Well here we are.

After years of research. And a few more years of seeking representation. And then a few months of seeking publication. And then another year of editing and marketing and incessantly talking about the book.

HERE IT IS!

Like a River From Its Course officially launches today. This is the day I’ve been waiting for since I was 22 years old. This is the day I dreamed about.

These are the stories I wanted the world to hear.

I pray I’ve done them justice. I pray that the men and women who are represented by this book are honored, because my deepest heart’s desire is to prove that there are still stories we haven’t heard.

In a world that feels unpredictable and frightening, I wanted to offer a book that gave hope. Four years ago, I visited Tanzania with Compassion international, and in the deep red soil of Africa, the Lord imprinted upon my heart the words that would become my life’s anthem:

Hope is Slow.

The evidence of that truth becomes more and more clear to me with each passing day. Hope is slow. But oh my friends, hope is alive. It is so alive, and it’s real, and when the world feels dark and scary and uncertain, we can cling to the fact that hope is here.

We need the stories in this book for such a time as this. We need to be reminded that man cannot be so easily broken. We need to recall a time when people rallied against a greater evil. We must remember the men and women who put their own lives on the line so that they could protect their neighbors.

We need these stories. And we need them right now.

I don’t know if I’ve done a good job with this book launch. I don’t know if I’ve become annoying with all the promoting and marketing. I don’t know if I’ve spoken to the right people. Maybe I’ve been too forward. Maybe I’ve been too timid.

I’ve made mistakes along the way, and I’ve learned a whole lot in the process.

But today I know that none of that matters. Today is a celebration because today the book is officially out in the world.

Today I can finally say I delivered on my promise to share these stories.

Today I can say I’ve seen a dream fulfilled.

Today I give these stories as a gift to you. Please treasure them because they’re precious.

And today I say thank you to all the people who have cheered me on.

Thank you to the people who wouldn’t let me give up when I wanted to throw in the towel.

Thank you to the people who were waiting at the finish line with chocolates and cheers of excitement.

Thank you to the people who don’t know me, but who agreed to take a chance on a debut novel by an unknown writer. Thank you for taking that chance, and for sharing how the book impacted you.

Today is LAUNCH DAY!

I’m proud of this book. I am proud because it’s the stories of a beautiful people who I love as my own. I’m proud to bring their stories to the rest of the world.

Happy LAUNCH DAY!

Like a River From Its Course is now available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChristianBook.com, and wherever books are sold.

Want to help me spread the word? (Say yes)

Visit the book page for images, links, and tweets that you can quickly and easily share with your followers!

Post the link to purchase the book on Amazon.

Post a photo of yourself holding the book, and tag me in it so I can say THANK YOU!

Join the Thunderclap – I need 59 more people to sign up for the campaign to take effect.

Tell your friends, neighbors, colleagues about the book!

Request the book from your local library!

If you’re connected to anyone in the media who could help me spread the word, I’m looking for contacts!

Anything you can do to help is deeply appreciated!

Thank you!