Do People Know You?
The story that I am including below, was written by my Editor, and Author of Superwoman Smarts, Aundrea Wilcox. It is the actual "FOREWORD" in my Blue Ridge Moments book series. Aundrea Wilcox describes what is was like "getting to know me as a person."
FOREWORD
Typically, new authors struggle with coming up with enough content for their first book let alone two. Blue Ridge Moments started out as one book that was over 550 pages in length. It was huge. After assessing the contents, I knew the author would not be open to eliminating some of the stories and photos in order to make the project fit a particular size parameter. So, I was thrilled to break the bad news to her—that she had enough original content for two volumes, Volume 1: Your Life Is Only As Good As Your Connection With Jesus, and Volume 2: Celebrating Footsteps of a God Dependent Life. More good news is that the author isalready working on her third book, a children’s book.
Before I began working on this project with Billie J. Minton, I knew of her but I didn’t know her. I knew that she had done many great things in the community. I knew she was an astute entrepreneur. I knew she was smart. But, I didn’t know her spiritually or personally. What I learned during this process of helping her edit this book, is that she is funny, deeply caring and lives the most purposeful life that I have ever witnessed with my own eyes. Her purpose is simple—to help and provide a livelihood for others.
As I was editing her book, I laughed out loud at some of her entries, and I cried as I read others. Blue Ridge Moments took me on a whirlwind ride emotionally and spiritually.
At first, I was concerned that I didn’t know the people that Billie talks about in her books. I wondered if I could really get into it. I quickly discovered that I didn’t have to know the people before I read their stories. The stories are so vividly told that I felt like I was right there for every one of them. I could see
everything that was happening right before my eyes. I could smell the food, and I could taste the saddest cake ever! At times, I smiled so hard that my face hurt, as I read and got to know these precious characters. As for the characters I thought I knew already, I learned that every coin has two sides.
I love the way Billie unselfishly shares her personal relationship with God with all of us—even me. I consider myself a Christian, but I don’t attend church on a regular basis. I guess I don’t agree with the way the gospel is shared with new believers and non- believers. I always feel like I’m supposed to know things that I don’t. Biblical illiteracy is an opportunity for Christians to teach the stories of the bible using their own life experiences as an appetizer, which is what Billie does so well with this book series. I found myself looking forward to the related Bible verse after each story. It was nice to recognize the verses for a change. The truth is I had been learning all the time, but this time was different. I was finally connecting. Blue Ridge Moments changed my daily outlook immensely. As I read the stories, I reflected on my own life. For example, the questions that Billie asks readers became breakfast conversations with my husband.
I hope you enjoy Blue Ridge Moments as much as I did, and I hope your connection with Jesus is stronger and more beautiful than ever after reading this book. The meaning of living life in day-tight compartments has never made more sense to me.
Aundrea Wilcox, Author of Superwoman Smarts Kingsport, Tennessee
To learn more about Dr. Billie J. Minton's ministries within her Blue Ridge Moment book series, please visit her author website at BlueRidgeMoments.com.
Dr. Billie J. Minton's Blue Ridge Moments books; Volume 1, subtitled, "Your Life Is O
