By Davalynn Spencer @davalynnspencer
Thank you for joining me in week 2 of our Takeaway series from the authors of Always a Wedding Planner. Last week we heard from Toni Shiloh, author of the first story in the collection, “Finally a Sweetheart.” This week’s takeaway thoughts are shared by R.L. Ashley, author of the second story, “Hemmed In.”
Relationships – With God and Others
Hemmed In focuses on God’s relationship with the individual and the individual’s relationship with others. When I was writing the story, I chose the following verse as the theme:
You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
Psalm 139:5 NIV
As a professional seamstress, the New International Version’s use of the word “hem” appealed to me. A garment or project without a hem looks sloppy and is unfinished. The fabric unravels and deteriorates over time. The item lasts longer and is more serviceable if it has a hem in it. Recognizing God’s protection and leading in our lives, reminds me of a finished seam.
The words “You hem me in” demonstrate God’s active participation in the believer’s life. Behind, before, and above denote the surrounding presence of the Lord in our lives. God stitches the broken places making them whole. “You hem me in” connotates a very deep and personal relationship with God. The language stresses ‘God and me.’ It’s cool to be tight with God.
Relationships are fun and at times difficult. In my story, Kiki develops a friendship with Bing and works on her relationship with Camilla. They succeed in some areas and struggle with others. Kiki and Bing learn to work together and even though it takes the entire story, Kiki and Camilla’s relationship improves.
Not only do stories seek to instruct and encourage, but they are also created for fun. Novels take the reader on many kinds of adventures. Entertainment serves its purpose when the one being entertained can forget about life’s struggles for a while and rejuvenate. My happy place would be a library with floor-to-ceiling shelves stuffed with books and a hammock.
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You hem me in. Share on X
Bing climbed out of the trash receptacle, scoped out the bear’s location, then helped Kiki down from the truck.
His ears turned red as he held her hand. “I was going to tell you I loved you later, but Crusher forced it out of me. Sorry, claiming my love from the floor of a dumpster is not very romantic.”
She squeezed his hand. “Depends on who you ask.”
He bent and kissed her on the cheek.
She’d never wash her face again. ~ “Hemmed In” from Always a Wedding Planner
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RL Ashly is a master seamstress with a Master of Arts degree in Literature. A mother and grandmother, she is active in her local writing community, never says “never” to a home-improvement task, and strives to one day write the great American novel.
Connect with her via Twitter: https://twitter.com/rl_ashly
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Website: https://rlashlyauthor.wixsite.com/rlashly
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