Giveaway: Launch Out Into the Deep

Launch Out Into The Deep is a Gold recipient of Mom's Choice Awards for outstanding spirituality book, it won the Dove Approval for ages 12 plus, and recently won silver in Christian Living in the Reader Favorite annual contest. Launch Out Into the deep has an uplifting and life changing message for teens and young adults, and is also appropriate for older adults.

The book has a raw, real tone. Personal experience essays are woven with verses and poetry to create an inspiring book. I'm very glad I was able to review this book, as it spoke to me. Not everyone will get the same message - it's one of those books that can reach anyone in any circumstance. I also had the chance to interview the author about the book.

1) What was the inspiration behind writing this book? At the time of this writing, I was working at a psychiatric hospital for children and adolescents. I could relate to their plight as I struggled with depression (mental illness) in my teens and early twenties. I am no longer taking prescribed medication or under the care of a psychiatrist. My desire was for them to be inspired from my personal experiences to develop their own faith in Jesus Christ.
2) Was it hard to write such personal essays? It's never easy to be transparent or to bare all before others. However, I find a huge part of emotional healing is being honest enough to admit you're frail and are susceptible to having undeniable flaws. Shame and heartaches are unwanted guests that have to leave when you're bold enough to expose its ugliness.
3) What was it like working with your brother? Did he write the poems specifically for the book, or did he choose from poems he had previously written? The first poem noted in the book titled, "Fear Not, Only Believe" was written by me. However, I only wrote the first five lines and became stuck. So I asked Aaron for his assistance. He completed the poem in a matter of ten minutes. I was amazed by his gift and encouraged him to continue to write. Aaron not only completed Fear Not, Only Believe but began to write about various topics that are relatable and applicable to most in our society. Originally, I set out to help Aaron publish his poetry, but later found out poetry is not as marketable. That is when the idea came to write personal essays and bible commentaries to accompany the topics of his poems.
4) What is the biggest lesson you hope people get out of this book?  I hope this book will change the course of people's lives who are headed on the wrong path.  Tomorrow is not promised to any of us! Also, I desire for those who are hurting and see no way out of their trial to know there is life and hope in Jesus Christ.

I have the chance to give away an e-copy of the book, and a $20 Amazon gift card. To enter, leave a comment with your most courageous experience. Deadline is Nov 25th.

Disclosure: I got a complimentary e-copy of the book to facilitate this post.