Cathlynn Doré Law is a retired schoolteacher and freelance writer, who lives in rural Idaho, United States. She talked about her recent book projects.
What was your connection to the story shared in Playing the Devil’s Game?
As Becki, our pastor’s wife, shared her story with another member at a picnic table one Sabbath, I was drawn in. At a young age, she was surrounded with occult activity that her mother was engaged in. I offered to co-author a book with her. As the details of her story unfolded, I marvelled at the persistence of God’s love and redeeming power! Writing Becki’s story with her was a faith-building experience for me. I now see God as a compassionate Saviour in a way I never did before.
What prompted you to write the “God Speaks” series?
When Pacific Press asked me to write the series, I was overjoyed. Seeing the illustrations for the series by artist Marcus Mashburn increased my enthusiasm for the project even more. They really made the text come alive! It was a joy to relive and write each story.
Why is the process of re-telling these oft-told Bible stories important?
To retell a story with freshness and zest, you must love the stories yourself! The hours I spent reading to my young sons developed a deep love in me for excellent children’s literature. In addition, it was critical for me to understand Paul’s admonition in Philippians 4:8 to think on what is “true . . . honest . . . just . . . pure . . . lovely, and of good report” as I chose what to write about. The sacred stories of God’s Word have a powerful influence on awakening minds. It is thrilling as well as humbling to work in tandem with God as a writer. In particular, as I thought about writing the “God Speaks” series, I prayed that God would help me share these timeless stories with the majesty and authenticity they deserve.
What do you mean by an “active Bible story”?
Knowing that toddlers and young children must move, I wanted to give them opportunities to engage actively with the story’s plot. Movement at appropriate spots in the story helps the child experience the reality of the events, emotions and characters they are hearing about. When I read these stories to my grandchildren, it gives us time to laugh or share a sacred moment depending on what the activity is. This heightens the bonding that can occur around stories that centre on eternal truths.
Do you have a favourite Bible story?
It has to be Joseph. To read about his faith-filled response to injustice and pain in his own home is nothing short of inspiring! After teasing, cruel treatment, betrayal, and being sold into slavery, he responded to his brothers years later with tender forgiveness: “Fear not . . . ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.” He magnanimously saved their very lives from starvation and the punishment they deserved. With each successive trial, he determined to remain faithful to God. His consistent character has offered a lifetime of inspiration for me.
What do you hope that your books contribute to the life and faith of children and their families?
I desired to paint an accurate picture of God. There is nothing I do with my 10 grandchildren more significant and joyful for them than answering their plea, “Grandma, read me a story.” We love to read together! My grandchildren have worn out volumes of Uncle Arthur’s The Bible Story and almost memorised Etta B Degering’s My Bible Friends. These books are building my grandchildren’s understanding of our great God as they did for me! There is no book like the Bible! I hope my books provide children and families this same togetherness as character-building stories are shared.
Books by Cathlynn Doré Law are available from Adventist bookshops in Australia and New Zealand, or online at adventistbookcentre.com.au/catalogsearch/result/?cat=0&q=Cathlyn+Dore+Law.
Nathan Brown is an author as well as a book editor for Signs Publishing Company.
