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24 March 2013

Interview with Patrick E. Craig

Patrick E. Craig

Patrick E. Craig is the author of A Quilt For Jenna and The Road Home and four other books.

Patrick, welcome to Overcoming Through Time – With God’s Help.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
When I first came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, I was in the music business.  I had been playing in Rock and & Roll bands for more than 25 years.  Along the way I had picked up many destructive habits and even addictions. On the day I was saved I was delivered completely from every one by the healing power of God.

What is your favorite bible verse and why?
I Corinthians 15:1-4 because it lays out the simple gospel of grace by which we are saved.  As Paul says "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

I love this because it is the heart of my faith and as Paul also says, "It is the power of God unto salvation."

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print? 
The first book in the Apple Creek Dreams series was released February 1, so I don't think Harvest House has gotten so far as to put it into audio format.
A Quilt for Jenna

What has been the most important thing you hope your readers will get from your books and why?
In "A Quilt For Jenna," Jerusha has become proud and bitter because of what has happened to her little girl, and this has driven her far from God.  It is my hope that the reader will identify with Jerusha's journey back to forgiveness and redemption and see that in spite of the circumstances, God is always there to take us back when we have strayed.

Reuben, Jerusha's husband, has become a strict legalist because of his experiences in World War II.  He believes that he is saved by the Amish faith and its ordnung and he has never discovered that only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will save you.  I believe that there are many Christians out there who need to learn this same lesson.

As you researched your books, did you learn anything that particularly touched your heart?
One thing I did not know before I started "A Quilt For Jenna" is that Amish fiction has been the best-selling Christian genre for a long time.  I wondered why this was so and as I looked into it, I discovered that people who read Amish fiction are looking for a simpler, purer way of life.  We are all so caught up in the technological age that I believe our hearts long to live a live that would free us from the rush, the clatter, the I-phones and computers, television and the violent and perverted fare we see there so much.  Studying the Amish has definitely set my heart longing for a simpler life.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
In the back of the book is a study guide with several questions for the reader.  One of the questions concerns dealing with loss.
I. Dealing with Loss
In Chapter One Jerusha has experienced a deep personal tragedy in the death of her daughter, Jenna, and the disappearance of her husband, Reuben. She deals with it by letting a root of bitterness into her life that results in hatred toward God.
1.     Have you ever had a similar loss in your life? A similar situation?
2.     How did you deal with it?
3.     What was the outcome? Positive or negative?
Scripture References:  Philippians 3:8, Hebrews 12:12-15


Thank you Patrick, for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!



Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. He spent the next 26 years as a worship leader, seminar speaker, and pastor in churches, and at retreats, seminars and conferences all across the western United States. After ministering for a number of years in music and worship to a circuit of small churches, he is now concentrating on writing and publishing both fiction and non-fiction books. Patrick and his wife Judy make their home in northern California and are the parents of two adult children and have five grandchildren.
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GIVEAWAY: Patrick has graciously offered to give away two copies of A Quilt for Jenna. To enter the giveaway answer the question. This week, we are also giving away a copy of winner's choice of any of his books in choice of format.

QUESTION: Did you ever suffer a loss in your life that made you bitter toward God? How did you deal with it?

53 comments:

  1. PATRICK, welcome to Overcoming With God! Thank you for sharing your testimony with us.
    How BIG is our God that He delivered you completely from your addictions on the day He saved you. I love your favorite Bible verse. It says it all.
    Blessings!

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    1. Marian,
      YES!! Our God is mighty and nothing is impossible for Him!! thank you for having me.

      Delete
  2. I must admit that I was very bitter when my son was killed in an accident at work. I was so mad, hurt, confused -- an array of emotions hit me all at once. In time, I realized that God was the one helping me to deal with the loss -- giving me the strength to face each new day. I know now that my son is in God's hands and his life is much happier than it ever was here on earth.

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    1. MARY ELLEN! I lost my first grandchild at birth. it was a terrible time. Jerusha's story of Jenna's death is my way of articulating my grief. the book is dedicated to Tara Lynn.

      Delete
  3. I have a few big loss's my brother and my Dad both in different hospitals at the same time dying with cancer. Same time church split lost all my friends and on top of that my son went 2000 miles away from home to school. I consider these all big loss's in my life. I ended up in a hospital over this but God bought me through. This week my mother in law also went to be with the Lord. Very thankful she knew the Lord. I would love to win.
    Blessings
    joeym11@frontier.com

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    1. DIANA,
      We all have suffered loss and the most important thing is to know the Lord and trust Him to lead you through it.

      Delete
  4. PATRICK, thank you so much for being with us this week on OWG! I am looking forward to getting better acquainted with you AND your books! I thank God for saving and delivering you instantly. He wants to do that for so many more people if they will but surrender their lives.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. DIANA,
      Not as thankful as I am!!! Hope my books will be a blessing to you!

      Delete
  5. PATRICK it's so good to have you on OWG. I really enjoyed your testimony of God's Amazing Grace in your life. Isn't it wonderful to serve a God so powerful he can break the chains that have held us in bondage for years? I'm looking forward to learning more about your books.

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    1. TERESA!,
      It is the most wonderful thing imaginable!

      Delete
  6. I can honestly say I haven't been bitter toward God over a loss. I give the credit for that to my Grandmother who was an incredible influence in my life. She talked openly and honestly about God, her faith, and life. Thanks to her teaching - and her prayers - I was able to overcome some serious losses by leaning on the truth, that His ways are best, true and sure, even when I can't understand them. It was, and is, enough to know that He holds the future.
    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  7. Patrick, thanks for sharing on OWG. The only time I had a loss and felt bitter towards God was when a close girlfriend's husband was shot and killed during a mugging shortly after they got married. What made me realize that God was there with them in this incident, was seeing Karen's response after it happened and how strong her faith still was.

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    1. LORAINE,
      God often uses our friends to show us something of Himself!

      Delete
  8. God's saving grace is amazing! His mercy and compassion are far reaching.

    I have suffered loss, great loss this past year in the death of my daughter (actually both my daughter and my mom passed away in my arms) and at no time have I been bitter toward God or angry at Him over their deaths. He is sovereign over all things!!! As a Believer, my heart and will are surrendered to Him. He is my ultimate source of comfort and I cannot imagine not having that! I would not survive without His strength to carry me each day.

    I'm not entering for the book. I already have a copy.

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    1. ANNE,
      Nor would I survive. I pray that God will continue to show you his wonderful grace and comfort.

      Delete
  9. When the major losses in my life came I was deep-rooted and strong in my faith and knowledge of the after life that I did not become bitter or angry. I know that anger is one of the cycles of grief that many people experience but I did not.

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  10. Great post Patrick, welcome!
    My biggest battle was when my mom was taken from us when she was only 47. I was 27 years old with 3 small children and losing my mom was devastating. At first, I was angry at God because I wasn't finished needing her yet. But, then, I realized that I would never be finished with her and I knew that God had His reasons for taking her when He did. My children have had to grow up without personally knowing one of the most wonderful Christian women to ever walk this earth. All they know is what I've told them....and through photos and a few videos, they know a bit more....I am now 50 years old and I still miss her, but I know I will see her again one day!
    God bless.
    debsbunch5[at]jesusanswers[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
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    1. DEBBIE,
      I lost my mom when she was 56 and I was only thirty. She had suffered from MS since I was six years old. Even though she had been sick for a long time, it was very difficult when she passed. I still miss her also.

      Delete
  11. Hello to the special gals of OWG. and welcome to you Patrick. It was wonderful that GOD took your craving from those addictions away right then. My good christian dad struggled all of his life with smoking. He was never able able to quit. And, I have 2 daughters who are trying to quit. I pray GOD will take this craving away from this habit too. But, it hasn't happened. I do know a few who were lucky like you. In answer to the question. I have suffered many, many losses myself. My first besides grandparents was a sister when she was just 47. She and I were so close. I also had a miscarriage. Now I have lost so many of our family of 10 and only have 2 siblings left. The most recent was a son-in-law this past Aug. Now, one has cancer on his face. I have asked many whys in my lifetime, but don't ever remember being bitter against God. I don't think I could have made it through all of thi without the love and help of my Savior. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. MAXIE,
      It is indeed a vale of tears we dwell in. I thank God that we are only passing through, that our citizenship is in heaven.

      Delete
  12. 15 years ago my 25 year old son died from leukemia after a 15 year struggle, i was really mad at God, cause there were 100 are more praying yet he didnt heal him, but the more i ranted and rave the closer i felt God, finally one day i was reading a book and the girl who was at deaths door pull through, i started to cry and said God why wouldnt you save my Rick., and i heard in my heart God say hes with me now. and i belive this brought my daughter and i both closer to God because one day we will see Jesus and know Rick will be there too.

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    1. SHIRLEY,
      What I have discovered is that as the church of the New Testament, we live under grace, not the law. Everything that God does for us He does by his wonderful grace. If he chooses to heal me that is totally by His grace and not by anything that I do. If He does not heal me then that is His grace also, for then I am present with Him.

      Delete
  13. I have suffered a loss before but was never bitter to God for it. I know all things happen for a reason even if we do not know the reason at the time.

    Thank you for the chance to win.

    griperang at embarqmail dot com

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    1. ANGELA,
      It is God's grace that takes the bitterness away, isn't it.

      Delete
  14. I have thankfully not been through the loss of a loved one.
    OWG makeighleekyleigh at yahoo dot com

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  15. I don't believe I've suffered a loss that has made me bitter to God.
    Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  16. Great post. This book is on my to be read list. In answer to your question, our daughter was born with a serious heart problem. It would be 5 years until surgery could be done. I was angry at God on and off. I grew so much thankfully during that time as a Christian. We certainly love an awesome God. Blessings, Susan Fryman susanngarrylee@yahoo.com

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    1. SUSAN,
      I'm wondering how your little one is doing now? And we do serve an awesome God!

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    2. Patrick, She's 33, a Godly woman raising 2 sons and a nurse. Thank you for asking!

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  17. I've been very fortunate to not have had bitter feelings toward God because of a loss.

    Thanks for the opportunity to enter the contest to win a copy of A Quilt for Jenna.

    cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. Good question. I have cerebral palsy and have been affected since birth. It's kind of a loss because I can see now what I do not have. But I know that God has a plan. I'll discover it when I get to heaven. Sometimes I'm sad but I would not say bitter. This is my life and I must make the best of it. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. KRISTIE,
      God has a plan for you now - He makes no mistakes!

      Delete
  19. I'd like to extend a big welcome to OWG as well PATRICK! What a powerful and overcoming testimony you have to share.
    I'm glad to have read about A Quilt For Jenna as I'm not a big Amish-reader, but this sounds like it has a great story and message. And it's great to read how Reuben discovers that it's not his 'religion' that saves him but a personal relationship with Christ.
    All the best, God bless you!

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  20. First of all I want to say I enjoyed this interview.I have suffered several losses,but I haven't been bitter toward God.I haven't understood why some things in my life has happened but I know in God's time I will get my answers.Looking forward to reading this book.Thanks for the chance to win it.jackie_tessnair@yahoo.com

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    Replies
    1. JACKIE, great to see you here. I am glad a bitterroot hasn't slipped in!

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  21. I have been fortunate to not have very many losses in my life and since I trust our Lord to take care of us, I know that all is in His plan, so I never really felt bitterness to God for those losses. I don't know how people who don't have a relationship with Christ survive going through losses with out him.
    Thank you for the opportunity to win one of your books.
    Vicki OWG
    vmarney(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Isn't it great we can trust so fully on God? What a peace if you can truly belief that all is in His plan.

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  22. I've actually been blessed in that regard.

    OWG

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  23. I was very upset ,mad at God because my mom suffered so when she died i nearly lost it, 2 years later my son did at age 25 , i almost gave up , but God didnt give up on me he comforted me heal my heart poured out his love ,mercy and grace. let me know all was well and i drew strength from his presents and stronger and closer, God is good and I love him.
    OMG
    jcisforme@aol.com

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  24. I have had too many losses to list here. I really enjoyed Patrick's interview and I love that he included his reader questions from the back of his book. MARIAN, thanks for bringing PATRICK to us at OWG. Now I really want to read your books, PATRICK, because you sound like such a wonderful man of God. so sorry about you losing your mom to MS. I have a couple of close friends with the disorder. Blessings!

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  25. Hi, Patrick. I would love to read your book, it's still on my wish list. No, I have not suffered a loss that was so great to me that I would be bitter toward God. But, I often wonder where is God with all this suffering and violence going on in this world.
    Karen G
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I have suffered the loss of all my grandparents, both parents and my only brother, but I've never once been bitter about it. I know it is part of life and they are in a much better place.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing, Wendy. Good luck in the drawing.

      Delete
  27. I suffered the loss of our grandson from cancer but I've not felt bitterness because God gave us the strength to find good things in David's journey, and to recognize His sovereignty. The most precious card we got during the 5 year battle was an anonymous person who wrote that many are watching and see God in it.

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    1. Wow, that is a beautiful testimony, Delores.
      Can you please leave an email address? Or we won't be able to contact you if you are the winner of Patrick's book.

      Delete

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