Faith is

By Del Duduit

Some people have asked me the status of the manuscript which originally brought me into the world of Christian writing.

I researched, interviewed and wrote a book about faith. In this, I used examples of three people who demonstrated magnificent trust under fire.

One of those featured is my sister-in-law, Dee Dee, who passed three years ago this February after a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer.

This weekend, those who live in Southern Ohio will be able to come to the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts on the campus of Shawnee State University to hear some good gospel music and help raise money for the scholarship which bears her name.

One of the marquis performers is Karen Peck and New River. Karen and her group have won just about every award there is to win in the genre. She was even nominated for a Grammy Award.

She read my original manuscript and agreed to endorse the book. I was honored, and she has become a good friend through all of this.

Since then, the manuscript has been edited by two professional editors and is now in the final phase of the dreaded polish.

I have also been busy writing three more manuscripts. My first one will be published in early 2018 (I’ll blog about it soon.) The original plan was to have it out by Christmas. But we decided to slow it down, get it right,  and settle on a realistic launch date. I’m thrilled and scared at the same time.

Read my wife Angie’s post on Southern Ohio Christon Voice about DDFaith here.

By the time the DDFaith Memorial Gospel Concert takes the stage, I will have sent another manuscript to my agent and will begin yet another publication process.

In the meantime, I have not lost focus of the book titled (for now) “Having Impossible Faith.” There are a couple other titles I am entertaining and talking it over with Angie, editors and my agent.

I had hoped the book would be out by now, but I feel the Lord will release it at the appropriate time.

Perhaps God has targeted it for the right people to read at the chosen time. There is a reason for the delay. The Lord knows what He is doing.

Through this process, I have learned a much-needed trait — patience.

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Six months ago, I was frustrated the book was taking such a long time. Now, through advice from Angie, my friends, and my agent, I have a different perspective. I am now excited about who it will influence. I’m anxious but resigned.

I anticipate the dramatic effect it will have at just the right time. The Lord might allow it to be released this spring, summer or fall. I don’t know when, but I am confident the impact will be enormous. Several people who have read it, including some editors, have said they have been moved to tears.

God has shown me a bigger and better plan. The annoyance I once felt has developed into eager anticipation.

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But make no mistake, it will be out soon!

Through this experience of writing about Dee Dee, and some others, I have grown spiritually. The battle she fought against cancer, along with the faith she demonstrated has made me establish a greater appreciation of God’s blessings in my life.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” EPHESINAS 2:8

Dee Dee’s legacy is stronger now than it was three years ago. She is a modern-day Christian hero. For many who knew her, she ranks up there with David, Esther, and Job. I know her family would have preferred her to live, but God saw another way to help people through her death.

Angie suggested I write about her faith, and it started my journey. Perhaps I would not be in the position I am now if it wasn’t for Dee Dee.

She inspired me along with hundreds of others. I never said this before, but “thank you, Dee Dee.”

I promise you to never stray from the road I am on right now. I know the Lord has given me the gift of the pen, and my excursion has just started.

I’ll be there this weekend, backstage and I’ll listen to the wonderful music and the tributes given to you.

And I’ll continue to let the Lord use me for His glory.

I wanted to write this different blog and update those on the status of the book. There is no rush but it is only a few steps away from where it needs to be. In my heart, I believe it will be out — the Master has assured me.

Thanks to Dee Dee, I am not worried about when it makes its debut. Instead, I have a quiet trust and internal excitement for the day it hits the area bookshelves.

Do I have impossible faith? No, I don’t. I’m not sure such a thing exists. That is one reason I am contemplating a title change. No guarantees yet. Just thinking out loud.

Faith is neither possible nor impossible. It is essential.  There are no words in front or after. It stands alone. Faith is.

“For with God, nothing shall be impossible.” LUKE 1:37

Where does your faith stand? Do you trust in God? Will you accept His gift through faith?

You can.

I hope to see you this weekend at SSU.

Del Duduit is an award-winning writer and author who lives in Lucasville, Ohio with his wife, Angie. They attend Rubyville Community Church. Follow his blog at delduduit.com/blog and his Twitter @delduduit. He is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary Agency.