeks to show kindness and love to everyone she meets.
When these two broken ones' paths intersect, the spark of friendship is ignited, bringing hope and joy to both. Can they step out of the darkness of suffering and into the freedom of grace?
A Marine, broken by war. A therapist, scarred by words. A chance meeting in a parking lot bonded them together. But can love grow in these two hurting hearts? Or are they truly too broken to ever find lasting happiness?
Blog Tour Stops
Review of Freedom + Beloved @ Photos by Abby Rose
 |
| Click on the image to be redirected to the giveaway |
Don't take the rain or the sunshine for granted. And choose life, y'all.
Loved reading this character interview!!!!! xx
ReplyDelete-Brooklyne
Thanks, Brooklyne! <3
DeleteJames & Alex’s relationship was super cool ;) their banter just blowed me away sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI know, right?!
DeleteAww!!! I just want to give James a big hug. You go, Semper Fi. <3
ReplyDeleteYessssssss!! <3
DeleteI really enjoyed reading this! What a fun idea to interview one of each others characters!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rebekah!
DeleteAww!!!! <3 Awesome interview, Kaitlyn!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Molly!
Delete