The Right Cure for What Ails Us

Several years ago, we vacationed in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Eureka Springs is one of those rare gems whose beauty is unsurpassed.

This quaint town has it all: breathtaking landscapes, striking, Victorian architecture, historic landmarks, arts and craft venues, museums, trolleys, and a host of friendly folks.

Since Eureka! means, literally, “I found it!” that gives us an idea of why it was so aptly named on the 4th of July in 1879. It was the perfect name for a place where many found renewal of health, mind, body, and soul.

Initially, the natural springs and basins drew early settlers and visitors alike as word spread about the springs’ healing qualities. Bath houses sprang up, and people came in droves in search of cures for whatever ailed them. (Here’s a fantastic history of Eureka Springs. Local historian and author, Susan Schaefer, has also written several books about this must-see gem.)

Folks today are still searching for ever-elusive cures.

Everywhere we turn, we see a new product touted on the radio and television guaranteeing immediate relief and healing. In our favorite magazines and newspapers we can’t turn a page without ads for the latest and greatest lotion, potion, or anti-aging product promising unbelievable results.

Well, of course, many of these products fail to deliver what they promise. Sometimes, individuals try one and immediately move on to another when the first “cure” doesn’t seem to work. Dollars are almost literally thrown out the window as we grasp at the dented last straw.

When I write, I think about things that motivate us—the things that influence us to make poor choices.

I like to explore the rationale of people and weave their thought processes into my stories. Rarely do I allow a character to do something unflattering, foolish, or sinful without showing their motivation. The idea being, of course, that we learn from our mistakes and we don’t repeat them again.

In other words, we repent and turn from sin.

In an ideal world, there would be no poor decisions, no missteps, no fumbling for the latest and greatest gimmicks to steal our money. We’d all get along. We’d never have to choose right over wrong—doing “right” would be a given.

Well, blessedly, there is a way to live happily in this imperfect world. It’s power doesn’t come in the form of a made-up promise, but rather, in the truth of God’s unchanging Word. Others may promise us the moon, but there is One who actually created it, hung it, and is in charge of it!

The greatest Physician I know has just the right cure for what ails us. And His cure does last for all eternity.

His prescription is found in John 3:16.

As Christian authors, isn’t it thrilling we get to be part of that? We have the privilege of pointing others toward Christ without them ever having to spend one dime.

No money down, no payment necessary, and the real cure that blows all those other fake promises right out off the pretty page and TV screen.

 ***

________

PLEASE SHARE

The one prescription that doesn’t cost a dime.

(Click to Tweet)

What Christian fiction offers that other mediums don’t.

(Click to Tweet)

***

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS YOU MAY ENJOY

As Christian Fiction Writers, How Do We Share Our Light?

How to Approach Hot-Button Topics in Christian Fiction

Is Christian Fiction All Hearts and Flowers?

Broaching Sex Within Christian Fiction

***

 

THANK YOU

Thank you to Scott Cyre of Herman’s Neutics for the kind mention this week. Lots of

fine blogs mentioned on Scott’s site—I hope you’ll check them out.

***

What false promises on television/radio or in newspapers/magazines do you find most prevalent?

What changes should be made?

________

See you back on Friday!

Much Love and Many Blessings,