After a grim medical diagnosis 11 years ago, Ed Dobson shared his difficulties with viewers of a seven-part film series titled “Ed’s Story.” Learning to live with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, the now-retired pastor gives readers a further glimpse into his life in Seeing Through the Fog: Hope When Your World Falls Apart (978-0-781-40555-3, $17.99), releasing this month from David C Cook.

When diagnosed in 2000, Dobson knew there was no cure for ALS, which causes the neurons in a person’s nerves to die. Electrical impulses from the brain then fail to reach the muscles, and then the muscles die.

“There are no times when it stabilizes,” Dobson writes of the disease. “There are no times when it is reversed. ALS is a downward spiral, month after month. It is a fatal, terminal disease.”

Dobson wasn’t kidding himself when he learned what disease he had, but he also wasn’t afraid of death. He had settled the question of his eternity at age 11 after hearing his father preach in his native Ireland. But, he writes: “Initially, I sank into a fog of despair about my future. It took me months to really begin to come out of it. Along the way I learned some great lessons.”

Named Pastor of the Year by Moody Bible Institute, Dobson had served with Jerry Falwell at Thomas Road Baptist Church and now is pastor emeritus at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Mich. The now-late Rev. Falwell was one of several well-known ministry leaders of whom Dobson felt he had to ask forgiveness for some particular offense. He offers his account of clearing the air with Falwell, James Dobson and Bob Jones, among others, in order to keep his conscience clean before God—one thing ALS has taught him.

Although he believes heaven is “better by far” than life on Earth, as his dad used to say, Dobson naturally wants to be healed. Still, a Pentecostal pastor offered some wise words about seeking healing: “If you get obsessed, you will lose your focus. Get lost in the wonder of God, and who knows what He will do for you.” Responding from that new perspective, Dobson writes: “I needed to trust Him with my life, not because I was sick, but because I should trust Him that way always.”

Although Dobson, who relies on his wife to care for him from day to day, is not obsessed with being healed now, he still prays for it, “but mostly I simply try to focus on God; sometimes He feels close and sometimes I can only see Him through a fog,” he writes. “But I know He’s there.”

To order Seeing Through the Fog, released in hardcover, call 800-323-7543.

Latest project: The Fantasy Fallacy: Exposing the Deeper Meaning Behind Sexual Thoughts (Thomas Nelson).

The book 50 Shades of Grey has become an international phenomenon. What do you believe is driving its sales? I think readers are naturally curious about all things sexual—single people because they’re eager to experience it and married people because the flames begin dying down and they want to light the fire again. But when sex is such a taboo topic in our society, especially in families and churches, it’s hard to know where to turn to quell curiosities in a healthy way. I can see how incredibly graphic fiction could easily draw their attention, especially with all of the media attention it’s received! 

Have you heard of many Christians reading 50 Shades? I have, but many are afraid to admit it because of the potential for backlash from their Christian peers. There seems to be four quadrants of people: those who read it, enjoyed it and consider it a “love story”; those who read it, were offended by it and consider it a “lust story”; those who refuse to read it at all and are adamantly speaking out against it; and those who simply aren’t interested in reading and are scratching their heads as to what the hubbub is all about—which is why we’ve created synopses for all the books in the “Fifty Shades” trilogy at www.shannonethridge.com/fantasyfallacy, to help Christians understand why some find the books appealing and others find them appalling. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinions about literature, so I don’t think there’s a black-and-white, right-or-wrong here. It truly is a “shade of grey,” and many Christians are choosing to read it for very admirable reasons, such as to be in touch with today’s culture so they can minister effectively. On one hand, I am concerned about the negative impact it could easily have, especially on young, impressionable readers. On the other hand, I’m grateful that this phenomenon is opening the doors for Christians to talk openly about sexuality like never before. The Fantasy Fallacy will equip readers with the right tools in our communication tool belts so that we can fully understand the deeper sexual issues at hand, and help others do the same. Otherwise, we could easily come off looking like uptight prudes.

If someone hasn’t read 50 Shades, why should they read The Fantasy Fallacy? We’re all sexual beings from cradle to grave, and we all wrestle with bewildering sexual thoughts on occasion. So do our children, our grandchildren, our friends, our co-workers, so it’s time we gained a greater understanding of sexual fantasy—how fantasies originate, what their roles are in our brains and what the rules are in our bedrooms. Otherwise, our ignorance can lead us to become a danger to ourselves and to others, or at the very least, it can plague us with unnecessary guilt and confusion. If we have any influence at all—in our study groups, circle of friends, around the office water cooler—understanding the deeper meaning behind the most common sexual thoughts known to man (and woman) will equip us to be a tremendous blessing to those who confide in us.

What is the difference between lust and fantasy, or are they the same? Fantasy is simply the brain’s way of trying to heal itself from some sort of past emotional trauma or tragedy. Our brain compartmentalizes that pain to make room for pleasure, because we’re mentally unable to experience overwhelming pain and overwhelming pleasure simultaneously. Lust becomes an issue, however, when we try to act out that fantasy, luring someone else into our mental projection of what we think will bring us pleasure. We must remember that sexual fantasies are merely a rocky road map from our past, not a reliable guide into future fulfillment. As the mantra goes, “The fantasy is always better than the reality.”

What becomes different in terms of fantasy when a person gets married? Often a spouse will feel the need to entertain some sort of sexual fantasy in order to get aroused enough to want to connect in the marriage bed. Although many—especially women—struggle with guilt over this mental dynamic, our creative imaginations are a gift from God. One woman told me that for 30 years, she didn’t want to have sex with her husband, and they almost divorced. But then she explained her dilemma to a counselor who asked, “If God designed your brain in such a way that you can become sexually aroused simply by entertaining certain thoughts, isn’t that a blessing rather than a burden?” Looking through this lens allowed her to give up the guilt rather than giving up on her marriage. Twenty years later, after 50+ years of marriage, she says their sex life is better than she ever imagined possible.

You address issues such as online sexual connections and gay/lesbian fantasies. In counseling, do you see a distinct difference between the believer and unbeliever with regard to these temptations? Based on my years of experience, there’s absolutely no difference whatsoever. Whether we’re Christians or not, we’re sexual beings with sexual fantasies that sometimes completely betray our religious or moral codes of ethics. In fact, I’d say that people of faith have an even greater challenge in coping with their sexual fantasies because sexual guilt and shame are something that are often ingrained in them by well-meaning spiritual parents. Then they don’t feel the freedom to say to their Christian parents or spiritual leaders, “Hey, do you have any idea why I would find such-and-such so sexually arousing?” so they sweep their fantasies under the proverbial rug and run the risk of tripping over it in the future.

Should singles or marrieds read your book—or both? People are “sexual beings,” whether they are married or single, male or female, young or old, Catholic or Protestant, Democrat or Republican. Regardless of our marital status, gender, race, economic background, political views, etc., we all must learn how to be good stewards with God’s gift of sexuality. The only person who doesn’t stand to benefit greatly from reading The Fantasy Fallacy would be one who’s no longer breathing because as long as you’re breathing, you’re a sexual being.

How does The Fantasy Fallacy help women embrace healthy sexuality? Sexual climax is mostly a mental activity for women, and a woman’s mental fantasies are often quite unconventional, such as being raped, dominated or spanked, having a much older or younger partner, having a same-sex partner or even experiencing multiple partners simultaneously. As women understand where their most intimate (and often embarrassing) sexual fantasies actually originate, they will learn that these activities are not what they actually want in reality—thus removing the guilt, shame and temptation. They will gain insight into the specific areas that are still in need of God’s healing touch. And they will take solace in the fact that sexual fantasies are merely the stories our brains create in order to make us feel safe enough to experience euphoric pleasure. In addition, The Fantasy Fallacy will help women understand why their husbands have certain sexual fantasies, and can equip her to become a source of healing in his life rather than a source of judgment and condemnation.

What’s in your book for men? Men will glean the same things as women—a deeper understanding of their own deepest, darkest sexual thoughts and fantasies, a game plan for how to control those fantasies before they control us, plus a greater empathy for the sexual struggles of others, especially their own wives and children. As the spiritual leaders of the home, it would be great for husbands and dads to be able to lead conversations with their wives and kids about understanding their own sexuality—conversations that have most often been avoided simply because parents didn’t have the tools to communicate effectively about such sensitive and taboo topics.

How might Christian retailers promote The Fantasy Fallacy? Who on earth hasn’t heard tons about this trilogy, or personally known several people who have either read it or are thinking of reading it? A salesperson can pique the interest of the customer by simply asking/stating:

“Have you wondered what all of the 50 Shades of Grey hoopla is all about? Or how Christians can respond to this cultural phenomenon?”

“Do you counsel women or lead any sort of women’s group? Is the 50 Shades of Grey phenomenon something they’re interested in talking about?”

“Do you have daughters or friends who are reading 50 Shades of Grey? Would you like to introduce them to a book that dives even deeper into the topic of sexual fantasy, but in a healthy, holy way?”

Also, to kick off the conversations, consider in-store signage that says, “Finally—a Christian response to the “50 Shades of Grey” trilogy! or “50 Shades of Reality for Christian Readers!”

Read more of this Q&A online at www.christianretailing.com/ethridge.

Bill and Gloria Gaither have joined with Thomas Nelson as general editors of The Gaither Homecoming Bible, in stores Oct. 9. Drawing from their years of Bible study and songwriting to create this legacy project, the Gaithers worked with 60 friends and Homecoming artists to select the 75 hymns and gospel songs that are interspersed throughout the New King James text along with articles and stories that describe their connection to Scripture. In total, 230 exclusive devotionals were penned by Homecoming artists along with 20 poems by Gloria Gaither. A custom reading plan will guide readers on a Homecoming journey through the scriptures. The hardcover edition retails for $44.99, Leathersoft (burgundy or dark brown) for $74.99, Leathersoft indexed (burgundy or dark brown) for $84.99, bonded leather (black) for $74.99 and bonded leather indexed (black) for $84.99.

The ESV Global Study Bible from Crossway is a one-volume resource for believers everywhere who are globally minded. With 12,000 study notes, the global message of each book, 14 articles by global Christian leaders and more than 120 maps and illustrations, the Bible features the English Standard Version translation and comes in softcover for $19.99, hardcover for $29.99 and TruTone brown for $44.99.

From the author of a line of “5 Love Languages” best-sellers, Gary Chapman, comes The Love Languages Devotional Bible with brief devotionals that help couples apply the scripture to real-life relationships. This new edition—featuring the New Living Translation—covers topics such as expectations, sex, money, children and in-laws. Other features include a Scripture reading plan, 260 daily devotions, 52 feature articles, prayer guides and book introductions. From Moody Publishers, the hardcover edition retails for $29.99 and a chocolate/mahogany “soft touch” edition for $39.99.

The new four-color Chronological Life Application Study Bible in the New Living Translation from Tyndale House Publishers combines the resources of the Life Application Study Bible with a chronological format. Arranged in 10 chronological sections that help the reader to see how the pieces of the Bible fit together, it also includes new section introductions and timelines, archaeological notes and photographs. Releasing this month, the chronological study Bible retails for $49.99.

ASK THE AUTHOR: Dee Henderson

LATEST PROJECT: Full Disclosure (October).

PUBLISHER: Bethany House (Baker Publishing Group).

How would you compare and contrast this novel with your previous works? Full Disclosure is like my other books in that I love a good mystery and a good romance, and since I’m writing for my own enjoyment, that’s the story I set out to tell. The hope is I found a story idea and characters that will captivate readers as much as they have me.

I wrote this book a bit against type. I wanted to write a romance from the perspective of someone who was comfortable being single. Ann Silver is a wonderful lady who is perfect for Paul Falcon, but she is comfortable being single. And also against type, Paul Falcon is, from the beginning of the story, intentionally looking for a wife. The reader can see the potential, but until Ann makes her decision late in the story, it isn’t clear if this romance is going to work out. I think that added an interesting new dynamic to the book.

That shift from single to married is a wonderful window into who people are, and I love to explore it in my books—how people get to that point and why they cross it. I wanted to write more about their lives after the wedding, and this story let me go that direction. It’s something I hope to do more of in future books, to write that next chapter in my characters’ lives.

Full Disclosure is also a richer plot with more layers than my other stories, so it’s the longest of the novels I’ve written, and it also has my favorite ending.

How did you develop the plot for Full Disclosure? I had developed the ideas within this book as part of a mystery series. When I sat down to write the title, that mystery series became the backstory for a single title. I think it added a layer of depth to the plot that’s more detailed than some of my other titles. I enjoyed having that scope to work with for the story, and I loved the characters.

Does one particular character stand out for you in this story, and why? Ann Silver stands out for being the character I have most enjoyed writing about since probably Quinn Diamond in The Truth Seeker. I like her history, how she’s managed her life and how she thinks about God.

Are any of the experiences in this story based on real life—yours or others? You can pretty much read a book of mine for the dog I either have or want to have. But my books are pure imagination for the characters and the story lines.

“Romance matters,” you wrote on your Facebook page for this book. Why do you feel so strongly about that? I was asked the question: Who/what inspires you? What I wrote in reply: “I’m more inspired by what I don’t like. I do most of this work of being an author because I want to change what the culture considers popular. Personally it bothers me to see Fifty Shades of Grey being read more than the ‘O’Malley’ series, not because I’m looking for the publicity and being well known, but because people desperately need to see a better view of what life and relationships could be like. Romance matters. I’d like to see true romance valued more than the junk our culture currently calls ‘romance.’ Christian fiction can show another view of what life could be like.”

To your question why romance matters: Romance is love in action. Romance—the kind I want to write about—is the strong bond that runs between two people who make a decision to spend their lives together. Fiction lets me explore that bond, how it develops and how it glues a couple together.

What approach should Christian retailers take in recommending this novel to their customers? Full Disclosure is both a mystery and a romance and it’s a pretty fast read, even for a long story. It’s designed for readers who like a puzzle. Readers who like Terri Blackstock in the CBA market or Nora Roberts in the ABA market will find it a good fit.

So, as the book trailer asks, are some secrets better left hidden? Ann Silver wrestles with this question in the book, and comes to the conclusion there are some secrets that should be left hidden. Several secrets are revealed in Full Disclosure—hence the title—but I left the question open for readers to decide if they agree with her. I personally came to the conclusion she was right. Secrets get revealed for a myriad of reasons. Having the truth known in the wider public domain is not always the best outcome when the reasons for its disclosure have more to do with the one revealing the secret than the truth that is shared.

Read more of this Q&A online at www.christianretailing.com/henderson.

Nick Vujicic inspires readers with his continuing story of a ‘ridiculously good life’

Author, motivational speaker and director of Life Without Limbs, Nick Vujicic has endured some hard times in life, having been born without arms or legs. Following on from his previous book, Life Without Limits, Unstoppable: The Incredible Power of Faith in Action, continues his inspiring story, teaching others some important lessons he has had to learn himself—that life has value and is a gift, that God is always present and has a good plan.

Born in Australia and now based in Southern California, Vujicic speaks around the globe. With an international ministry that was going gangbusters, he made the mistake of not being careful enough with the finances, despite having a degree in financial planning and accounting. When his staff came to him to explain that they were having trouble making payroll and paying bills that were coming due when big customers were slow to pay or not paying for his DVDs or speaking engagements. The problem was resolved, but not before Vujicic was humbled by it.

“When I realized my company had fallen into debt,” he writes, “I was consumed by the feeling that I’d let down all the people who worked for me and all those who believed in me. Still, the extent of my despair quickly exceeded the magnitude of the problem. I became so overwrought I could barely function and it wasn’t just for a day or two.”

It was a couple of months before the man who usually inspired others made a comeback, but he had to learn to practice the things he taught and once again put his faith into action. In his recovery, he finds that lessons continue to emerge from his trial.

Since writing his first book, Vujicic has—happily—found a wife, sharing the dramatic story of how their love unfolded in a chapter titled “Matters of the Heart.” Thankful for the gift of God through his wife, Kanae, he writes: “Part of putting faith into action in relationships is working to be your best and then believing that it is possible for someone to love you. It’s about believing there is a person out there who could look at you, see beyond all your flaws and shortcomings, and still love you.”

Vujicic shares many such experiences in the book, his own and those of others, showing the power of faith in action. He has learned that surrendering to God is a “joyous and empowering experience.”

“Once I yielded, the Lord took my pain and turned it into something good, which brought me real joy,” he writes. “What was that something good? For me, it was purpose and significance. My life mattered. When I could not find meaning and purpose for my life, I surrendered the need to do that, and God stepped in. He gave my life meaning when no one and nothing else could provide it.”

Readers of Unstoppable will be encouraged by Vujicic in the areas of job challenges, health concerns, self-destructive thoughts and addictions, bullying and more. For more information, visit www.waterbrookmultnomah.com, or to order, call Random House at 800-733-3000.

Latest project: When It All Falls Apart: Finding Healing, Joy, and Victory Through the Pain (Charisma House).

How would you say you have grown through suffering, having experienced a divorce due to the infidelity of your husband, pastor Zachery Tims; his unexpected death; and being “discarded” by your church? Heb. 5:8 says, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered.” Through my pain, agony and devastation, I learned that there is only one person that I can trust with my life, my hope, thoughts and dreams. It was through these times that He taught me how to hear his voice. There was so much deception and manipulation around me; I had to learn obedience to Him.

Sadly, your husband had multiple affairs, though you had a long marriage. You realized that you enabled him—how so? I misunderstood the principles of submitting to my husband. When I reached out for help from others in ministry and my husband became aware, I was called a rebellious wife for speaking to others. I wanted the first priority to be his restoration, not getting back to the pulpit. I felt that if he was not truly restored spiritually, he could not effectively lead others. Although he stopped preaching for a while, he still ran the church behind the scenes. He never fully stepped down to get healed. I should have been more forthright regardless of what he or others thought of me. I believe this enabled him to continue in his struggles. 

You called one of the women with whom your husband had had an affair and ended up leading her to the Lord—how did that happen? It was around the time that I became aware of one of my husband’s affairs, when one of his mistresses started posting details of their affair on the Internet. I did not want my children to see all the horrid details, so I contacted her with the intent of asking her to stop. While talking to her, the Holy Spirit impressed on me to pray for her and to let her know that my husband’s action did not reflect the actions of those who follow Christ, and I wanted her to know that Jesus loved her.

What was the turning point in your attitude toward him? A friend told me that though [I was] no longer married, the covenant of praying for my spouse still existed. When I learned that I still had to pray for him, my heart changed. The extreme anger began to leave, and true forgiveness came. I began to have compassion and sometimes pity for him and his struggles. I only wanted to see him whole again.

How hard was that to be open about your struggles? It wasn’t difficult for me to be transparent about my life. That is the basis of the Majestic Life Ministry. I want the light of truth to shine. Also, when I was going through my depression and anger, I wanted to hear from someone who successfully completed the journey that I was taking. I looked for books and I looked for speakers that could identify with the pain that I was feeling. I believe the more transparent I am, the more I can help someone walk in healing and wholeness. I hope this book shows the things that I did right as well as the things I did wrong so others can maneuver through their own personal journeys.

You write that one of the most painful things in life is “church hurt.” Why do you think that is? The church is a place of healing and restoration. It is a hospital for those who are sick and hurting spiritually and physically. That is where you should go to find love and understanding. However, if you are shunned, ignored and judged at church, where else do you go?

You write that “depression wanted to devour” you. How do you feel God is restoring you now? God has restored and is restoring most everything in my life. I love ministry. I love being around the people of God, and I am not afraid to stand up to those who are in perpetrating the church. I have a sense of balance. I am not confused about the illusion of the professional church. I clearly recognize the spiritual church.

How do you think God will use this book in others’ lives? When I tried to minister to people who were going through divorce or betrayal, I could not fully help them because I did not understand the depth of the pain. This book can help someone who may have the spirit of death on them and they have no one to talk to because their family and friends just don’t understand their pain or situation. I hope this book will be a voice to them that someone understands and can help them make it through the struggles. Or this book can help a family member of someone going through.