Andrea Boeshaar is the author of Threads of Hope, book one in the Fabric of Time series, as well as the author of the acclaimed
4-book series, Seasons of Redemption.
In addition, she co-authored the popular devotional Be
Still…and Let Your Nail Polish Dry. Find out more about Andrea and
her books at: www.andreaboeshaar.com
I met Andrea through some online groups, including ACFW, an
organization that she co-founded.
Andrea, welcome to Overcoming Through Time. Would you share either the most difficult
thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help, or the most
tragic situation or circumstance one of your characters has had to get past?
I’m
going to be blatantly honest here. I have fibromyalgia and something called
small fiber neuropathy, which, I’ve been told, is a cousin to MS. While
multiple sclerosis patients have problems with their “main power sources” I
have trouble with my “electrical outlets.” In either case, things don’t work
properly. Furthermore, and contrary to what some doctors think, small fiber
neuropathy isn’t always a result of diabetes. My blood sugar is not high.
I am not pre-diabetic. With me, physicians have to think outside the box
and it’s difficult to find one capable of doing that. Personally, I think my
chronic illnesses began after my thyroid was removed in 2000 due to thyroid
cancer. My endocrinologist finds my theory interesting, although there are no
studies to prove it.
I write
all this to educate and not complain, although I confess that there are days
when my pain is so severe and so distracting that I cannot even think of
writing. I can’t concentrate. I can’t think. I can’t plot or plan. I feel
overwhelmed. Sometimes all I can do is crawl into bed, turn on the heating blanket,
and watch Little House on the Prairie
reruns. I feel so pathetic!
BUT GOD
is greater than my feelings! I find that when I stay close to the Lord, I can
claim His promises so the devil doesn’t get a foothold in my life. I believe
I’m called to write – and write stories and devotionals that will encourage
other Christians. I believe there is a spiritual battle going on – a battle for
the souls of mankind and one to cripple believers. Our “sword of the spirit” is
the Word of God.
What is your favorite bible verse and why?
I have so many, but one of my favorites is 2
Corinthians 10:4: For the weapons of our warfare are not
carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.
I
believe there are many reasons for believers to struggle with chronic illnesses.
God works them together for our good, to draw us closer to Him, it’s true. But
they can also turn into strongholds and what I mean is this: A person can
become so preoccupied with his or her chronic illness that he/she becomes
narcissistic and useless to God. They look inward instead of upward. I will
admit that I’m tempted sometimes to dwell on my infirmities and not God and His
sovereignty.
Disability friendliness:
Is this latest release available in audio format or do you
have any other works available on audio?
My books
are not yet available in audio format; however, my more recent titles are
available in e-book formats. Some of my books have been published in large
print editions.
What has been the most important thing you hope your readers
will get from your books and why?
Chronic illness, no matter what form it takes, is
real. Accept it. Strive to understand it. But don’t allow it to consume you.
Some days will be better than others.
As you researched your books, did you learn anything that
particularly touched your heart?
I realize more and more the hardships our great,
great grandmothers endured. With my medical history, I would have never
survived in the 1800s. But that’s why I wasn’t born back then!
In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for
bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or
situation?
In Threads of
Hope, my hero Sam Sundberg’s mother suffers with a debilitating illness
that cannot be diagnosed. I modeled it after fibromyalgia, which was unheard of
back in 1848 so I didn’t give it an actual name. Mariah Sundberg is a Native
American who uses natural remedies to help many others, including my character
Kristin Eikaas, and yet herbs and medicine don’t help her. But she states in
the book that she uses her times of illness to look up and speak with God. I
hope I can always use my “down time” in that way.
Thank you Andrea for agreeing to answer these
questions. Have a blessed day and keep
on writing!!
My pleasure.
Andrea's books can be purchased through CBD,
Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.
Giveaway: We are giving away an ebook copy of one of Andrea's book this week. Andrea is giving away a paperback copy of one of her books this week, also. thanks, Andrea!
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